You Raise Me Up: The Best Of – Aled Jones’ Timeless Gem
If you’re the kind of person who loves music that feels like a warm hug but also makes your soul do cartwheels, You Raise Me Up: The Best Of by Aled Jones might just be your next obsession. Released in 2006 under UCJ Music (UK), this album is a crossover masterpiece blending pop and classical vibes. It’s not trying too hard to impress—it’s just effortlessly good.
Now, let me get one thing straight: I’m not usually into “best of” albums because they can feel like lazy compilations. But Aled Jones? He pulls it off. This record has some absolute bangers from his career, plus collaborations with big names like Bryn Terfel and Hayley Westenra. And honestly? There are moments here that’ll make you stop whatever you’re doing and go, “Whoa.”
Take Silent Night (With Hayley Westenra) for example. Oh man, this track hits different. You’ve got Aled’s rich, velvety voice paired with Hayley’s angelic tones, and suddenly Christmas isn’t just about overpriced eggnog anymore—it’s sacred again. Like, how do two voices blend so perfectly? It’s almost unfair. Every time I hear it, I’m transported back to those cold December nights where everything felt magical even though life was kinda rubbish. Weirdly nostalgic, right?
And then there’s Walking In The Air (With Young Aled). Yep, he duets with himself—how cool is that? It’s wild hearing the younger version of him alongside his more mature sound. The song itself is dreamy, floaty, and gives me chills every single time. It reminds me of lying on the grass as a kid, staring at clouds, pretending I could fly. Cheesy? Maybe. Beautiful? Absolutely.
Other standout tracks include Pie Jesu (with Bryn Terfel—need I say more?) and O Holy Night, which will have you reaching for tissues faster than you can say “classical choir.” Even the unexpected cover of Places (To The ‘Out Of Africa’ Theme) works surprisingly well—it’s haunting yet uplifting all at once.
What strikes me most about this album is how genuine it feels. Aled doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel; instead, he lets his voice shine through timeless melodies. Sure, some tracks lean heavily into traditional territory, but that’s part of its charm. It’s comfort food for your ears.
Here’s the kicker, though: listening to this album made me realize something odd. We often think of “best of” collections as looking backward, celebrating what’s already been done. But You Raise Me Up: The Best Of doesn’t feel stuck in the past—it feels alive, like it’s whispering secrets directly to your heart. Maybe that’s why, after all these years, it still resonates.
So yeah, whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Aled Jones, give this album a spin. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself humming Silent Night in July…
