Two Extended Plays and a Full Length Stop in My Ears for a Set of Holiday Album Reviews

 A Tori Kelly Christmas

Although the centerpiece of the holiday season for many happens to be "December 25th" with joy aplenty, there is more to revel in forthwith. Yes, this rhyme scheme and some of the more saturated selections may be frightful, but her renditions are oft delightful. Her album is not the most unique, but it still is a "Gift That Keeps on Giving."

Maddie and Tae "We Need Christmas"

While outsiders may joke at the relevance of necessity, it's more of a required spirit lift during these toiling times than an actual gift. This contruo keep it short and sweet with a musical charcuterie of old and new, festive and fun, and a sampling of the spiritual to remind us of reason one.

 Just because you have tasted a cheddar cheese cube, or some butter crackers, does not mean you will avoid them when they arrive with the rest of the grapes, candied chestnuts, peppers, or prosciutto. Point is, you have heard most of the songs before, but they still offer something worthy of a taste, even if it might not to be to yours. 

A Very Spidey Christmas

Which superhero would you choose to spend the holidays with? Yes, Peter Parker's personality, or any alternative alias or identity, may be best handled in small doses for some, which leads to the question, "Who would you have the most fun singing carols with?" If anything, this is proof that this superhero is a top contender for best caroling partner.

Madison Beer "Life Support"

 Before I begin, and before I even listened to the record, I did not expect the Madison Beer record to mimic Bebe Rexha's.

The only reason I say that is because, the same with her debut, I presumed my expectations would be equitable with the quality, or more accurately, I thought my connection with the record would be one or two bars. Beer has said she does not speak "BOYSHIT," but it does not mean the songs cannot resonate with males.

 Now my credibility may already be on Life Support, and for that I have to ask why. I mean what I say, I follow my heart, and I am true to myself. It also seems like Ms. Beer does the same and makes music she wants to. If that's not enough, that's okay. If I was not already aware she sang this song, and warmed a heart, "effortlessly" I would have mistaken her for Ariana Grande. 

The notion that love is a battlefield has been addressed in various ways, in varying degrees, by a plethora of artists. How could I not mention the artists that directly states it in song, Pat Benatar? I mention this because in "Stay Numb and Carry On" the directive is to become emotionless and immune to the pain that  love can bring. True love can bring pain and frustration too, but the emotional bruises are a different breed than what faux and/or unrequited love may cause.

"Blue" is one of my favorites. Beer really kills the Melanie Martinez "impression," and knows when to run from a relationship before the hypothetical homicide becomes the solution. It shines some light that someone's social media posts are not always indicative of their present state. Maybe even a Lana Del Ray lite, but this is nothing but a sincere compliment.

What follows after the color is more than a mere "Interlude," but can be an ode to the wrong side of unrequited love.

"Homesick" is an anthem for the extraterrestrial, or the outsider, to those that feel like this planet, this time, this plane of existence is not for them; it's transcendent of any barrier that may be, but it does not mean it may resonate with everyone. However, it does to me, and I know I'm far from the only one.

I can see why the album title is what it is, from that feeling one has in the previously mentioned paragraph, to being entangled in a relationship with a "Selfish" lover, and not only living through "Sour Times," but having to deal with rebound hopefuls, sycophants, and leeches of energy and love when one is not doing so hot, and that is just these few songs.

"Stained Glass" delves deeper into the differentiation between the perception and the reality. "My skin is made of glass/but apparently it's stained/ 'cause you notice all the cracks/but can't look inside my pain" is an effective and potent expression of this unfortunate circumstance. The notion that fame or wealth protects you from the negative emotions that are part of the human condition is ignorant. The pain expressed in this song could break one's heart, if they truly listen and can empathize, or even sympathize. 

Everyone is going through something that cannot be seen from the outside, which is why the opening set of lines is nice reminder, that transcends the plight of Ms. Beer, to be kind to others. If that is too much of a drain, then leave well enough alone.

"Emotional Bruises" includes a line that could have inspired the title: "I can't do this no more, you got me on life support." What sounds like an endless cycle of break up, fall apart, come together, break a heart codependency comes to a point where the broken crutch of someone else's will-to-live must break free instead of break again. "I can't do this no more. I'm cutting off life support" is the final line before the chorus and the pleading outro poured from her still beating, and bleeding, heart.

