Sunday, 14 November 2021

Ingrid Michaelson - Songs for the Season (Deluxe Edition)


41 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!

Buy-stream Songs for the Season here (external link)
Read my review of the original album release here

I could not be more ecstatic that Ingrid Michaelson has returned to her very charming indeed Songs For The Season collection. Originally released in 2018, this instantly captured my attention thanks to the heartfelt, timeless arrangements that clearly conveyed Ms Michaelson's deep, abiding love for the most wonderful time of the year. She's revisited holiday music a couple of times since then, once via a song on the Stranger Things soundtrack album and once via her delightful duet with contemporary crooner, Jason Mraz. The latter features on a deluxe edition of Songs For The Season, alongside four other sparkling new gems. The original album has been the soundtrack to many a memory and enchanting time since its release and I'm more than excited to add these new musical baubles into my collection...
  • It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year ~ it is truly magical how Ingrid can transport you back to the times when Connie Francis and Alma Cogan's songs proliferated the radio waves. This interpretation of one of my all time favourite Christmas songs has a lilting, melodic piano accompaniment with a shimmering percussive groove sweeping alongside. Layered backing vocals help accentuate the pure joy in Ingrid's voice, as she lets herself be immersed in the enchantment of the song with unfettered merriment. There are moments when the expression in her voice conveys this in such a happy way that the song will make you both merry and bright.
  • Christmas Valentine (with Jason Mraz) ~ Set to a gently strumming guitar with gorgeous cooing backing vocals, the song is about how finding the right person can make every day feel like a holiday. Both Ingrid and Jason give dreamy vocal performances that are saturated in the lilting fairytale they sing of; imbuing each word with a sense of giddy glee that is utterly contagious for the listener. Glorious accoutrements such as the elegantly dancing piano and the shimmering jingle bells enhance the magical nature of the song; that last layered chorus is so genuinely uplifting that you are left floating as high as the brightest star in the firmament. 
  • A Marshmallow World ~ take a moment to luxuriate in how well crafted the scores for these songs. Every note is carefully considered, every harmony perfectly placed, yet it all flows together with a seemingly mellifluous ease. Take the vocal bell chimes on this track - they usher in this whimsical grown up fairy tale with a timeless majesty that is just as decorous in 2021 as it would have been in 1961 and will be 2071. The playful nature of the music swirls like the most intricate snowflakes whilst Ms Michaelson takes you on the vacation you always wanted with her sparkling voice the most appealing tour guide you could ever wish for. 
  • Winter Wonderland ~ if It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year takes you back to the more innocent times of the 50s/60s, then this arrangement is like an old transistor radio traversing the passages of time to give you some lush, Andrews Sisters elegance. The three part harmonies are a delicious treat, a retro remake that feels like it is a lost addition to the soundtrack of some opulent 40s Hollywood movie musical. The strings section is so sophisticated and graceful that it is like the musical equivalent of watching ice skaters performing in a professional Christmas show. This transcends trends, defies fads and just focuses on being a little slice of happy you can snack on anytime.
  • Merry Christmas, Happy New Year (featuring Zooey Deschanel) ~ what is not to adore about two Christmas Queens sharing their favourite things about the holidays across a buoyant, finger-click, sing-along song that will still be firmly ensconced in your brain come Valentine's Day? Their individual verses are winsome charm personified yet you are elevated from seventh heaven to cloud nine when they sing together. Bonus, there is a very cute indeed stop-motion video featuring a bundled up rabbit sharing holiday joy. A gorgeous end to the album and a song that should be the UK Christmas number one this year. Please make that happen.
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1 comment:

  1. Unknown15 November 2021 at 05:11

    Big fan she is amazing. Agree it is a great album!!!

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