Words & Music:
Arranged by Elvis Presley
The first Noel the angels did sing
Was to certain poor shepherds
In fields as they lay
In fields fields where they lay keeping their sheep
On a cold winter's night that was so deep
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the king of Israel
And to the Earth it gave great light
And so it continued both day and night
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the king of Israel
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the king of Israel
Recordingdate: 1971/05/16, first released on: Elvis Sings the Wonderful World of Christmas (album)
Musicians
Musicians who contributed to the first recording of The First Noel:
(guitar)
(guitar)
(guitar)
(bass)
(drums)
(piano)
(organ)
(organ)
(vocals)
(vocals)
(vocals)
(vocals)
(vocals)
(vocals)
(vocals)
(percussion)
Availability
Find available albums with The First Noel.
A lot like the two sacred Christmas songs from his first Christmas album ("Silent Night" and "Oh Little Town Of Bethlehem), it is a nice and sincere rendition; but not spectacular or an album highlight. It is nicely placed on the
"Wonderful World of Christmas" LP after a great version of "O Come All Ye Faithful" and the outstanding "On A Snowy Christmas Night".
Not as good as the stellar 'O Come All Ye Faithful' from the same album but certainly a track I always enjoy.
I am a real sucker for the angelic sounding choir that accompanies the song which builds into a strong finale.
The organ intro makes me feel solemn, like I'm witnessing the whole despribed scene. A good Christmas song, sung with passion.
Elvis gives due diligence to this all-time Christmas standard but not his best yuletide effort, not even close.
Like i wrote on other occasions, Elvis wasn't in his best voice in 71. But this recording does it's job - it gives you the christmas-feel. Nothing outstanding, nothing you can call pure magic, but a decent recording of a standard. 3 stars.
2-stars. Nothing to write home about, but of course, I'm prejudice against this entire album when compared to his first Christmas album recorded back in 1957. Nothing can surpass side one of his first Christmas album, period.
This recording is ok when played around Christmas along with other recordings in the same vine. Not a bad recording when mixed with other seasonal tracks,,,,,, once a year, 3 stars
I outgrew Elvis' Christmas Album long ago. Didn't even play it this past Christmas. If I play it at all anymore I play the '70 Camden version. These days my ears prefer '71's "The Wonderful World Of Christmas." The First Noel isn't the best song on the CD, but Elvis does a good job on a seasonal standard. I have no problem listening to it. Song: 3 stars. LP: 4 Stars.