Monday, 18 November 2019

Chantal Kreviazuk - Christmas Is A Way Of Life My Dear


37 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!

Buy Christmas Is A Way Of Life My Dear here (Amazon GB)

I first heard the dulcet tones of Canadian chanteuse, Chantal Kreviazuk, via the magic of the Dawson's Creek soundtrack; her song Feels Like Home was an enchant(al)ing introduction to her music. Over the years I've became a full on believer - immersing myself in her albums and spinning one off singles (like her duet with Avril Lavigne on O Holy Night). It was that duet that made me long for a full album of seasonal songs from Ms Kreviazuk and, finally, my Christmas wish has come true. Christmas Is A Way of Life My Dear is a charming exploration of the magic and emotions that the most wonderful time of year can bring. With shimmering, ethereal arrangements which swathe her vocal style beautifully, this is going to be one selection box of songs you return to year after year after year...

The album sets the musical and lyrical tone with the music box majesty of Shine. Delicate chimes swirl gracefully as Chantal sings "we're all made of Christmas/we're all made of light" and instantly you are swept up in her hopeful vision for humanity. It may only be 55 seconds but its impact lingers long after the music has faded. This sweet aura continues into Christmas Is A Way Of Life My Dear. The album's title track urges you to keep the wonderful sentiments of the season all year round. The narrative eloquently conveys exactly how I feel about Christmas, set to a beautifully sing-along refrain. The jingling beats and buoyant score are enhanced by the sumptuous backing vocals; it is as if the more Chantal sings her message, the more the joy of the season spreads to all around. New Christmas standard for absolute certainty. Winter Wonderland is the first dive into the great Christmas songbook. Once again, the texture of harmonised vocals and peppy sleigh-ride style rhythms cascade around a performance from Chantal that is imbued with the sheer glee of performing such luminary classics. A lilting piano solo in the bridge is as intricate and elegant as the first snow of the season. Blue Christmas features husband Raine Maida and MoonVsSun - the first hint of melancholy on the album. Christmas is a time of heightened emotions so the highs sure feel high but the lows are all the more resonant. The percussion-driven instrumental highlights the stark nature of the feelings being sung with such pathos. It is exquisitely done, two vocalists giving world-class yearning.

Wonderful Christmastime sees Chantal keep festivities in the family - she is joined by her son Salvador Maida on a whimsical version of the Paul McCartney classic. A pared down tempo means each words has time to be savoured whilst the simplicity of the accompanying piano gives it an intimate feel. Individually they are splendid; together there is something mesmerising about their voices. And when a choir of children sing their song it gives you goosebumps. What Child Is This continues the stripped back musical accompaniment; meaning the solemnity of the eternal words radiate like chimes from the cathedral bells. There is a reverence to the performance which makes it timeless - it would sound as earnest and humble fifty years ago as it will in fifty years time. The wordless solo in the middle 8 is nigh on celestial. Which may be why Chantal then sings I Wanna Be An Angel. It is a sterling new winter ballad which could be played beyond the season - it is a fervent plea that takes flight thanks to words the world can relate to; a melody which wraps around you like a hug from your oldest friend. And just in case you had forgotten, the range of Ms Kreviazuk's voice is just spellbinding.

Once you have recovered from the ebullient crescendo of the previous number, it is straight onto another original composition. Overthinking is the second song in a row which could give the opus life the other ten months of the year (when it is not as socially acceptable to play Christmas music for some bonkers reasons). It is a plaintive ode to how life can get far too complicated - it is best when we are with those we love. The lyrics are brutally honest, as if Chantal has reached into your soul and conveyed your innermost thoughts in a mellifluous manner. As if to take heed of her own musical testimony, Silent Night is as beautifully pure and wholesome as you might imagine. It instantly conjures up images of every carol concert you have been too; paints a picture of the stillness of the frosty Christmas Eve ushering in the big day. I've heard iterations of this song done in a hundred different ways; when they are as serene and soothing as this it feels brand new all over again. The album comes to a close with The Christmas Train. Salvador takes the vocal lead and brings the album full circle, back to the pleasing sermon of Shine and Christmas Is A Way Of Life My Dear. In that sense, the album is almost like a theatrical stage production - where the themes and melodies weave across the songs. Choo choo, all aboard this polar express of your new favourite future Christmas oldies.

**Ghosts of Christmas Past**
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