Friday, 5 December 2025

Matt Bloyd - Feels Like Christmas


20 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!

Stream Feels Like Christmas here (external link)

Five years since his excellent Christmas Changes Everything album, Matt Bloyd is back with a new EP of seasonal songs. Feels Like Christmas features four new recordings from the gifted vocalists, giving his own personal insight into some of your favourite Christmas songs. After a brief but entertaining prelude of Auld Lang Syne, Matt lets us know exactly why it Feels Like Christmas. This jaunty, mid-tempo acoustic guitar romp sets the scene for the EP perfectly. Matt paints a vivid Christmas card scene by singing in a way that lets you know he is embracing all the joy of the season. It's cosy and romantic, with convivial fa-la-la moments that will make you feel merry and bright. He's then inviting pals Katherine McPhee and Pia Toscano for a powerhouse rendition of Where Are You Christmas. Graceful strings ensconce this charming version, full of the world weary resignation that can make adults feel tired at the most wonderful time of year. Individually all three vocalists have lovely lilting solo moments, but together it is like honey melting into hot chocolate. Pure bliss. 

Gong from one Mariah Carey penned song to another, Matt next delivers an achingly beautiful version of Miss You Most (At Christmas Time). A delicate piano underscores the fragility of the emotions within the lyrics while Matt imbues the words with the right emphasis to give them power (without needing to belt them to the rafters). The quiet, reflective nature of the production makes it a captivating gem that lets the worries of the world fade away. There is an exquisite solemnity to the song that flows nicely into the soothing yet uplifting finale. Merry Christmas Darling was my mum's favourite Christmas song, so I'm always appreciative when someone covers it in such a thoughtful, reverent manner. His voice covers a wide range up and down the scale, sliding as smoothly as if skating on the ice. There are luxurious touches of backing vocals and shimmering instrumental breaks that add to the overall magic and sparkle of the song. If you add this EP to your holiday playlist it is going to Feel Like Christmas all season long...

**Ghosts of Christmas Past**
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