Monday, 22 November 2021

Matthew West - We Need Christmas


33 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!

Buy-stream We Need Christmas here (external link)

Ten years after I discovered Matthew West's ebullient anthem, Come On Christmas and five years after he taught us all about A Christmas To Believe In, the singer-songwriter is back - (fir) spruced up in his best tuxedo and delivering seasonal cheer via his public service announcement/new album We Need Christmas. It is true, we absolutely do. As my old nan would say, it has not been a tickety boo couple of years what with global pandemics and what not; a little Christmas sparkle in our lives is just the tonic that is required. When it is sung about both as reverently and joyously as Mr West does, well - it becomes an absolutely essential addition to your annual holiday playlist...

The album opens with the lush title track, We Need Christmas. With gently shimmering strings, a gorgeous piano accompaniment and Matthew's emotive voice, this is a charming hug of a ballad designed to lift the spirits and buoy the soul. Like the sharing of seasonal sentiment, the song seems to draw strength from the heart warming message and blossoms into a full sing-along anthem. Making and keeping spirits bright, Make Way is a sprightly, horn infused celebration of the greatest story ever told. It is joyful and triumphant - like the most invigorating finale to a musical that has yet to be written (but, hey, if Matt wants to get on that, that could be tremendous).

Away In A Manger (Love Came Near) takes the traditional carol and gives it a Matthew West spin - starting as a lilting lullaby before exploding in a glittering array of percussion and heavenly vocals. The blend of the familiar and new adds a thrilling new layer to this much loved song. The Hope of Christmas takes us back to the wonders of seeing the holidays through a child's eyes. It is a beautiful ballad with descriptive lyrics and feel good factor built into that soaring middle 8. Similarly, I'll Be Home For Christmas reminds what an expressive story teller Matthew is; he is a gifted raconteur, singing the song in an intimate, warm arrangement that underlines the poignant hope of the words. 

While the magic of the trumpet in the previous song still lingers, Matthew takes us on a journey through Christmas Through The Years. His reflective reminiscing is quite enchanting, as lovely as cream melting into hot cocoa and just as satisfying. Poetic lyrics help this stay with you long after the song has finished as it brings back memories of Christmas past while being the soundtrack of those yet to come. The festive portion of the album concludes with a jazzy Winter Wonderland. It is a suave, finger clicking way to bring Mr West's new collection of songs to a close; a familiar song in a fancy new get up. Oh, and for those that want a little thanksgiving magic, stick around for the rather delightful Gobble Gobble!

**Ghosts of Christmas Past**

at

No comments:

Post a Comment