38 DAYS TIL CHRISTMAS!!
Buy G4's Christmas here (Amazon UK)
As someone who watched G4's rise to fame via The X Factor back in 2004, it's rather heartwarming to see the lads back together for an all new G4 musical experience. Ben, Jonathan and Mike are now joined by Nick on their brand new seasonal album G4 Christmas and it is as if they have never been away. With new music to enjoy and a Carols by Candlelight tour coming to a venue near you very shortly (I was lucky enough to see them sing at Coventry Cathedral ten years ago so can't wait for St Paul's in Birmingham next week), they are here to remind you that, with G4, it really is the most wonderful time of the year. Their collection of 11 songs explore all facets of the season and, as always, the quartet are able to imbue the songs with nuanced emotions that make them all the more intimate and resonant to the listener. This is quite the accomplishment, considering that the album was recorded in the venues they are touring so has that expansive choral effect that lets our fellas voices soar to maximum effect. It's an album that lets them share their passion for Yuletide in a way that is delightful, reflective and ultimately uplifting.
It begins with a reverent version of the carol O Holy Night. Accompanied just by a delicate piano, their textured vocals really allow the awe-inspiring nature of the lyrics shine forth as brightly as their harmonies. They ebb and flow with the power of their voices, letting the quiet moments have their hushed deference whilst powering forward to give the rousing words ("Fall on your knees" and "Behold your King" in particular) the emphatic majesty they deserve. When the choir joins in at the end of the song, it's an unexpected and breathtaking effect that is like the angels in the heavens joining in this celestial song. They are more playful on the Christmas Medley, which includes Let It Snow, White Christmas, Rudolph The Red Nose Reindeer and I Saw Mummy Kissing Santa Claus. There is an impish glee that runs through the songs and the piano is just as charming with it's dancing refrain. Cleverly, they manage to weave elements of the four songs across the medley that knits it tightly together - and all this coalesces to make it a really fun romp. What accentuates this the most though is that G4 just seem to be having a splendid time with it and that really is conveyed in the recording. I'm not overly familiar with Panis Angelicus but I was moved and mesmerised by the performance given. It's Latin for Bread of Angels and it really is taking time to explore what the lyrics mean (here) because they are as stirring and passionate as each individual vocal and group harmony that you hear on this radiant and respectful tune. This leads into a serene version of the indelible Mariah classic All I Want For Christmas Is You. An a cappella opening really highlights the pathos and melancholy of unrequited love, stripped off those exuberant whistles and bells - it's never gloomy or depressing though; the innate beauty of the arrangement brings in the optimism and joy by gradually adding in shuffling percussion and a more jolly piano riff. You're on running the gamut of emotions because it's soon finger clicking hope, like some musical prayer. Great lead vocal (with some rock tinges) from Jonathan (is there a Brit Award for best Christmas vocal because there should be)!
A selection of carols takes you to Songs of Praise. Starting with Good King Wenceslas, the hammond organ reminds you of every school and church carol concert you've ever been to - and there's convivial congregational moments that will have you singing along with unabashed vigor. It certainly gives you a taste of what Carols by Candlelight is going to be like and really highlights the organic nature of these arrangements. Away In A Manger continues this theme with some angelic solos and an elegant grace. It's clear that it is the words and melody of this enduring standard that are the focus here - G4 and friends (see what I did there?!) are just honoured enough to be able to sing them as part of this project. O Come All Ye Faithful brings you back to that feeling of being in church on Christmas Eve, when peace, kindness and goodwill seems to permeate the atmosphere. And surely, we could use some of this all year round - not just for a few days of the year. It's all so vivid and evocative that you can almost smell the incense and hear the clink of coins on the collection plate. Amazing Grace sees Jonathan take the initial lead vocal again, but don't for one minute think that Nick, Mike and Ben aren't integral to the overall effect of the song because their harmonies and own solo moments lift this to the heavens. Exquisite.
Once In Royal David's City was the opening song to their carol concerts from years back. As they start singing it took me back to how they entered singing the song from the back of the cathedral - it really was a spellbinding moment and is just as pleasing here. This takes us into the only non-Christmas song on the album, yet one that sits seamlessly alongside the others. Bring Him Home (from Les Miserables) is a fervent plea for the safe return of a loved one - and doesn't that seem just so much more necessary and poignant at Christmas? Elegiac strings shimmer alongside the emotion-fueled vocals of our boys. Each word is a performance in itself, crescendoing and fading just like how hope can swell and diminish on a whim. It's a fine, fine take on such a well known song and done so very well that it feels like it was always there just waiting for G4 to sing it (you must also check out their actual goose-bump inducing version of One Day More with Rock Choir - entirely stunning. I look forward to the G4 do Les Mis album). It all comes to a close with Silent Night - as gracious and flawless as everything that has come before it. G4 have provided a setting that celebrates Christmas in a way that makes you want to bring your loved ones closer with a sound that is as timeless and endearing as the songs themselves. Quite simply, splendid.
**Ghosts of Christmas Past**
Brilliant review and I agree with you.
ReplyDeleteI must add it qwas lovely surprise to hear jonathan sing 2nd verse away in a manger age 9 years and it was so great