Christmas in July Reviews: Five from Four Years Ago

It is always exciting and overwhelming to find out which artists will contribute to the Christmas Canon, and after the sensational surprise that R Kelly left us at this time last year, I thought "could this be a competitor" after finding out that Fantasia Barrino was releasing "Christmas After Midnight," not speculating that she could outdo Kells when it comes to sexing up the season; well, that was also part of the surprise, the majority of the songs were not only new tunes but more family friendly; still Kells. So I kept it in my mind that this album is predominantly covers, yet still kept a solid hope that it would deliver. It featured selections with a multitude of reinterpretations and covers, that are seasoned "veterans" for sure, such as "This Christmas," "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," "Silent Night," and "The Christmas Song" to name a few. "Baby, it's Cold Outside," "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?" and now "Hallelujah" are finding themselves reinterpreted more. What was more surprising and delightful was The Jackson 5 Cover "Give Love on Christmas Day" and James Brown's "Santa Claus Go Straight To The Ghetto." Then she managed to record and place the Sinatra classic "In The Wee Small Hours of the Morning" on the album without it disrupting the seasonal thematics. What to say about "The Snow is Falling?" Well, it's to be expected, from my location, it's winter; check it out. Even though this was an album full of  reinterpretations there is still Christmas magic present on the record, and would not be a shabby gift under the tree, its worth more than initially believed.

To have yourself be discovered by a Christmas album? Sounds like a gift that reciprocates in the form of a brighter future in the music business, as long as heart is in it, deserved it is. To tackle the iconic and overplayed Bruce Springsteen and E -Street Band arrangement of "Santa Clause is Coming To Town" as well as Andy Williams' "Holiday Season" in the first period, sounds like a Long Haired Country Christmas. What is that pray tell? It is an album full of covers by a musician that can pull off a steady rock version of the latter, and make a decent version of the former without upsetting the Boss. While the energy level on most of these tracks may be a little lax, I can sense the passion and I can feel the Christmas spirit, not just because I choose to be constructive, but this music generates it. Whether he rides on the spirit of Christmas with the "Little Saint Nick" or glides on the glory of The Eagles as holiday memories come home for Christmas. While staying true to the original doesn't necessarily make his renditions unique, they become memorable; which is partially what holidays are about, and yes positive ones, and although most people would prefer the source material over JD's versions, it does not mean they are without merit. In this case, less is more and "The Little Drummer Boy" was able to pull it off.

I should have expected that she had shed her "Oi to the World" sentiment earlier in her career, but there is no doubt that she has talent, and serves as a captivating host. Her voice has matured well, and although her re-entry into the genre finds her dashing through aural territory with renditions aplenty, her version of "Jingle Bells" still packs a punch.
As with there are only so many vacancies a heart can hold for other people, there are only a few vacancies for favorite version of "Last Christmas" which remains held by Jimmy Eat World, and Ariana Grande, yet Gwen's version is enough to find a space with potential.
So I have been comparing her new additions to the canon with renditions past, but isn't how these work? Unless we completely ignore a half record of original tunes, which would be a loss for the listener. The title track and duet with Blake Shelton is nearly as charming as the man himself, its an upbeat number swinging for the top of the Christmas tree; cause it's a star. While "Under The Christmas Lights" offers some mariachi horns along with some audio eggnog; insert a selection more agreeable to your taste if you're not a fan.
There are more covers and originals to discover and enjoy, and although I cannot recount to "When I was a Little Girl," I can empathize, yet still believe that "Christmas Eve" could be referring to the love of her life, or the Lord.

Let it be known that when it came to "Takin' Care of Christmas," Dude York came through with an indie/garage rock Christmas album, Halftime For The Holidays. It has enough holiday sprinkles to let you know it was themed accordingly, yet is not too sweet to rot your teeth. The recipe included a punkish attitude with a pop sheen, heartbreak, love gained, and their take on the "True Meaning" of the holiday season. Still not sure how I feel when it comes to their version of "Silent Night," seems a tad sacrilegious, yet still a good version.

As for A Kaskade Christmas, less is more. I expected less of the record and received more because of it. Not that I have anything against the artist or the genre, its just that I was unsure of how either would handle reinterpretations of holiday hits

Leona Lewis "Christmas, With Love"

 I remember when this came out I turned away. 

"What need do I have for a festive album from an artist I merely tolerate?"

Several years later, I heard "One More Sleep," and no, I was not in love that deep.

I heard "Mr. Right," Now to review? To be a significant other? not tonight. 

Then it hit me like a brick, Leona has an album and I was quick...

To disregard.

It was mentioned in another review that Kelly Clarkson, who released a Christmas album around the same time as Lewis, merely flirted with that "wall of sound" that is much more prevalent on this record. Those two songs, "Underneath The Tree" and "Wrapped In Red," are modern classics in their own right, and the two original songs Lewis has recorded, "One More Sleep" and "Mr. Right," have met the same fate. Songs such as "Oh Holy Night," "Ave Maria," and "Silent Night" have a tasteful foundation of sound where it would not be out of place on the record, nor polarize the expectations of the listener when they play these versions of classic songs. "Winter Wonderland" recalls the version Darlene Love recorded with Spector, and if imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then consider it a near perfect copy with a little punch. This album may not be regarded as that which as inspired its sound, production, and style, but is an album worth revisiting annually.