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The First Noel

Rating:
3.4 / 5

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.

Deano1 wrote on October 27, 2010
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".
Gorse wrote on January 31, 2013
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.
sugartummy wrote on May 18, 2013
The organ intro makes me feel solemn, like I'm witnessing the whole despribed scene. A good Christmas song, sung with passion.
shawnrw wrote on May 05, 2015
Elvis gives due diligence to this all-time Christmas standard but not his best yuletide effort, not even close.
atomic powered poste wrote on July 07, 2018
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.
Cruiser621 wrote on September 27, 2018
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.
DerekH wrote on September 27, 2018
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
JerryNodak wrote on February 23, 2019
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.
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