There is something altogether perplexing that the Muppet version of Charles Dickson’s “The Christmas Carol” is regarded as the best film adaptation of the novel.
However if you take into account that The Muppets excel at blending heart-felt moments with artistry, innovation, and silliness then it’s not surprising. There also a clear reverence for the source material that is clear in making Gonzo the narrator that is refreshing as well as Michale Caine’s depiction of the crotchety, old miser turned upbeat generous gent bout town and his inspired acting choice of playing it completely dramatic against The Muppets.
All the pieces of this adaption work well, even the pretty darn historical accurate costumes.
But this post is a ranking of the songs from The Muppet Christmas Carol. The songs on the whole are very good and there is no single song that stands out as weak or bad. They are all really good.
But which song is the best?
That is subjective opinion. This ranking is my own opinion and your own may very well differ.
Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays!
Ranking the Songs
I’m only going to include songs that appeared in some version of The Muppet Christmas Carol. This means songs cut and were never in the film but are on the soundtrack are not included. This does include the song that was cut and then added and then cut and now exists as bonus content. If you know you know and you probably know.
So there are 9 songs in total for this ranking Ordered from least my favorite at #9 to my favorite at #1.
And disclaimer this was one harder than I thought to rank.
#9. Finale/ When Love is Found
By all counts a heartfelt, sweeping end piece for the movie to go out on that is basically a revised version of “When Love is Gone.” It’s nice but it gets a little lost amongst the other songs and is rather short.
I do love the final notes and the harmony of the cast, it is really lovely.
#8. Bless Us All
A cute and warm song featuring the Cratchit family. Basically the thesis of the song is that family is great. It’s a fine and sweet song.
Kind of wish it didn’t have an early 90s sound as it dates it a little but does add some weird sense of nostalgia.
#7. One More Sleep ’til Christmas
“One More Sleep ’til Christmas” does a great job at expressing that quiet excitement of Christmas Eve.
Much like “Bless Us All” it’s a nice, sweet song however it’s a little more interesting than “Bless us all” plus Penguin’s Skate party which is a cute scene interlude.
#6. Thankful Heart
After Scrooge’s redemption arc has concluded he turns into an upbeat generous gent bout town. He goes on a Christmas shopping spree for everyone including a big meal, coal and other other nice gifts for his nephew and everyone he sees on his way to the Crotchet house.
It’s a lovely song with an uplifting melody and it’s great source of seeing the happy and loving Scrooge.
#5. Scrooge
The polar opposite of “Thankful Heart” is the opening song “Scrooge.” “Scrooge” does a wonderful job introducing Scrooge and what the denizens of London think of him.
The forbidding music with his swishing cape and the pounding of his cane on the pavement along with the clever lyrics work so well to start the movie and introduce this iconic main character. It’s a great opening that perfectly sets the tone for the Muppet version of The Christmas Carole.
I especially love the opening notes of this song, so chilly and foreboding, a perfect opening for this songs and character.
#4. It Feels Like Christmas
Gonna be honest, I think songs that are about Christmas have an easier time being considered good. People tend to like Christmas, so songs about Christmas are more relatable thus more beloved and quality isn’t considered as much. That being said It “Feels like Christmas” is a very fun and uplifting songs that is partly a Christmas songs and effective at conveying the over-all feeling of the Christmas sprite, which Scrooge needs.
Also the Sprite of Christmas Present is so darn likable, too bad he’s not in more Muppet media as even a very brief cameo.
#3. Christmas Scat
While short and simple song, Kermit and Robin’s “Christmas Scat” is supremely wholesome. Kermit showcases some skill with his bassline while Robin reprises a part from “One More Sleep ’til Christmas.”
Had this been longer it MIGHT have ranked higher.
#2. When Love is Gone
I fundamentally think “When Love is Gone” needs to be in the movie as it’s critical to Scrooge’s redemption arc. I recognize the song is hit-or-miss with people as it’s a sad serious ballad in Muppet movie without a Muppet present. But a sad break-up song is novel in a kids’ movie and Meredith Braun is a great singer *
The gut-punch of this number is Scrooge singing out of synch with his memory. It’s heartbreaking.
I think my only really gripe with song is the synth piano, just dates it BUT I do get that icy cold sounds of it which does work for the song.
So it’s not perfect but personally I really love this song.
Quick side I love that the costumes mirror the set and the lighting of the scene.
* Braun played Christine Daae in Phantom of the Opera and Eponine is Les Mis in London’s West End.
#1. Marley and Marley
The Muppet Christmas Carol makes a lot of great decisions, one being the splitting of the role of Marley between Staler and Waldorf. And another great decision was giving them a song. Staler and Waldorf did have a handful of numbers on The Muppet Show but I think this was their first and only duet number in one of the Muppet movies.
Marley and Marley is a spooky number about how they damned themselves with accursed heavy chains for their greed, avarice and lack goodwill on humanity in their lives. As well as informing Scrooge that he will suffer a worse fate unless he changes.
It’s great creepy song that is fun, spooky and has Staler and Waldorf’s brand of heckling charm. Plus the lyrics are great with an infectious melody and spooky, fun yet timeless instrumentation.
Plus I have a general soft spot for Staler and Waldorf so it’s fun to see them get their own song for once in a movie.
Which Muppet Christmas Carol song is your personal favorite song?
Happy Holidays & Merry Christmas!