"Everything Happens for a Reason" is a notion that proves to be true, just not at the present time from our singular point of view. If someone hurt someone back, what does that prove? What good can hurting another do? Especially when they love the other too?

I did not intend to write about most of the songs, but here we are. "Channel Surfing/The End" is a nice bookend to "The Beginning" and offers clips of previous tunes and a "thank you" too. 

 There is "Good in Goodbye," and it would not be right to end this review without mentioning one of the most infectious on the record, and I'm not even going to try. I do like choruses, and I see the purpose, but they aren't my favorite component. Usually, the verses offer something more substantial and expand on the narrative or message, while the chorus oft operates as a flashback frozen in time and rhyme, or a memory magnet.

 Either way, I really dig the chorus and the notion that the song expresses. This can resonate with those who may have drunk a gin and toxic, or played ping-pong heart with a toxic partner, never reaching to love, but only ending at 40 (ounces or winks, only some will know).

Celine Dion "Courage"

  Taking Chances does not occur without some Courage. There was a commonality between these two records that sung to me, as Celine has continued to do so for the world for decades, and most recently performed in Vegas, again. I couldn't help but think of Cher's Believe and its effect as an artist's reset button.

It was intriguing to hear Celine sing the single from the Deadpool sequel several years prior. It was simultaneously an ironic and iconic selection; it wouldn't stray too far from his perceived musical tastes yet could be called an "odd" pairing.  It is safe to say that as a phoenix would, she rose from the "ashes" of heartbreak. Then, she wrote a whole album incorporating loss, resilience, and bravery as some of the themes. I don't usually comment on the cover art, but its simplistic and minimalistic approach is an adept reference to walking from the flame and still standing tall.

The first line in "Flying on My Own" addresses the detour from the traditional Dion formula; it's appropriate because her voice soars and synergizes with the sonic accompaniment.

"Lovers Never Die" is an assertion of her distaste for a relationship she was in, as well as the disrespect and deception that came along with it. Her presentation of the words offers spunk to accompany her resignation.

I cannot help but think that I have heard this song before, but this song co-written by Skylar Grey and (then fiancée) Elliot Taylor assures the broken hearted that "Fallin in Love Again" is possible. Its sparse arrangement allows the listener to focus on Dion's vocals that build until her final declaration in the lines "once again."

The next song showcases even more of her vocal vigor. It not only supposedly interpolates a song of the same name by RiRi, I have looked for her version but could not find it so it may not have been recorded,  but incorporates elements of rock and this robotic inflection in the second verse. It also features the songwriting talents of both David Guetta and Sia to create a smash of a single and is worthy of multiple plays.

It is appropriate that the next two songs were released as singles because to showcase vulnerability and spotlight your imperfections requires moxie. To delve into a personal matter that deeply affected her in the loss of her soul mate years before is commendable, and the emotion is expressed and understood. The musical accompaniment is appropriate and does not resort to schmaltz or force an empathic connection to her pain. While her aptly titled "Imperfections" does not list any, which is not the point because that is subjective, it is relatable to everyone who cares to listen because we all possess our own imperfections, whether we perceive them or not.

In albums there are varying degrees of appreciation when it comes to the songs, some are those we rave and praise, some of them we criticize and ignore, never listening to again, and all after listening to the song once. Some of the songs are in between, and if it came to deciding whether I wast a fan or not, these two are option three, and would not change my mind upon first listen. 

I must say I appreciate the intrapersonal encouragement the lyrics simulate in "Say Yes" because too often we say "no" to experiences that could be beneficial to us, such as dancing like "Nobody's Watching." The latter dougie'd a space in my heart after first listen. 

And now for this next song I will employ the use of a pick up line, for a higher purpose! Not everyone realizes how much energy their mind can expend, especially if they run through someone else's all day. We all take part in the chase, in the context of this song it would involve love and affection, appreciation and acknowledgment. While I chased inspiration to approach a presentation of this tune, it is as much to say that the song speaks for itself.

The next song employs the talents of Sam Smith and Stargate, to name the most recognizable associated with this song in the pop music world, but that being said, the emotional substance is not lacking in this touching ode that Celine dedicates "To the Lover That I Lost."

