The Darkest Night of the Year cover

The Darkest Night of the Year

Over the Rhine

44 min · 13 tracks · rock & roll · traditional folk music · gospel

A hauntingly beautiful collection of traditional carols reimagined with lush arrangements and evocative harmonies.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady flow for reflective moments
  • haunting harmonies evoke deep emotion
  • for cozy winter nights
  • gradual build towards cathartic climax

Maybe skip if you want

  • seeking upbeat and fast-paced
  • prefer standalone tracks over cohesion

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2006, 'The Darkest Night of the Year' marked a significant moment for Over the Rhine as they embraced their roots in Americana and holiday music. This album came after their critically acclaimed 'Drunkard's Prayer' and showcased their artistic versatility by blending original compositions with beloved Christmas classics.
Stylistic neighbors
The Civil Wars· Neko Case· Gillian Welch

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 The First Noel 3:47
  • 2 Silent Night 3:43
  • 3 It Came Upon a Midnight Clear 2:49
  • 4 Greensleeves 2:49
  • 5 O Little Town of Bethlehem 3:00
  • 6 Coal Train 2:45
  • 7 Thank You My Angel 4:14
  • 8 Mary’s Waltz 3:59
  • 9 Up North Here Where the Stars… 1945 1:52
  • 10 Silent Night (duet) 3:13
  • 11 O Come, O Come Emmanuel 2:03
  • 12 Amelia’s Last 2:48
  • 13 A Little Lower Than the Angels 7:10

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata