When people think of Mariah Carey’s 1994 album Merry Christmas, there is one song that immediately dominates the conversation. “All I Want For Christmas Is You” has become an inescapable cultural force, shattering streaming records and defining the holiday season for decades. However, the sheer magnitude of that pop juggernaut often overshadows the fact that the rest of the album is deeply rooted in gospel and faith.
If you look past the commercial success of her upbeat holiday standard, you will find a record that showcases Carey’s vocal prowess in a completely different light. The album is packed with traditional hymns and spiritual arrangements, but one original track stands out for its reverence and vocal power: “Jesus Born on This Day.”
Written by Carey and Walter Afanasieff, the song features a full children’s choir and showcases a more solemn, spiritual side of the singer that the general public often forgets. It is a reminder that before she was the “Queen of Christmas” in the pop culture sense, she was a vocalist heavily influenced by the church and gospel music.
In a season often consumed by commercialism and catchy hooks, revisiting this track offers a different experience. It strips away the sleigh bells and focuses entirely on the reason for the season. It is a wonderful reminder that there is much more to Carey’s artistry than just high notes and radio hits. If you haven’t listened to the B-side of this iconic album in a while, take a moment to experience this beautiful performance.