Reading the title you can tell, that while it may not be a Santa-centric release, he is one of the topics in the conversation. There are plenty of faith-based tunes that focus on the true reason for the season, and not merely the mascot of what some may call a holiday perverting the true meaning.
Once the prelude briefly recalls the journey of what came upon a midnight clear, the first song becomes one of praise for the heavenly father for not only "making a saint out of a sinner" but turning Crowder into a "Thanks Giver."
There is a reason why we need to slow down from time to time, and it is not just to appreciate what we have, but why we have it, and this song addresses the source for the true believers, while also admitting that one can get caught in the bustle (transcending the mere holiday hustle) of life and forget. The song is perfect for that drive home for the holidays or some introspection and reflection during the season.
"I've Heard About You" can be called a one-sided conversation, a testimonial declaring the greatness of the Lord, or a list of things heard about him, and they would all be true. It delves a little deeper without pushing those away for being "too much." It is a genuine declaration of love, praise and belief in the Lord.
The next few songs are about that jolly old elf with a long white beard and an affinity to the album's namesake; one of the songs even laments about that timeless and tired facial hair. The first interlude even puts him on blast, asking why does Santa get all the focus, when the reason for the season was here a long time before, and much greater? (without saying it outright) It also leads you to believe that was the major point, but it served a dual purpose.
Which is? A Prologue to "The Elf Song" a purposeful sing-along, where the chorus may not leave your head before a year gone. Even then, you may find yourself singing about the jolly and overworked during July. If you're reading these as song lyrics, you wouldn't question why
"The Ballad of Mrs. C (she's sick of the beard)" could also serve as her parallel to "Elf's Lament" which leads them to Mexico with a beardless St. Nick.
There is a break in the Santa Chronicles for the announcement that "Christmastime is Here," and it may not be a cover of the Charlie Brown classic, but it does mention the lad, and other secular and seasonal activities that take place during the holidays.
"Interlude II: Cookies" gives us an update on Santa's court proceedings and life changes, and mentions his, or St. Nicholas' love and respect for God and Jesus. So, the song is making room for both Santa and Jesus, which may not be appreciated by some people. The sentiment outside is nice regardless.
"Your Praise Goes On" is probably one of my favorite songs on the record. It revisits that fateful night, and "what happened that night away in the manger changed the whole universe."
Crowder than covers three Christmas canon classics consecutively. The first of which is a bluegrass treatment of "Go Tell It On the Mountain" followed by a high-energy rendition of "White Christmas," and then another version of "Carol of the Bells." I type it that way because the latter ends up contributing to white noise, and while this version doesn't stray far from the path, it does not try too hard, and alters the sound enough to stand out as another noteworthy version.
While the day after Christmas is known by some as Boxing Day, this "December 26th (Auld Lang Syne)" comes about a week early, it incorporates some of the lyrics from that timeless tune, and gives a status report on some of the seasonal markers.
"Postlude" sounds like "Goodnight Moon" with farewells to many elements of the season, and even alludes to the prospect of heaven toward the end, my take anyways.
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