Songs For Christmas

“Songs for Christmas” is a box set of five separate EPs of Christmas-related songs and carols recorded by independent musician Sufjan Stevens between 2001 and 2006. The EPs had been given as gifts to friends and family of Stevens over the past six years, except for 2004 where he was too busy recording the Illinois album. Though the first three EPs have been available on Sufjan Stevens-related fansites for several years, Songs for Christmas is the first official release of these EPs. Most of the tracks are versions of traditional Christmas songs, with a number of original compositions such as “Sister Winter” and “Star of Wonder” included. Sufjan Stevens has developed a reputation for being a devoted Christian and many of the songs he chose for inclusion on Songs for Christmas are religious in nature, including his original compositions.

Track Listing

Noel: Songs for Christmas, Vol. I
Recorded December 2001

1. “Silent Night” – 0:47 (instrumental)
2. “O come, O come, Emmanuel” – 3:59
3. “We’re Goin’ to the Country!” – 2:19 *
4. “Lo How a Rose E’er Blooming” – 3:25
5. “It’s Christmas! Let’s Be Glad!” – 1:58 *
6. “Holy Holy, etc.” – 0:39 (instrumental)
7. “Amazing Grace” – 4:00

Hark!: Songs for Christmas, Vol. II
Recorded December 2002

1. “Angels We Have Heard on High” – 0:47 (instrumental)
2. “Put the Lights on the Tree” – 1:50 *
3. “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” – 4:45
4. “I Saw Three Ships” – 2:36
5. “Only at Christmas Time” – 2:18 *
6. “Once in David’s Royal City” – 3:45
7. “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing!” – 0:49 (instrumental)
8. “What Child Is This Anyway?” – 6:51
9. “Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella” – 1:32