Sunday, 6 December 2020

Jordin Sparks - Cider and Hennessy


19 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!

Buy-stream Cider and Hennessy here (external link)

A very Jordin Sparks Christmas is what the world needs right now. Cider and Hennessy is obviously a very personal album, all about her experiences with the holiday season. Yet it is in that intimacy of sharing that she conveys the types of memories we all have (only she is able to share them a little more melodically than the average person). 8 out of the 10 tracks are original compositions, meaning you get an insight into Ms Sparks feelings towards the most wonderful time of the year.  She doesn't hesitate to infuse the songs with the magic of Christmas music, yet there is a timeliness to the arrangements that reflect contemporary music - and ensure some songs will last way beyond the season...
  • Merry Christmas To Your Face ~ the album's opening track is a soulful gem that radiates with finger click grooves and shimmering jingle bells; her message of wanting to be with loved ones at Christmas is one that everyone will feel in the core of their being this year. Lush backing vocals and a charming, upbeat vocal performance means this embeds in your brain and sets the tone for the experience to follow...
  • It's You ~ a slow burn, romantic groove with vividly descriptive lyrics paints a picture as illustrative as any of your favourite Christmas movies. The swaying nature of the instrumental (with flirtatious keyboard chords) lets Jordin immerse herself in the wonder of the world's greatest, most redemptive emotion. Feels like a massive R&B crossover smash that could last beyond the season.
  • A Baby Changes Everything (ft Matt Bloyd) ~ there is such poignant heart and tender realisation in both the words and singing of this song that it commands your attention. With lilting piano, the opening is a gentle lullaby before the song crescendos into an anthem of hope and happiness. It feels like it is powered by the singers drawing strength from singing about the greatest story ever told, wanting to share the celestial joy with the world. A genuinely stunning vocal tour de force.
  • Top Of My List ~ Jordin is bringing the merry and bright across all these songs, like a modern day Mariah. This sparkles as brightly as the trees on the tree, an uplifting rhythm with a heartfelt performance from Ms Sparks that elevates your spirits. "I don't care what we've been through" she opines and you can't help but melt just a little at her hopeful titular wish. Utterly radiant.
  • Love is Alive ~ "even though its over/I still dream about you in colour" sings Jordin as she leans into the belief that anything can happen at Christmas. This simmering urban jam feels like it could be an Eliza moment in Hamilton; a theatrical exploration of what could be. No need to belt the refrain to the rafters; Jordin imbues it with power through the cadence of her voice and it has just as much impact.
  • Trapmas Medley ~ I must be getting old because I have no idea what Trap music is. I'm open to new musical experiences, however, and the stark percussive rhythms and lavish backing harmonies of this are a treat. Jordin takes you on a whirlwind of Christmas classics, unveiling innovative new arrangements at every twist and turn (and never losing the message of the songs that she chooses).
  • Heart of Snow ~ a plaintive ballad inspired by Christmas is yet another song that feels like it has life beyond the limitations of the December calendar. Jordin urges her lover to let hope and love into their heart to find a way back to the relationship they used to have. Aching and poignant, this is sung with such yearning that captivates from first word to last note. 
  • Cider and Hennessy ~ the album's title track is a low-down funk fest that will make you want to get the libations started and party. Sharing her festive traditions to such an insistent groove and seductive vocal (that lower register is glorious) is a two minute club moment that will have you dipping low and grooving until Santa finally arrives.
  • Oh, It's Christmas ~ on the other side of the Atlantic (where I live) us Brits send Christmas songs like this back into the charts each and every year. This should be your new future favourite oldie that will nestle alongside All I Want For Christmas Is You, Underneath The Tree and Leona's One More Sleep. Rapid fire lyrics and a catchy as all heck chorus make this a sing-along gift.
  • One More Sleep (DJ's Lullaby) ~ the album closes with a lilting, lovely ode to how seeing Christmas through children's eyes can reinvigorate the magic of the season all over again. This feels like it belongs in a Disney movie, delivered with such love and affection that it will leave you with a big happy in your heart and a smile on your face.
at

No comments:

Post a Comment