The Temptations - Silent Night

The Temptations: "Silent Night"

Image from and copyright/credits detailed at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:The-tempts-xmas-card.JPG

The Christmas standard "Silent Night" was written as a poem by Germany's Joseph Mohr and set to music by Franz Gruber in the early 19th century. It's hard to find a more enjoyable version of this song as Christmas celebrations gear up than this one by The Temptations. 

This iconic R&B group first recorded "Silent Night" on their 1970 album, The Temptations Christmas Card (pictured above). What I feel sure is their most popular version, linked here, was recorded a decade later after numerous group lineup changes. It was released in 1980 on Give Love at Christmas with a more relaxed and contemporary feel. The result is an unforgettable presentation. 

Glenn Leonard opens with his falsetto "ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh" line; Melvin Franklin speaks in a deep and soft voiceover the opening lines of "The Night Before Christmas". Then, Dennis Edwards' gospel call emerges, with the full group joining in, these added words soothing and preparing the way for the classic carol:

In my mind, I want you to be free For all of our friends, to listen to me Now hear what I say, we wish you A Merry Christmas to each one of you

Leonard then begins to cover the smooth, slow rhythms with the famous hymn's lyrics in high-pitched balance to the group's harmonies that accent and carry the melody. Franklin has a contrasting turn leading the second verse, and then it's back to Leonard. If you're not swaying--and feeling calme--by the end of this song, which seems to come all too soon, then maybe you weren't really paying attention. 

If you've learned anything about The Temptations' history, the individuals and their families, you know these gifted, talented singers knew hard times as well as they knew success. In this recording, they seem to earnestly project and wish hope, peace, and good will in spite of, and perhaps in part because of, life's ups and downs. I'm guessing this was because they knew the Source of eternal Peace who is the blessed infant in the song. Another section of additional lyrics Edwards interjects between the carol's verses goes like this:

Just sleep and relax your mind To all our family and friends I want you to remember this line Merry Christmas to all of you

Why I'm liking this: This recording is a real gift from The Temptations to anyone who falls within earshot. 

Read more about The Temptations' "Silent Night" here.
Read about the history of the original song "Silent Night" here.