Christmas Must Be Tonight
| "Christmas Must Be Tonight" | |
|---|---|
| Song by the Band | |
| from the album Islands | |
| Released | March 1977 |
| Recorded | 1975 |
| Length | 3:35 |
| Label | Capitol Records |
| Songwriter(s) | Robbie Robertson |
| Producer(s) | The Band |
"Christmas Must Be Tonight" is a song by Canadian-American rock group the Band, written by Robbie Robertson. It was released on their seventh studio album Islands (1977). Like much of the material on Islands, the song was an outtake from an earlier session, originating from the sessions for Northern Lights – Southern Cross (1975). Though the song was originally intended for release as a single in December 1975, Capitol Records' lack of interest led to the song remaining unreleased until its inclusion on Islands.
Background
[edit]"Christmas Must Be Tonight" is sung by the band's bassist Rick Danko, and is written from the point of view of an observer to the birth of Jesus.[1] The song was inspired by, and written soon after, the birth of Robertson's son Sebastian.[2]
Reception
[edit]"Christmas Must Be Tonight" has received positive reviews from critics, and is considered by many to be a highlight of Islands. American Songwriter praises Danko's vocal performance on the song, stating it "evok[es] a touching humility in the presence of [a] miracle."[1] The song appeared at number 40 in The New York Times' list of the top 100 Christmas songs.[3] In the biography Across the Great Divide: The Band and America, writer Barney Hoskyns referred to the song as one of Islands' "only redeeming moments of musical magic".[4]
"Christmas Must Be Tonight" remains a staple of holiday radio stations and has been covered by other artists including the Explorers Club,[5] Goose,[6] Train,[7] and Ronnie Hawkins.[8] Elton John selected the song for inclusion on the Holiday-themed compilation album Elton John's Christmas Party (2005).[9]
References
[edit]Sources
[edit]- Hoskyns, Barney (1993). Across the Great Divide: The Band and America. Hyperion. ISBN 1-56282-836-3.
Citations
[edit]- ^ a b Bevigilia, Jim (December 20, 2024). "The Band Lyric About the Reason for the Season". American Songwriter. Retrieved April 27, 2024.
- ^ Hoskyns 1993, p. 326
- ^ Funston, Brandon (December 16, 2021). "Top 100 Christmas Songs Ranked". The Athletic. Retrieved April 27, 2025.
- ^ Hoskyns 1993, p. 337-338
- ^ Lifton, Dave (December 8, 2013). "The Band's 'Christmas Must Be Tonight' Covered by the Explorers Club". Ultimate Classic Rock. Retrieved April 27, 2025.
- ^ Tracer, David (December 17, 2022). "All I Want for Goosemas: Goose Delivers Fans' Holiday Wishlists on Night One in Colorado". Live for Live Music. Retrieved April 27, 2025.
- ^ Graff, Gary (May 14, 2015). "Train Is Recording A Christmas Album: Hop Aboard the Polar Express". Billboard. Retrieved April 27, 2025.
- ^ Hudak, Joseph (December 23, 2015). "Hear Ronnie Hawkins Cover the Band's Christmas Staple". Rolling Stones. Retrieved April 27, 2025.
- ^ Sendra, Tim. "Elton John's Christmas Party". AllMusic. Retrieved April 27, 2025.