While it may annoy some that may read this, I wanted to point out that in the next song Sia co-wrote with another hot producer in Greg Kurstin. It is a fun song, really catchy, yet it addresses what can be an unpleasant aspect of a loving relationship: being away from the partner. Absence makes the heart go fonder and it is healthy to keep separate interests as well and time away from one another, but it still hurts. While there is a lot of "baby" talk going on, the feeling can be understood.

The thirteenth track is a pledge to herself and her late husband, that she will be strong. She sings "...and though I might have been lonely or lost. I don't feel like giving up because you climbed off" to affirm her resolution, while later stating that "...sometimes love must die to be born again." Which can include self-love too, because even in a positive and loving relationship one can still lose touch with oneself.

The arrangement was brought to us by the Dap Kings, who recorded heavily with Miss Sharon Jones before she passed, may she rest in power and rest in peace, and it suits Celine. It focuses on a re-evaluation of a relationship, and how it shifts from what was a mere acquaintance to a life partner (or soulmate) which fits the title perfectly. "How Did You Get Here?" It also lightens the mood after her musical pledge in track thirteen, "I Will Be Stronger."

With "Look At Us Now," I can see an awkward reunion of two former lovers at a gala event. The woman in that glittery red dress Celine is wearing, while her former lover in a nice suit. They are separated, yet not entirely disconnected, nor entwined in outsiders' embraces. This song perfectly scores the scenario as they decide that while there is passion that fuels that last act of fornication, it is better to leave and lose than reunite and lose even more.

While that seems like the perfect time to say goodbye, it was not the healthiest relationship. "45 steps in the same direction" sounds like finding a soul mate in a one-night stand. This rush of finding that person unexpectedly is indescribable. The plethora of emotions one can experience can be overwhelming. She sings "...If God's got a plan, it's out of our hands anyway," which rings true, and sounds like divine intervention to me as she declares the meeting as "heaven sent." In a line shortly after, she promises "if you need me, I'll be in your memory." 

It was not until after I heard the song that I found that Steve Aoki played a part, literally, in this song, and did so in a subtle manner where I would not have known had I not looked it up. So, the question directed toward me could be "What was the point?" 

While the question I have for the whole scenario, I return to the full lyric "Don't need to understand, if God's got a plan. It's out of our hands anyway." It could have been to say, to the chagrin and disagreement of many, that one can have more than one soul mate. It does not mean that the soul mate is meant to stay in that person's life forever, or even more than one night, but that type of connection is plausible, and with the potency behind it how can one not call it "heaven sent?"

Which brings me to the next song that restates the feeling of finding one's soulmate and connecting on a deeper level. Celine asks "Is it madness? Is it the worst kind of madness?" but to those that know, "No, It's the best of all."

This earworm with a "Heart of Glass" must have pushed through the dirt of past relationships until finding the soulmate had transmogrified the heart into a diamond. She hasn't broken any new ground, but the chorus invokes the sadness yet encourages someone to sing along with it, and that could be due to personal experiences and/or the synergy of Sia and Greg Kurstin.

Through it all, as this review comes to a close, I can say that I did not hear too many throwaways, it is just that some left me without much to say. Every note that Celine sings in "Boundaries," the lyrics, and instrumental accompaniment may not be extraordinary, but sounds perfect the way it is. 

Sometimes with reviews I unintentionally take "The Hard Way," and while I don't usually review every song, I might make reference to a majority of them. While it was not my favorite song musically, it did state that "you gotta break just a little, die just a little, to come alive in the right way," which is not without its truth. Heck, it may even bring a tear to the eye.

Dolly Parton "A Holly Dolly Christmas"

 

Her newest collection of holiday tunes is a family affair, with some friends along for the sleigh ride. We'll start with the pair of cringe-worthy yet simultaneously charming tunes. The first of which is Dolly's duet with Michael Buble in "Cuddle Up, Cozy Down Christmas" which reminds me of  "Baby, It's Cold Outside" except this is later on into the night, and the female vocalist is willing to get intimate. The title says it all, it's just in the context of both performers that bring this to light, but it's still a decent song.

The banter between Jimmy Fallon and Dolly that bookend their recording of Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You" does not help the case for the song. Even though we know it's all in yuletide fun, the context of the tune cranks up the awkward, for those not able to disregard it. 

  After being welcomed with A Holly Dolly Christmas, we hear a delightful reminder of what "Christmas Is" with her Goddaughter, Miley Cyrus. 

