Friday, 17 December 2021

Magnus Carlsson - God Jul


8 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS (Christmas in a week and a day)

Buy-stream God Jul here (external link)
Read my Magnus Carlsson Christmas music reviews here

You know, it's Christmas in a week and a day - which means it is time to check in to see if Santa-in-Training, Magnus Carlsson, has released any new holiday music this year. Of course he has - a lovely EP of new seasonal songs in his native Swedish tongue. God Jul just goes to show how the music of the most wonderful time of the year can transcend any language barriers to cast a spell as magical as the power of Father Christmas' sleigh. It has been a stellar year for Mr Carlsson who also released his triumphant Atmosphere album (an opus full of sparkling pop gems) so God Jul (Merry Christmas) is just the star a-top his festive tree of musical delights...
  • God Jul ~ the EP's title track is a warm, shimmering ballad that conveys how we all want to give love another chance as the dark nights draw in and the glimmering lights adorn houses everywhere. Swathed in his memories and accompanied by lilting guitar and gently pulsing percussion, Magnus sings his ode to a second chance with a genuine aching that comes across in his engaging vocal. There is beauty in the melancholy and that is the real gift here.
  • Jag är på väg till Stockholm (Driving Home for Christmas) (Live) ~ Magnus gives his own take on the Chris Rea classic, making the lyrics more personal to him yet not losing any of the charm of the original. A playful keyboard dances alongside his voice, whilst chiming bells and perky beats add texture to the score. Dreamy backing vocals enhance the anticipation and excitement of the story Magnus tells; all coalescing for a mesmerising car soundtrack you'll love to play.
  • Välkommen hem (Live) ~ seems the drive home was a safe one because Magnus follows up the previous song with a lush, Irish tinged ballad that translates to the inviting glow of Welcome Home. The organic nature of the instrumental crafts a wintry aura that blends with Magnus' resonant and heartfelt performance perfectly. There is something timeless about the score that transcends trends, yet something timely about the words that feels soothing & blissful.
  • Himmel i Advent (No Ordinary World) (Live) ~ sumptuous piano chords, sweeping orchestral strings and textured guitar strumming cascade like lights glittering on the tree; a pretty and delightful instrumental that is as essential to the narrative of the song as those poetic words. There is something just so rousing about the song that it wraps around the listener like shiny paper around the most treasured of gifts. Heaven in advent indeed. 
  • Julens tid är här (Live) ~ Magnus' Merry Christmas EP comes to a close with the contemporary lullaby of a song that takes me back to the time when Cliff Richard would top the British charts each year at Christmas with a song as resplendent as this. It is a welcome throwback, a respite from the crazy world we live in. The choir of angels backing vocals gives the message of Christmas Time Is Here a glow as bright as the highest star in the firmament. Magnificent.
**Ghosts of Christmas past**
at

No comments:

Post a Comment