I wrote this over a year ago, and while some of my feelings for this holiday may have changed, I really like this review and wanted to share it.
There can only be one Queen of Christmas, and I think she has made it clear and has been consistent in affirming this, and that queen is Mariah Carey.
However, that does not mean there isn't room for other songbirds of the season, bringing light and joy to most who hear their songs. Clarkson's Wrapped in Red is a modern classic, as well as its major single. "Underneath The Tree," tends to sap that "Blue Christmas" vibe away from me, even if it is for seconds forty-nine and minutes three; it is probably my favorite, but I love the rest of the album, a little less. Her originals were my favorite aspect of the album, not because they were different, but because they were really good songs worthy of being canonized, especially the aforementioned, and "Winter Dreams (Brandon's Song)."
But we're here to talk about her second Christmas record, and I think she has another modern classic on her hands. The album is anchored by canon favorites such as "It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas" and "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" to name some of my favorites, although her version of "Jingle Bell Rock" was good.
Clarkson's version of "Last Christmas" did not topple my favorite renditions, but her piano-led and light-jazz lounge offering stood out and still managed to make it on the list, which is an achievement when you consider all the renditions that appear nearly every year. One of my favorites featured one of her guest artists, Ariana Grande, who appears on the original tune "Santa, Can't You Hear Me" which almost feels like a continuation of Grande's "Santa Tell Me," but changing the tempo to capture the interest.
The opening tune was an undercover original, I falsely believed it was a cover by the name alone, or a cover of an obscure holiday tune, but no, the heartbreak is hers and the sound is a testament to its place in the holiday music landscape, alongside "Blue Christmas," which Clarkson covered for her first sleigh ride, and "The Christmas Blues." The lyrics "...and you can keep your wandering hands and eyes" could be cold speculation or truth, but "...not as cold as you."
Her duet with Chris Stapleton is another original that shines brighter than anything you could find underneath the tree but has yet to top it. Its aural "glow" is truly delightful and has a similar effect to the aforementioned.
If I skipped this song, it wouldn't be for the reason I subscribe to "cancel culture," which I don't, but this song serves as a reference to the time we are living in. "Christmas Isn't Cancelled (Just You)" makes references to some favorite songs that were part of Clarkson's holiday music regimen and all of the beautiful memories she had during the time of year. She expresses how this divorce had impacted her as a whole, and how it affected her favorite time of the year; also, what it took from her, which is nearly two hundred grand a month to start. She even references her biggest holiday hit, "Underneath the Tree," and "Winter Dreams (Brandon's Song)" which were both written for him.
OW! I felt that. Two amazing songs tainted by a broken heart years later, however her tone is upbeat. She is adamant she will make the most of her favorite time of year, because she is still blessed.
Yes, there is a song called "Blessed," and "...even when I feel like a mess/ have to take a good look inside me, yes... I'll never be perfect but," I still make the effort to realize I am blessed too. So, there are two things we have in common. It's an accurate and relatable tune, with transcendent sentiment, regardless of what you celebrate, practice or believe in. It doesn't rely on comparisons to others in possessions or status, but I don't think Kelly would anyway. She focuses on her past experiences, on both ends of the spectrum, with her current ones, and focuses on all the good without disregarding the bad, but realizing they are both essential to see that she is blessed.
I love that her three holiday orphans have found a home on this record because they are stunning additions to the Clarkson Christmas Canon. The Brett Eldridge duet, "Underneath the Mistletoe," is ear candy sweeter than gumdrops and with a hook that candy canes got. While I do appreciate "All I Want for Christmas Is You," and it is not an overdone cover of the holiday queen's song but a cover of the obscure tune from Vince Vance and the Valiants, it does not compare to the majesty of "Christmas Eve." The latter has a sound that utilizes a similar approach in "Underneath the Tree" or has an atmosphere and space that rivals its appeal, in my opinion.
After consideration of my introduction, I listened to both of the Christmas Queen's albums another time to wrap it all together. I don't want to delve too deep because we're not here to talk about Mariah, but I started with the hook, I might as well do something to finish.
While the timeless hit of the first album is undeniable, the second album is not for lack of intriguing or captivating originals, it is just not an iconic behemoth, but with sequels you just want it to be as good as the original. The original tunes are good, but they just seem too reliant on what worked for Carey in the past. However, I do not feel the same way about Kelly Clarkson's second album. With her album, I felt there was a fresher foundation of holiday spirit and more original tunes that allowed this record to stand on its own. It allowed me to appreciate it as its own masterpiece instead of a mere continuation.
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