Christmas 1995: Wendy Moten - Christmas Time EP

Stream Wendy Moten's music here (Spotify)

Read my Wendy Moten album anniversary reviews here (onthisdayinpop)

Barely six months after her gorgeous second album was released (the still delightful Time For Change), Wendy Moten was back with a trio of delectable seasonal songs. Despite the massive UK success of her breakout single, Come In Out Of The Rain, I'd had to buy Time For Change on import as it was not released in my native homeland. I considered it money well spent and - considering my love of all things festive - was willing to make the same type of investment into purchasing the Japanese only EP of Christmas Time. While the EP was seven tracks in total (three singles from Time For Change plus the aforementioned Come In Out Of The Rain), it was the new Christmas songs which were the main draw. Two original compositions plus her take on one indelible classic was enough to enchant me - sumptuous production values and heartfelt, emotive vocals made this one brief but satisfying collection that has since become a part of my annual holiday playlist. It is nigh on criminal that it is not on streaming, though you can track down the songs on YouTube if you fancy a listen - it is well worth 15 minutes of your time...

• Christmas Time ~ the title track to this mini-Yuletide escapade is a shimmering adult contemporary mid-tempo ballad which encapsulates all the magic of the season. It is the evocative vocal delivery of the descriptive lyrics which makes this such a vivid treat; meanwhile the lovely instrumental is infused with layered harmonies, a soothing percussive groove and lovely piano. The crescendo in the middle 8, leading to the key change & final chorus sparkles as bright as the lights on your tree. 
• The Christmas Song ~ I don't care how many versions of this song there are; when it is sung well, it showcases the timeless nature of the lyrics and the earnest sentiment of the lyrical message. Here, it becomes a cool, jazz-tinged gem - jingling bells and cascading piano gives the music a wintry feel, whilst Wendy sounds like she is both honoured and having the time of her life singing such an eternal standard. Her delivery of the final "merry Christmas" is cocooned in a sweep of strings which makes it feel like the closing moments of a 50s Hollywood movie.
• It's Christmas ~ while the second original song makes you yearn for a full album of Wendy Moten singing Christmas songs (which came via 2009's jazzy Tis The Season), this song also makes you glad for what you received. This piano-drenched ballad conveys the glad tidings of the season in way most of us aren't eloquent enough to convey. Textured voices amplify the power of the chorus, whilst chiming bells sprinkle a little bit of magic through your speakers. Wendy's voice soars with the song and it is like a hug from an old friend come to visit. Play loud, play often and tell everyone you've ever met about it!