Billy Ray Cyrus may not be a relative by blood, but they are close enough to be considered family and share sentiments of finding that one person that brings Christmas wherever they are in "Christmas Where We Are." She then expands on that notion with a duet featuring her husband, Randy Parton, in "You Are My Christmas."

There were more faith based songs than I expected to hear on here, but that is because I don't really know Dolly well. Her captivating originals "Circle of Love" and "I Still Believe," along with her version of "Mary, Did You Know" affirm her faith in her heavenly father, her family, and in humanity.

It's nice to receive boxes wrapped in "Pretty Paper," a Willie nice duet, but Christmas is so much more than that, and those who don't know "....are the poorest indeed."

Ne-Yo "Another Kind of Christmas"

 Whenever you hear Another Kind of Christmas album, among the countless compendiums that exploit nostalgia and alter the sound slightly, you just want to "Talk About It." That is one of my favorite songs, for its instrumental and anecdotal aspects, and a nice balance to a cover of the 30th most performed holiday song of all time, "This Christmas." 

I would be remiss to fail to mention that there is a lot of familiarity in this record, with covers of classics by Nat King Cole, Stevie Wonder, and Johnny Moore's Three Blazers; you may recognize one of the cover versions before the original (Merry Christmas Baby). "Carol of The Bells" is also covered, but even with the numerous renditions, Ne-Yo finds a way to make it distinctive. At the time, I didn't realize that "I Want To Come Home For Christmas" was a Marvin Gaye masterpiece re-recorded.

If asked about this album I could say "It's For Everybody," especially the song, which does not tie itself to any religion and iterates that "...and what it is is a season for love/ and no reason but love and love alone." It is a classic Ne-Yo tune with tried and true sentiment and sound associated with him. However, "Open Mine Tonight" is a little more x-rated, yet a good song regardless. "Just Ain't Christmas" is for those that are going through a breakup or even missing family members that left this realm; it could also be for those plagued by seasonal depression and the spirit eludes them. The song is alluring in spite of its sentiment.

Sia "Everyday Is Christmas"

Sia's "Everyday is Christmas" album is not only a Christmas gift I did not expect, but also the gift I did not realize I wanted, and I don't want to assume you may feel the same way, but it is worth a listen. Sia manages to not only capture the magic of the holidays but melds the classic sounds of yore with the present and future in an album of original tunes meant to be enjoyed every year. The Chorus and melody of "Candy Cane Lane" may reside in your memory even after the sugar plums have stopped dancing in your head.  If they have stopped already, there is some aural "Sunshine" that might keep that inner flame active during the transition between winter (post-holiday) and spring. 

As she sings in another pleasant tune, "Puppies are Forever, and not just for Christmas; of course their cuteness will remain, tis no question of thine.

Even with the preceding paragraph written in years of Christmas past, the joy and magic of this music can last. When a snow person can only survive in the colder winter months, with the music at its most impactful without self-deluding fronts. The song itself is a confession of love to a "Snowman" which could parallel a seasonal love that one arranges to free themselves from the shackles of loneliness in "the most wonderful time of the year," which for many is not as dazzling as the light displays that appear.

From their love, Sia had vowed to protect their little "Snowflake," a winter lullaby that can bring a tear to freeze as she lets her little darling go amongst its kin within the chilling breeze.

It does not sound as a time for celebration, but maybe that's why the "Ho Ho Ho" is accompanied with a bottle of rum; and recreates that crushing scene where Ralphie was nearly kicked in the face because of his gift request. 

Underneath the boot, and Ralphie trying his best, he nary seemed to have a chance, nor her with romance, whether the mistletoe or Christmas lights, buried in the breast, sorrow, impervious to seasonal distractions hollow. 

As silly as the proclamation that "Everyday is Christmas" can be, used by more than just artists within the scene, it is declared with sincerity and even when the season is over. Even though the statement may cause one's eyes to roll over at the metaphor you may find yourself humming it anyway.

While the first song sets the tone with what sounds like fun, we take emotional detours taking our heart for a run; decorated with sweet things to beckon some more. So, the coal from the sins that you have fulfilled or left undone. "Santa's Coming for Us," each and every one.

Barenaked Ladies' Live Show is a Work of Art (Park)- July 5th, 2022

 I've waited two years to see this concert, and all I got was a set of greatest hits?!