51 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!
Buy the deluxe edition of That's Christmas To Me here (Amazon UK)
Read my review of last year's original release here
Amazing vocal harmony a cappella group Pentatonix are going from strength to strength - and trailblazing a successful path for others of their genre to follow. Even though they have a brilliant new album of original music out, they have taken time to revisit 2014's lovely festive collection of tunes and enhance it with a selection of equally exquisite new seasonal arrangements. The deluxe edition of That's Christmas To Me continues to demonstrate how they have an inherent ability to bring something new to much-beloved tunes through teasing out nuanced emotions with thoughtful insight. They add five songs to the existing 11 (see above for review) and each is a shining new bauble adorning your already dazzling Christmas tree.
The 2015 additions kick off with a vibrant version of Joy To The World. It really is both joyful and triumphant with some uplifting and engaging vocals, a beat that's as exhilarating as any sleigh ride, some liberties with the melody of the song that really enhances your enjoyment and a rather splendiferous key change - always appreciated in the world of pop. Their love for the music is tangible and something that is cohesive across last year's release and these new tracks. Next up is (I believe) their own composition Just For Now. It's a song about really embracing the season and putting all other worldly concerns so that you can focus on the kindness and love that seems that little bit more prevalent at this time of year. They do an excellent job of detailing this through amusing anecdotes that we can all relate to, particularly within our own family relationships. The falsetto vocal really hammers home the frustrations we can feel but how that hope can bring us together, even if just for the day.
The First Noel approaches the more spiritual side of the holidays with a reverent and earnest vocal that's backed by smooth harmonies that sound like the angels singing their approval of Pentatonix's take on the classic carol. Again, they make the song their own through an extended middle 8 that really lets the song breathe - it feels very organic, particularly that elevating crescendo that takes you through to the serene and blissful conclusion. Similarly, their remake of main album track Mary Did You Know adds The String Mob and their orchestral addition weaves with grace and elegance amidst the blended Pentatonix voices. It brings a sense of gravitas and solemnity to the song as well as enhancing the drama of the lyrics. Very well done indeed.
Finally, when PTX sing Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, they give you the impression that this is a sincere and heartfelt wish for us all. Their buoyant delivery evokes memories of families and friends gathering around and will no doubt soundtrack many memories like this that we have yet to make. All in all, these tracks are a lovely extension of the atmosphere created by last year's main release and further evidence that when it comes to textured voices and harmonic convergence, PTX are second best to none.
**Ghosts of Christmas past**
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