The First Noel (1996)

The First Noel is the 11th studio and second Christmas album by Christian singer Steve Green, released in November 1996 by Sparrow Records. The album was produced by Phil Naish. It is Green's second release of 1996, following The Letter that was released earlier in the year.

The First Noel is Green's second holiday release, following up his 1987 album Joy to the World! containing four original songs including "Jesu, Light of Lights," "Holy Child," "Rose of Bethlehem" and "Good News." "Good News" tells the story of an angel bringing the "good news" of Christ's birth, urging listeners to "behold a baby boy" and prepare the way for joy. The song was later covered by the Christian vocal group Avalon on their 2000 album Joy: A Christmas Collection. The other six songs are familiar Christmas hymns with two of the tracks done in medleys.

The First Noel climbed to number 13 on the Billboard Top Christian Albums and to number 16 on the Heatseekers Albums charts.

Track listing

1. Midnight Clear Medley (arranged and conducted by J.A.C. Redford) -7:31

-It Came Upon the Midnight Clear (Edmond Sears, Richard Storrs Willis)

-Angels We Have Heard on High (Edward S. Barnes)

-O Come All Ye Faithful (John Francis Wade)

2. The First Noel (traditional; arranged by Phil Naish) -4:44

3. All My Heart Rejoices (Paul Gerhardt; additional lyrics by Steve Green) -2:50

4. Good News (Rob Mathes) -4:20

5. What Child Is This (William Chatterton Dix) -3:16

6. Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus (Rowland H. Prichard, Charles Wesley) -4:08

7. Rose of Bethlehem (Lowell Alexander) -3:48

8. Holy Child (Rob Mathes, Phil Naish) -4:59

9. Jesu, Light of Lights (Rob Mathes, Phil Naish) -4:11

10. Away In a Manger Medley (arranged and conducted by J.A.C. Redford) -3:51

-Away In a Manger (William J. Kirkpatrick)

-O Little Town of Bethlehem (Phillips Brooks, Lewis Redner)

Previous release: The Letter (1996)

Next release: The Faithful (1998)