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CHRISTMAS ROCK ROBERT HILBURN was the pop-music critic at the Los Angeles Times for 35 years. His books include Corn Flakes with John Lennon: And Other Tales from a Rock 'n' Roll Life. His latest book is Johnny Cash: The Life. Pretenders' "Have Yourself a Merry Little Ch r ist m a s " a nd t he best ver sion yet of "The Little Drummer Boy " by Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band. The album was hugely popular and led to a series of sequels, featuring such familiar Christmas rock favorites as "Blue Christmas" (Ann and Nancy Wilson), "Run Rudolph Run" (Sheryl Crow) and another version of "The Little Drummer Boy" (Wyclef Jean). The series remains the most ambitious Christmas-rock showcase — though notable moments were still to come from t wo of rock's creative giants. U2's "Peace on Earth," which appeared on the Irish band's 2000 album All That You Can't Leave Behind, is not only one of the most moving pieces of Christmas rock but also one of the most emotionally charged recordings in rock history. Written after a terrorist bombing in Northern Ireland where 29 people were killed, the song expresses the heartache and rage of someone questioning his religious beliefs. The song's lyrics, in part: "Sick of the sorrow. I'm sick of the pain. I'm sick of hearing again and again That there's gonna be PEACE ON EARTH." The song ha s fou nd its place in the con- science of rock — and not just during the hol id ay s e a s on . U2 p er for me d p a r t of t he song for t he "A mer ica : A Tr ibute to Heroes" telethon in 2002. In 2009, Bob Dylan, the man whose songs in the 1960s helped shape rock as a thought- ful, challenging art form, caught everyone by surprise with a Christmas album that was remarkably sweet and disarming. The choice of songs in the album, Christ- mas in the Heart, ranged from traditional carols ("O Little Town of Bethlehem") to a Gene Autry hit ("Here Comes Santa Claus") to a Bing Crosby favorite ("I'll Be Home for Christmas") to yet another version of "Little Drummer Boy." If only Dylan had included "Blue Christ- mas" and "Jingle Bell Rock," the circle would have been complete. 9 0 D EC E M B E R 2 01 4 A A .CO M/A M E R I C A NWAY Learn more at: littlepassports.com This award-winning subscription introduces your child to a new country each month. Packages include letters, souvenirs & activities, plus access to online games! For the past 25 years, our customers have donated millions of AAdvantage® miles to support organizations that benefit those in need. Join us by donating your miles to one of our three programs: · Miles for Kids in Need® · American Airlines Miles of Hope · Miles for All Who Serve Learn more at aa.com/giving. Give comfort and joy with your miles. American Airlines, aa.com, AAdvantage, Miles for Kids in Need and the Flight Symbol logo are marks of American Airlines, Inc. oneworld is a mark of the oneworld Alliance, LLC. © 2014 American Airlines, Inc. All rights reserved.