Thursday, 22 December 2022

Arvingarna - Klart Det Ska Bil Jul


3 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!

Buy-stream Klart Det Ska Bil Jul here (external link)

It may be just 3 days before Christmas but it is never too late to discover a new album full of holiday magic. A Christmas album is for life, not just the season it is released in so even if you are late to the festive musical party, there is always Christmas future to continue your enjoyment of your new find. Swedish band, Arvingarna - like the UK's Westlife - are a group that just endure thanks to their love of what they do, ability to put out a banging tune/heartfelt ballad and throngs of adoring fans. Unlike Westlife, however, Arvingarna have embraced the concept of a Christmas album - just 2 years after När Snön Faller Ner, the lads are back with a third album of holiday songs (well, extension of their 2020 album but hey, the songs are so good they deserve a second outing). Sure, it may be sung largely in Swedish but language is no barrier to finding the magic within these tunes - a fine collection of song guaranteed to add glitter and sparkle to your Christmas Eve playlist...
  • Klart Det Ska Bil Jul ~ the album's title track means Of Course It Will Be Christmas and is a charming mid-tempo ballad. With wintry acoustic guitar giving the song a folky tinge whilst elegant strings sweep in, the vocals are beautifully sincere and engaging. It is a delightful opening to the album that explodes in an effusive wall of sound that leaves you feeling merry and bright; ready for another seasonal trip with the lads...
  • Dröm Om December ~ ooo, another glorious original number (Dream of December for those not fluent in Swedish); this ups the party atmosphere by adding in some chiming bells and dreamy backing vocals that enhance the magic of the message. And, of course, who doesn't love a key change - particularly in the middle 8, meaning the anticipation of the final chorus is as enticing as going to bed on Christmas Eve and waiting for the big day to arrive.
  • önska God Jul Till Varann ~ the first hint that Arvingarna are big fans of the British Christmas charts. Their first cover version is their own harmonised take on Shakin Stevens' 1985 Christmas number one, Merry Christmas Everyone. The banjo-esque effect of the guitar plucking dancing against that bluesy horn in the middle 8 is as irresistible as whipped cream melting into hot chocolate. 
  • Juletid ~ true story: Mistletoe and Wine (Juletid) was first performed in the little known musical, Scraps, back in the late 70s. It was an Oom Pah Pah style song sung by Twiggy before it was made famous by Cliff Richard (and the UK 1988 Christmas Number One). Arvingarna deliver a fairly traditional take on the song but that doesn't mean it is any less enchanting - and great to hear them (and a children's choir) sing such a classic. 
  • Låt Mig Få Tända Ett Ljus ~ this gorgeous shimmering ballad brings piano front and centre, swathing the ethereal vocal with a music box melody that reminds of some of ABBA's greatest moments. The gradual crescendo with swirling strings and layered vocals is as glittering as the lights being illuminated on the most ornate tree. And for a song called Light A Candle it is exactly as luminous as you would want it to be.
  • När Snön Faller Ner ~ translated as When The Snow Falls, this is another fine pop moment. They certainly know what makes for an instantly catchy gem. Jingling percussion, the arrangement of the vocals and joyful & triumphant guitar accompaniment all conjure up images of silvery landscapes, whilst the guys sweetly sing of building memories that will last a lifetime. The chorus hook of this mesmerising song will last just as long...
  • Rudolf Med Röda Mulen ~ the lads go full on dansband here and it is a joy to behold. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer is exactly the type of song this genre was built for. The instrumental shines as bright as the enthusiastic vocals and it practically commands you get the libations flowing whilst kicking up your heels as if no-one is watching. And surely, doing that while everyone is watching is the point of Christmas!
  • Tomten Komma Snart ~ after the cheeky exuberance of the previous number, the band infuse Santa Claus is Coming To Town in big-band elegance with brassy horns and graceful piano swathing their cooing voices. It becomes an enchanting lullaby, the melodic bed time story to get kids, young and old, to drift off to blissful dreams before the big day arrives (until that grandiose finger-clicking finale gets your excitement levels sky high)!
  • Änglarnas jul ~ what a treat to get a taste of another of their own annual Christmas offerings from the vault. That these songs stand shoulder to shoulder with those that dominate holiday playlists year after year is a testament to the solid song craft on display. The Angel's Christmas leaves the listener feeling merry and bright, with a key change as thrilling as when Santa pops down your chimney. Just lovely.
  • Låt Oss Skänka Hopp ~ I love a Christmas song that can last beyond the holidays and Arvingarna's own Let's Give Hope is just that type of song. With uplifting lyrics, a glittering chorus, sweeping musical crescendos and a plethora of brilliantly over the top touches, every moment of this is saturated in glad tidings. It is like an aural hug, ready to be played when you need it the most. A fitting finale.
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