O Come O Come Emanuel
Whitney Houston · One Wish: The Holiday Album [2003]
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appears
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emanuel shall come to thee, o Israel
(Bumm, bumm, bumm, bumm)
Ah well, ooh
(Bumm, bumm, bumm)
Ooh
O come, Desire of nations, bind
Bind as one the hearts of all mankind
Bid Thou our sad divisions cease
And be Thyself our King of peace
(Rejoice!) Rejoice! (Rejoice!) Rejoice! (Ooh)
Emanuel shall come to thee, o Israel
(O Israel, come to thee)
Rejoice! (Rejoice!) Rejoice! (Ooh)
Emanuel shall come to thee, o Israel
(O Israel, come to thee)
Rejoice! (Rejoice!) Rejoice! (Ooh)
Emanuel shall come to thee, o Israel
(O Israel, come to thee)
Rejoice! (Rejoice!) Rejoice! (Ooh)
Emanuel shall
(Shall come)
He's gonna come o Israel
(Shall come)
Don't you worry, God's gonna be there
(Emanuel shall come)
Emanuel, He's gonna come
O Israel
Ooh yeah
O Come O Come Emanuel
Whitney Houston's rendition of the traditional carol 'O Come O Come Emanuel' appears on her 2003 holiday release, One Wish: The Holiday Album. This recording showcases the singer's signature vocal power applied to a classic piece of sacred music, blending gospel influences with contemporary pop sensibilities. The track stands as a testament to Houston's ability to elevate familiar material through her dynamic range and emotional delivery. As part of her broader discography, this performance highlights her versatility beyond her signature pop ballads, offering a moment of spiritual reflection within her holiday catalogue. The song remains a cherished example of her work in the Christmas genre, demonstrating how her voice could transform a centuries-old hymn into a modern anthem of anticipation and hope.