Thursday, 19 November 2020

Mitchell Tenpenny - Neon Christmas


5 WEEKS UNTIL CHRISTMAS EVE!!

Buy-stream Neon Christmas here (external link)

Singer songwriter, Mitchell Tenpenny, is bringing his ho-ho-hoe down country music charm to the most wonderful time of the year via his brand new seasonal selection box, Neon Christmas. Following on from his still-stellar single Broken Up (one of the finest of 2020), Mitchell mixes some original compositions alongside timeless classics. It is a testament to his songwriting prowess (and that of his songwriting partners Earnest Keith Smith, Rafe Tenpenny, Matt Rogers, Andy Albert, Lindsay Rimes and Jordan Schmidt) that this newbies sparkle as brightly as his reinventions of the tried and tested favourites. Across seven satisfying songs he immerses you in the magic of the holidays - making you feel how wondrous it can be rather than just telling you. No doubt a future perennial for years to come...
  • O Holy Night ~ my all time favourite carol is usually performed with a bombastic pomp that matches the majesty of the lyrics. Stripping it back to focus on the vocal, piano and guitar gives Mitchell the chance to savour every single word he sings. The charming sincerity in his voice is quite captivating - and that first gentle crescendo into "fall on your knees" shows how he injects power into his singing without having to belt it to the rafters. Quite beautiful.
  • Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow ~ the lilting Nashville style instrumental somehow gives this chilly favourite a sunny, relaxed vibe. Mitchell gives full on romantic serenade here, conjuring up images of cosy log cabins and twinkling Christmas trees. The way he bends the melody to his will gives a nuanced insight into the lyrics whilst the spoken outro is possibly the most seductive thing you'll hear this year outside a Hallmark Holiday Movie...
  • Snow Angels ~ the first original song feels like it should be racing up the pop charts any minute now. An aching declaration of love with vivid, descriptive lyrics, Mitchell sings with a passion that is tangible. Chiming bells and hushed harmonies cascade like snowflakes falling; you are soon immersed in that sumptuous chorus - a smooth jam with r&b undertones make this a delight that lingers in your head all the live long day.
  • Neon Christmas ~ the EP's title track is a kick-up-your-heels/grab-the-one-you-love-and-shimmy festive romp that is utterly infectious. The score is brilliantly textured, meaning that each time you listen it unveils something new to you - meanwhile, Mitchell's ebullient singing is guaranteed to make you feel merry and bright. Throw in that exhilarating key change and it is feel good country-pop music at its finest. Play loud and often right into New Year...
  • Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas ~ it is clear how much Mr Tenpenny loves this song; stripping it back to its architectural blueprints and rebuilding it lovingly to match the style of this EP. A glittering percussion, elegant guitar and playful piano moments caress his smooth singing style - he balances just a tinge of melancholy and reflection with the hopeful optimism that has made this a favourite for decades. You can't help but feel Judy Garland would have quite enjoyed it.
  • Joy To The World ~ there are many facets to how people celebrate Christmas; Mitchell's reminder of the greatest story ever told is a triumph. It is such a contrast to my favourite version (Mariah on her Merry Christmas album). She belts it out in jubilant celebration, yet Mitchell achieves just as much with his quiet reverence & thoughtful instrumental. Makes the crazy noise of the world outside stop, even if just for a moment...
  • Naughty List ~ across the EP, Mitchell has shown how magical he finds the holidays yet, as with the title track, there are those rabble rousing moments that make you think he'll take you down the pub for a pint on Christmas Eve. The sass and ballsy attitude on Naughty List aids that impression. It is juxtaposed with the sweet vocal style - a fine and cheeky end to a great collection of songs that will have you smiling until 2021. 
**Ghosts of Christmas Past**
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