Friday, 28 October 2022

Olivia Rox - An Olivia Rox Christmas


58 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!

Buy Olivia Rox's An Olivia Rox Christmas here (external link)

I love that my infatuation with all things Christmas music introduces to artists that, in this crowded musical marketplace, I might not have otherwise been aware of. It means I not only get some new festive fare but a whole back catalogue to investigate. That is certainly the case with Olivia Rox - an American Idol contestant from a few years back (this Brit boy doesn't get to see those shows); her pop certainly rox and she has curated a collection of your soon to be favourite future oldies (including a couple in different musical styles, like a melodic choose your ending adventure book). She certainly can belt out a tune and definitely knows how to craft a canny hook...
  • It's Christmastime ~ I feel slightly chagrinned that this charming song is three years old and yet I am only hearing it for the first time today. My Christmas detective skills have failed me. Still, better late to the party than never - she captures all the excitement and the magic of the season with sparkling lyrics and an effusive score that glitters like the fairy lights on the most ornate tree. The song adds texture as it progresses and you are soon singing along to the jingling bells & feel good groove. Gotta love a gospel backing choir!
  • O Holy Night ~ I'm super protective of O Holy Night as it is one of my favourite carols; Olivia does a splendid job of respecting the awe of the lyrics whilst bringing something new. The dramatic, bluesy introductory bars soon blend into a guitar drenched instrumental that builds and swells in all the right places. The "fall on your knees" moment (with theatrical strings) is perfectly pitched and those notes she hits at the end go soaring past seventh heaven to cloud nine. Hear the angels singing indeed.
  • Cold Toes ~ this rather enchanting piano-driven song is as peppy as a sleigh ride with lyrics as dreamy as any wish upon a star. Her band (some of America's finest musicians) all work together to ensure the instrumental is as essential to the narrative as her own voice and those romantic words. Wraps around you like an aural hug, making you glad from head to (mistle/cold) toe. I hear that It's Christmastime was quite the fan favourite back in 2019 - this is best placed to succeed that as your staple new song for the 2022 holiday season. 
  • Christmas In L.A. ~ living in a wintry England has always meant that, more often than not, I got a white Christmas. I can't imagine a sunny winter wonderland but that is exactly what Christmas in L.A. is about, the longing for something a little more North Pole adjacent (even if just for one day). Personally, I love the pizazz of the big band version that pops up first on the E.P. but there is also a rock version that has no problem in rox(ing) your socks off. Love that clearly two vocals were recorded, one for each unique version. Bonus!
  • Boots for Christmas ~ what a rollicking romp Boots for Christmas is. The slightly grungy vibe works surprisingly well for a festive song, the emphatic guitar chords and pulsing percussion add to the enthusiastic longing of the lyrics. For those that are new to Olivia (like me), it is great to see the diversity of her range. I'm always drawn to lyrics like "Christmas is my favourite time of year" so this is a cathartic sing-along anthem to help you through the lines on Black Friday! PS, there is a national retail chain in the UK called Boots. Someone get this to soundtrack their holiday commercials!
  • Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree ~ of course the rocking is going to continue, but here is blending with some sassy horn as well as a devil fingers vocal from Ms Rox. She doesn't so much cover the song as reinvent it in her own style. It is like there is a live band in your chosen earbuds, delivering a seasonal modern rock anthem that makes you want to kick up your heels and mosh. Just like Santa and his elves on December 25th at the post-world trip party...
  • Jingle Bells ~ it is nice to have choices at Christmas; often its just the 43rd pair of socks under the tree from your Auntie Gertrude. But Olivia gives you a choice of a jazzy Jingle Bells (complete with a cabaret club piano-vocal intro that is just gorgeous) or a thrashy rock version for when you need a bit of pep in your Christmas wrapping duties. The former is a sumptuous journey into a lush winter wonderland; the latter is just an exhilarating closer to this holiday collection. Epic.
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