Lindsey Stirling "Snow Waltz"

So, it is safe to say that I did not expect a second seasonal offering from Stirling, but it is a trend that I have noticed in the past several years that artists, who have already released a solid holiday themed album return to the fold to wrap their sound with the magic that this season alludes to. Some of these sequels surpass their predecessor, the brightest star of these to me would have to be Kelly Clarkson's When Christmas Comes Around.

Wait a second here, what about Stirling? You're right, while this review is not made to compare her first seasonal strut with her Snow Waltz, people may do so regardless. I will say that I liked the numbers with the vocal accompaniment more on her first record than this one, for now; especially the Sabrina Carpenter assisted "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" or Becky G's beckoning in "Christmas C'mon," and the title track is another one of my favorites.

 

No, I do not disagree that Christmas is a "Time to Fall in Love," any time can be, but I like it a wee bit less than the rest. "Crazy for Christmas" is currently at the same level as the aforementioned, but it is growing on me, and with Archuleta singing about "Magic," I am convinced that it is only a matter of time before they reach the status. "Christmas Time With You" will not be forgotten either, and the vocals at the conclusion of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" were sufficient.

While I did like the instrumentals and her renditions from her first outing, even Mariah Carey's stamp on Christmas, I think I may like some of the instrumentals on this record more. Specifically, Stirling's winter well wishes of "Feliz Navidad" which can score a different type of dance if you will it. I also thought the eponymous instrumental original and "Ice Storm" were aptly titled, both synthesizing the alluded experience through sound.

To finalize my initial point, I do believe this record is a testament to the improvement of her craft.

Kelly Clarkson "When Christmas Comes Around"

 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.

The Mavericks "Hey! Merry Christmas"

 Hey! Merry Christmas! I typed it because I believe I am in a safe space because people know what they are getting into when they peep this review, and it may be several years overdue, but I just listened to it two years ago and I like the music to stew to produce a better review for me and you. 

Was it successful? Was it worth the wait? Are you still here? Thank you. 

The album is eponymous in approach because it only features two covers while most feature four or more songs. While I cannot declare dislike for their tidings of a "Happy Holiday," I cannot deny that it does not feature the energy, singability, and excitement of the original. It is a dreamier, yet pleasant rendition of Williams' classic. Their version of "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" can light a candle to any cover.

The album itself starts with the fun-two punch of "Christmas Time (Is Coming Round Again)" and "Santa Does." Both of which can sleigh the bah-humbugs, or at least may beckon a bop of the head that leads to a smile, or vice versa; the former more likely, but I digress.

"I Have Wanted You (For Christmas)" may indicate their beliefs on past lives and reincarnation, or was merely written for sentimentality's sake, but it is about an ever-present and everlasting love. While the song that follows also shares a similar sentiment in "Christmas For Me (Is You)," and reminds me of the song "As Time Goes By" from Casablanca, not for sonic, but thematic reasons.

It wouldn't be realistic without some cooler color Christmas vibes emanating from "It's Christmas Without You" and the afore-mentioned cover of "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)." 

If this were a narrative, it could be said that his love returned in time to say "Hey! Merry Christmas." It's the song that may not set off the party right, but can keep the glee from glooming, or the dance party from dying down. 

While "One More Christmas" sounds upbeat, and generally is, the song refers to a one last holiday ditch effort to convince the subject of affection that they are meant to be together. Which can be a tall order, but I have come to realize that if one has to convince another they are meant to be together, then maybe they are not.

To continue the narrative, it looks as if it was a success because the final song scores a late-night reflection on the events that preceded it. There is the protagonist with a silent smile, yet not entirely convinced he had persuaded his eternal love. The slower pace and dreamier approach are suitable for this ending. She has said she was too tired to sleep over, so the narrative ends with the protagonist  slowly laying his head on the pillow as "Santa Wants To Take You For A Ride" plays as he enters dreamland.

Goo Goo Dolls "It's Christmas All Over"

 I aim to avoid petty, but not when it comes to music. I am a casual fan I will admit, but he was write, "Christmas is a rockin' time" and this enthralling missletune is a worthy addition to the Christmas Canon (Rock). The Goos manage to give this song a new energy, albeit staying true to the original, which I can say accounts for most of the covers but is not always a bad thing; the best being "Shake Hands with Santa Claus."

