Rob Thomas "something about christmas time"

 Rob's Right, there's something about christmas time, and we all knew that before that was sung in one of my favorite songs by Bryan Adams.

The album is a more somber affair, and although there is not as much joy that can be found in the song that the album's title borrows from, it is on the nice list, for sure. The opening song just expresses that you are more than you think you are, and those in your life may be willing to confirm without question (I'd rather remain myself, but the delivery reminds me of "Could I Be You?")

"It Doesn't Feel Like Christmas (Samy's Song)" astutely expresses the power of one's better half, and how their presence can make all the difference in the world, or most of it, even on our worst days.

Thomas' duet with Ingrid Michelson cannot replace the original song celebrating "Christmas Time," performed by Bryan Adams, but it can serve as a pleasant addition. The album wouldn't feel the same without it; just like experiencing the season without hearing the song at least once.

or... I can say that it's like "The Spirit of Christmas" without a performance by BeBe Winans and its sound full of soul. I think it honors Ray Charles, and for lack of repeating myself, the reason for the season, quite well.

This next song is easily the most buoyant and joyful tune that captures the magic of the season, in sound, and captures the majesty of Trans-Siberian Orchestra, or at least reminds me of the time they asked, "What Is Christmas?"

"Santa Don't Come Around Here Anymore" did have some boogie in its nose, and that pun leading to a stubbed toe and broken heart the day his love at the time ran away. I didn't even realize Brad Paisley contributed to the song until later, but it makes sense. Like those things that happen, and we question why? Until we recall those events and realize they were redirecting us to something else, usually better (we hope so anyways)

Rob Thomas pays tribute to a classic Christmas album by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers by covering "I Believe in Santa Claus" with the assistance of Abby Anderson. While it was a little more toned down and not as active, it was a nice effort.

So instead of treating his first Christmas song as a relative, twice removed, he recorded a 2021 version of "A New York Christmas," and while this one never learned to play jangly guitar for a solo, this version reminded us that while holidays involve tradition, it includes making new ones too. 

The original version, I think of a younger sibling learning to play an instrument and wanting to share their progress with everyone while missing some of the notes, but still better than the last time they played. The solo on the original sounded out of place but was charming in spite of that. The 2021 version feels a little more refined, and with the tradition that this album has been presenting, a little more relaxed.

While I have nothing to say about "New Year's Day" I can tell you it's not a cover of the U2 classic, but a brand new start, like every day of the year; that notion just becomes more pronounced. 

By the time you read this we will be completely in the holiday season again, so I suggest, and hope, you "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" in 2024.