Saturday, 5 December 2020

Matt Bloyd - Christmas Changes Everything


20 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!

Buy-stream Christmas Changes Everything here (external link)

I don't know much about Matt Bloyd, other than his Twitter bio says that he sings sometimes - and that his duet with Jordan Sparks (A Baby Changes Everything; on both their festive sets this year) led me to check out his Christmas Changes Everything album.  I'm really glad I did - 2020 has been a bumper year for new seasonal sets and I've listened to carols and contemporary classics sung many different ways. Matt's warm, expressive voice and ability to immerse himself in the heart of the lyrics makes each song he sings feel brand new all over again. There is a timeless vibe to the album which means it will easily become a perennial favourite to be experienced and savoured year after year. A lovely find and one you should be recommending to all your friends...
  • Silent Night ~ the album opens with an a cappella masterpiece; showcasing Matt's vocal ability as he delivers reverent deference to the mighty lyrics in every single note. Gorgeous texturing of the harmonies feels like a choir of angels arriving to sing this song with him. It has this soothing, calming effect that helps the worries of the world melt away. An exquisite introduction to the set that puts you in just the right frame of mind.
  • Do You Hear What I Hear? ~ huge gospel backing vocals and a lush instrumental makes this a majestic wall of sound. Matt's voice remains the glorious anchor of this, delivering his melodic sermon in a way that makes you want to raise your hands to the heavens and testify with him. Add in that soaring note that sweeps the listener into the key change and you are left tingling with joy. 
  • A Baby Changes Everything (ft Jordin Sparks) ~ 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.
  • Never Thought of Christmas ~ this reflective piano-vocal ballad is the type of song that used to nestle a-top the UK charts in the race for the prestige of being Britain's Christmas Number One; this searing song deserves no less recognition or success. A soulful vocal accentuates the earnest narrative, whilst the range of his voice lets all the heartache seep through. 
  • Hallelujah (ft Jeremy Jordan) ~ I mean, if you are going to sing the Leonard Cohen classic, you may as well bring one of Broadway's brightest stars to accompany you. Matt's contact list on his phone must be a tremendous sight! You can tell both vocalists are savouring every word they get to sing, letting it linger so the magic of their combined tones stays with you long after the song fades away. An elegant, orchestral score shimmers alongside them like mist on the horizon. Exquisite.
  • Little Drummer Boy ~ the gradual crescendo of this song from tentative mellifluous prayer to a huge dramatic finale is both joyful and triumphant. The precision of the beat and cadence of Matt's voice helps the listener march in step to the performance, as a fiery spirit of righteousness fuels this symbiotic partnership between voices and instruments. Quite astonishing.
  • Home ~ the Michael Buble classic feels particularly relevant this year. It has been a year where loved ones are separated by a global pandemic, travel restrictions and fear of illness keeping families and friends apart. Matt's sensitive portrayal of that saturates every second of the song, an aching longing that we can all relate to. Look through old photos and try not to weep at your treasured memories.
  • Santa Claus Is Coming To Town ~ look, he may have stay 2 metres away, but little Saint Nick sure is a-coming! It is like the hopeful reminder after the stark (yet beautiful) melancholy of the track which precedes it. Matt is ready to kick up his heels and get everyone in the party spirit with ravishing harmonies and an ebullient vocal. Makes you merry and bright. 
  • The Christmas Song ~ the studied performance is a fitting finale to a smashing album. Just Matt and piano chords (that tell as much of the story as Matt himself), this is a genuine wish that is mighty hard not to believe in. That final note is like the brightest star in the firmament - a falsetto moment that will fill you with glad tidings until at least New Year.
at

No comments:

Post a Comment