Robby sings with the Chipmunks in their version of "Christmas Don't Be Late," which is an oddly charming rendition; they both write good songs, but songs that Takac lends vocals for tend to stray from the bottle of "pop."

While "This Is Christmas" tends to bring visions of an angel city and a rush of endorphins for some, "You Ain't Gettin Nothin" features visions of presents instead of a sugar plum. The former song and its referential counterpart sing about the gravity of love, and the lengths they would take to see, or be the reason for, their smile. Their other original tune incorporates tough love for a kid, with a middle name of chaos, and may mirror the fun he has (without any of the trouble he causes). 

If original version praying for "Better Days", sung by Sydney McGorman in this version, was beckoning eye sweat, this one also will punch you in the gut. It straddles between sincerity and those poignant ads asking for donations; that is not to say it is not of good quality, it's just an observation.

The trio of traditional covers that precede "The Christmas Party" remind me of Scott Weiland's holiday declaration that it's The Most Wonderful Time of Year, and I would say that it can be, but their renditions never reach their potential of cool; like Weiland, they played it safe, yet sounded good enough doing it. Their collaboration with Union Square 5 was like hearing a different band, with a renewed vigor, and would have made the other covers more than good enough.

One last (original) tune about Christmas is one last acoustic number that continually states, "we don't need a reason to love one another again." It's enough for the Goos and Kudian Kai, and accompaniment to perform "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm" in a brassy fashion.

The Monkees "Christmas Party"

 What kind of jerk invites himself to a Christmas Party uninvited just to criticize the hosts? I can be a jerk, but I am merely critiquing what I heard. I'm going to keep it short and sweet and start with one of the best compliments I can give. This may be the closest to a proper full-length Beatles (lite) Christmas record you are going to receive. 

I look forward to the original, or songs rarely covered, the most on a Christmas record because how many times has "The Christmas Song" or "Silver Bells" been reinterpreted? Roughly 13,208 for the former and 8,451 for the latter, respectively (information brought to you by Spotify)

While the cover of "I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday" did not have as much energy, or generate as much enthusiasm, as other versions I have heard prior to this it was pleasant enough. The same goes for their rendition of "Mele Kalikimaka." "Wonderful Christmastime" was my favorite in this tier of covers. The triplicate of covers ending the album were tied for my favorite. 

It was cool that they not only name-dropped, but then also played the King of Soul at their "Christmas Party," and I would surmise the songs would be selections from his Christmas album, which is a worthwhile addition to the Christmas Canon. 

While I like both songs, I find it peculiar that the second song replaces Jesus in the song that is inspired by the ever-present query that guides us to follow our better angels in "What Would Santa Do?" yet they have a song called "Jesus Christ." Both worthy of multiple listens, even if the latter can be repetitive, and stress the wrong date of birth.

Brett Eldredge "Mr. Christmas"

 While there is a generally accepted queen of Christmas, the title of Mr. Christmas is still vacant, or was.  Call it a self- fulfilling prophecy, but I cannot see another artist using this moniker, other than Brett Eldredge. 

While there are a lot of pleasant original tunes in his canon, and he has a good track record when it comes to his full-length albums, I wasn't the biggest fan of his debut holiday record. However, I appreciated the album for what it was. There was this Glow that seemed to surround him when he performed these classic songs, as well as the eponymous original. You could tell that he was enjoying every bit of it....

...so much that he compiled another collection of yuletide covers, with some new audio ornaments, to adorn this tree to support his case as Mr. Christmas. While I don't believe another record was necessary, I happened to appreciate this one more than its predecessor, and somehow forgot of his main competitor, Michael Buble, and his firm stamp on the genre with his pleasant covers and even better holiday originals.

Aloe Blacc "Christmas Funk (2019)"

 Are you in a post-Christmas Funk? Maybe this gift to the ears can convince solace to meet you at your record player, streaming service or headphones, instead of that bottle half-full of empty promises.