Friday, 27 November 2020

Collabro - Christmas Is Here


4 WEEKS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!

Buy-stream Christmas Is Here (album) here (external link)
Buy-stream Christmas Is Here (single) here (external link)
Read my thoughts on Collabro's Stars album festive songs here

They've done alright for themselves, haven't they, those Collabro blokes? They've parlayed their Britain's Got Talent success into an enduring, sustainable career that brings delights to thousands of fans around the world. Their harmonious voices and ability to recreate songs with emotive insight has seen all 5 of their albums make the top 12 (!) of the UK Album Sales chart. They return with their (hopefully) inaugural Christmas album - simply titled Christmas Is Here. I'll confess that I've been longing for them to gift us with a full festive set ever since they released a couple of bobby dazzlers as part of their Stars special edition album back in 2014. Not only does that album have my favourite cover shot of the lads (I still try and emulate the stylish cool of Michael's look at work to this day), but gave sumptuous versions of White Christmas and Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas that are now Holiday Playlist perennials. Christmas Is Here is just as much of a treat - here's what Jamie, Michael, Thomas and Matt serve up this time around...
  • It's The Most Wonderful Time of The Year ~ personally I believe every Christmas album should start with this (or It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas) and this version is the spirit-boosting endorphin rush we all need after the global pandemic days of 2020. With gleeful, orchestral instruments and their timeless harmonies, this is performed beautifully - it transports you to lavish Hollywood Movie musical soundstages of the 50s and whirls you around with a glittering delight. 
  • O Holy Night ~ I'm very protective of my favourite carol of all time but I'll confess that this version bought a wee tear to my eye. There is such solemn reverence in the vocals, such smooth melodic grace in the delivery that it is as if the worries of the world fade away as you listen. The layered voices building into the first crescendo of "fall on your knees" is glorious; while the simmering build up to that rousing finale is nothing short of jaw dropping. Stand by to be stunned as this is an orchestral and vocal triumph.
  • Lonely This Christmas ~ I worried this song might be too apt and on the nose for many this year, yet never doubt Collabro. They got your back. In the poignant sorrow of their arrangement, there is such shimmering beauty that you can't help but be captivated. The doo-wop, finger click vibe lets their voices shine brighter than the stars in the sky. Falsetto flows against baritone and it entwines as effortlessly as whipped cream into hot chocolate. They sing to make us feel better but also because its too hard to keep their feelings inside.
  • In The Bleak Midwinter ~ Collabro are crossing genres and bending them to their will on this album and it unveils more joy when they perform this stark but haunting lullaby. Elegiac strings swathe their voices in a tender musical caress while their individual vocals and combined singing is entirely mesmerising. If you close your eyes you imagine yourself in the most ornate of Britain's great cathedrals with these four giving you the most majestic carol concert you could possibly imagine. 
  • Winter Wonderland ~ oh I do love it when the Collabro chaps get all frisky. They are in a playful mood on this frolicking classic. Jingling percussion and cheeky instrumental flourishes dance along side their genuinely happy sounding vocals. They do sound like they are having a jolly good time performing the song and it is a sentiment that is only acceptable contagion this year. It is a sassy brassy trip and I can't get enough!
  • I'll Be Home For Christmas ~ if this was a classic vinyl record, Winter Wonderland would have concluded side A whilst this heart wrenching yet hopeful ode would be a stellar start to side B. The swell of the strings seems to buoy the boys, helping them believe the words they sing. They infuse the song with such aching yearning that you can almost reach out and touch it. It is enough to make you believe in the impossible...
  • Silent Night ~ its back to that carol concert for one of the world's most loved seasonal songs and it is a world class performance. The first verse is hushed and respectful, where every word of the greatest story ever told is savoured. This continues throughout the song, but the boys add power and emphasis to just the right moments. There is a skill to ensuring projection on recorded music and one the guys excel at. They don't need to belt it to the rafters - the determined intonation of their voice makes it fly there all on its own.
  • All I Want For Christmas Is You ~ just when you think there is nothing new to add to the myriad of covers of this undeniable contemporary classic, Collabro make it the best pop-theatrical gem you could wish for. They keep the peppy sleigh ride zest of the original, add flourishes of brass and use the solo spotlight to make this feel like a convivial confession. The backing vocals are mellifluous gold whilst the joined-together moments are spine-tingling perfection. Grab the one you love and shimmy. HARD.
  • Ave Maria ~ if you want a master class in how to make an operatic classic sound like a boy band era undiscovered pop bauble then you've come to the right place. It is the type of sound Westlife would take to the top of the charts and Collabro deserve no less success with this revelation. Kudos here (and throughout the album) must go to the flawless band of musicians who work in symbiotic partnership with Collabro to make their notes as part of the narrative as the lyrics. 
  • The Christmas Song ~ the boys have always been contemporary crooners and they are in their element on this Nat King Cole evergreen. Crisp delivery and an opulent score make this a music box delicacy. The well-worn words still sound fresh and, although its been said many times (many ways), there is still a thrill in hearing it performed with such loving appreciation. The fab four don't need fading fads or passing trend to bring something new to old songs. They manage just fine on their own.
  • Christmas Is Here ~ quick note: Ben Adams is a festive marvel who is perhaps under-appreciated. Last year, his All Wrapped Up album and dazzling single, This Is Christmas, were two of the best releases of the year. This year he has crafted a stunner for the guys to sing - an original number that stands shoulder to shoulder with the luminary treasures that have come before. With lyrics about how letting the magic of the season in and the good will that comes with it, it feels a poignant reminder to not let circumstances get us down. Jamie, Matt, Thomas and Michael leave us with sincere, dulcet tones that will linger until New Year. Guaranteed to make you feel merry and bright. The race for the Christmas number one begins here...
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