Tuesday, 1 November 2022

Joss Stone - Merry Christmas, Love


54 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!

Buy Merry Christmas, Love here (external link)

There are a number of first Christmas albums released this season - Backstreet Boys, Debbie Gibson and, of course, Joss Stone. With its delightfully magical cover art, Merry Christmas, Love is a collection of classic festive fare all performed in sumptuous, seasonal soul session style by the inimitable Ms Stone. The album opens with a snippet from the classic tale, 'Twas The Night Before Christmas - pitching the scene & setting the tone for Joss to immerse the listener in the stories of song that soundtrack all of her holiday memories (while no doubt hoping that her interpretations create new ones too). Alongside her selection box of much loved favourites, she has seamlessly inserted two brand new compositions which will be your future favourite oldies to add to your Yuletide playlist each year for many years to come...
  • Let It Snow ~ I love that the album opens with the devil-may-care attitude of Let It Snow. Sometimes, for some people, Christmas feels like a chore; here, Joss is inviting the listener to let go of all their worries and just let the magic happen around them. With a majestic orchestra strings and playful chimes, Joss creates an atmosphere that is just too hard to resist. The enchanting harmonies that elevate the final chorus (and that outro) make you glad from head to mistletoe.
  • What Christmas Means To Me ~ the teaser single for Merry Christmas, Love is a loving tribute to the Stevie Wonder original with booming horns, lush textured gospel harmonies and a finger click percussion section. All these elements are woven together by the impressive vocals of Joss (who sounds like she is having a tremendous time performing this song). Add in that intricate, playful piano and the whole production is designed to make you feel joyful and triumphant. 
  • Winter Wonderland ~ Joss takes us all on a stroll down memory lane, transporting us to the lush soundstage of a 50s movie-musical with this delightful reminder of how Christmas music doesn't need trends or contemporary fads to sound utterly resplendent. She paints a vivid picture with her expressive vocal and brings to life the words we all know so well. That sauntering instrumental has your fingers clicking and toes a-tapping long after the music fades away...
  • Jingle Bells ~ the song by its very nature almost demands a level of frivolity and gaiety to the music; Joss brings that thanks to making it feel like it is from the finest Disney animated festive feature that has yet to be made. A resonant choir adds texture to the music, making it a convivial feature that the listener is absolutely a part of. And, like on the other songs on this album, the instrumental is such an ingrained part of the lyrical narrative that multiple listens are required to fully appreciate it!
  • Away In A Manger ~ a moment to pause and reflect on the reverence that this time of year brings for so many people. This lullaby-come-carol has lilting piano refrain and sweeping strings that are as calming as any rocking of the cradle. Joss is equally as hushed and respectful on O Little Town of Bethlehem (both songs have alternative instrumentals and I was happy that Joss went for the more mainstream). The most mesmerising of carol concerts you have been to.
  • The Christmas Song ~ I thought the opening notes were going to lead me to So Long, Farewell from The Sound of Music but instead Ms Stone gives an elegant, shimmering version of the Nat King Cole classic. There are flourishes of drama to enhance the lyrics (particularly around the curiosity of "to see if reindeer really do know how to fly) but ultimately it is a hug of a song that is as sincere a wish now as it was when first recorded in 1945...
  • If You Believe ~ the album's first original composition is a glorious exposition of the wonder of believing in the greatest Christmas hero of all (Santa Claus). Set to a little drummer boy of a percussion, the song's lyrics uplift and inspire (we could all use a bit more of the sparkle of kindness and light of love in our lives); meanwhile a genuinely euphoric vocal from the main lady herself sends this song flying higher than the great sleigh she sings about. A new Christmas classic is born.
  • Hark The Herald Angels Sing ~ as another holiday song once said "a choir of angels sing our song" and Joss sounds in her absolute element surrounded by a wall of vocal sound that elevates this version to seventh heaven. With a hosanna of gloria in the middle eight, this not only takes you to church but crafts the most ornate cathedral in your minds eye. Those final "come let us adore him" are spine tinglingly good. 
  • Snow ~ one of the most underrated/underused songs from the great film/musical White Christmas is turned from a theatrical marvel into a mystical pop song. The production softens the raucous enthusiasm of the original, instead focusing on a genuine appreciation for the weather condition that may halt the nation but still brings with it a cleansing sense of rebirth and opportunity. It is a love song that romanticises and it could not be more charming.
  • Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas ~ I always think it must be such a challenge for an artist to bring something new to these indelible standards that have been around for years (and get dozens of new takes each year). Turns out sometimes you don't need to reinvent the wheel, just sprinkle the fairydust that permeates the album, lean into the melodic piano and let your voice pull the words from the ether. You can tell it is a privilege for Joss to sing. Judy will be proud.
  • White Christmas ~ I'd be happy for Joss to release a whole pop standards version of the White Christmas soundtrack at this stage; this is the one song that transcended the movie to become an evergreen in its own right. Love the glimmer of sleigh bells in the background of the song, as if sung on a horse drawn carriage as she takes in the sights of some wonderful winter land. When her harmonious friends join in, it is as warm and toasty as an egg nog latte.
  • Bring On Christmas Day ~ an Irish lilt brings on the second original Joss Stone song on the album and it continues the theme of the album's title. A song of hope, joy, love, forgiveness and redemption (all wrapped up with a shiny bow in the anticipation of the most wonderful time of year). More than any song on the album, this feels like it has a genuine shot at the prestigious Christmas number one slot - a pop hit decorated in Christmas trimmings. The rapturous middle eight into final chorus is celestial.
  • Silent Night ~ After the pomp and cirumstance of the previous hit, Joss quietens for the album's final moment (much as she did on the hypnotic earlier track, In The Bleak Midwinter). On both, she lets the power of the words guide her singing while the instrumental accompaniment swathes her in solemn yet triumphant reflection of the greatest story ever told. Merry Christmas, love - now let's relive the whole thing again multiple times until the big day arrives. Splendid.
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