Christmas Music Review
I Dream Of Christmas by Norah Jones
I DREAM OF CHRISTMAS, Norah Jones
So Christmas came early for me this year when Norah Jones announced that she was releasing a Christmas album in October. Honestly, this album is a dream for serious Norah Jones fans. Each track is touched by the signature melodic, Calgon-take-me-away sound her voice consistently gives.
Jones released I DREAM OF CHRISTMAS on October 15th and specific tracks from the work of art have already been featured a couple of times on The Music Monday Playlist.
The project starts with Christmas Calling (Jolly Jones). As the piano plays, I feel led to put the kettle on for some hot chocolate and marshmallows. Then the album continues with Christmas Don’t Be Late. The run on the “Me, I want a hula hoop” lyric is slow, easy, and fantastic. Christmas Glow sounds like a beautiful snowfall. This song makes me feel like I am walking through a wintry mix looking at lights in neighborhoods that compete with their house decor. It’s Only Christmas Once A Year gives Hallmark vibes, so you can put this on rotation between the endless showings of holiday movies on their TV channel. You’re Not Alone is a beautifully written song that is completely about the gospel of Jesus. The sound takes me to church, specifically the chorus and piano accompaniment. A Holiday With You is a fun ditty from the perspective of someone longing to spend the season with their crush. The good time continues with a tune about the reindeer of all reindeer in Run Rudolph Run. The title track, I Dream Of Christmas, continues the feels from Christmas Glow in giving the same warmth with a bit of an 80s/90s rhythm pattern. And with I’ll Be Home For Christmas, this good time comes to an end. But it doesn’t have to due to the ease of looping the album on your streaming platform of choice. Spotify is favored most deeply in my household.
Please don’t just take my word for it, I strongly suggest you experience this bit of holiday music excellence for yourself. It is quite clear Norah Jones and Christmas music go hand-in-hand. The fine pairing is indeed classic and will no doubt be enjoyed for years to come.
“When those weary nights, take over your mind, I say His love won’t leave you behind”
INFINITE CHRISTMAS, Infinity Song
Coming from a large family, I have a sweet spot in my heart for sibling music groups. When I first learned about Victory Boyd, I was surprised to learn that she also had brothers and sisters who can all SING. Their group Infinity Song released a 3-track EP with Christmas tunes that you will definitely want to play at your gatherings this year.
Christmas Baby is a cute song about longing for a gift of a person. It has a bit of a summer vibe, and the visual reminds me of the R & B videos I grew up on. Home For Christmas is a feel-good tune with a pop, California flare. The chorus is particularly catchy. The guitar intro on Beautiful Christmas sets the tone for the track. The lyrics cause you to stop and sit in gratitude.
Honestly, the fact that a family of siblings created this whole project adds to the goodness of it. Whether you are with your cousins, grandparents, children, aunts and uncles or at home solo on Christmas, INFINITE CHRISTMAS brings the joyful spirit of the holiday, with a lot of happiness, to your home.
A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS, Vince Guaraldi Trio
Now we shall get into one of my top favorite Christmas albums of all time. Yes, it reminds me of my childhood. Yes, there are no lyrics. Yes, I believe this work is genius. A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS continues to be a timeless treasure every December.
From the happiness of the keys in Skating to the dramatic overtones in What Child Is This, this album provides the perfect soundtrack for an intimate gathering, a classroom busy at work, or a large office party.
I want to specifically focus on Linus and Lucy for a second. The opening begins with the deeper octave of keys, immediately drawing you in. As the chords continue, they tell a story and set the scene for daydreaming to take place. Towards the end, a break happens in the song as the keys rise the scales bringing me, the listener, SHEER DELIGHT.
Christmastime Is Here, Greensleeves, and O Tannebaum are other holiday classics the trio covers. Overall, this album is the definition of Christmas music. Again, please don’t just take my word for it. I implore you to take it in for yourself. Yes, you will want to pull out the Christmas tree. Yes, you will want to pull out lights to decorate your porch and windows. Yes, you will want to bake cookies. Oh, and of course you will want to watch the actual special, “A Charlie Brown Christmas” repeatedly.
Kendolyn Walker is a creative based in Harlem who serves as producer and founder of The City Love Collective: City Love on the Radio, City Love NYC and the City Love Picnic.
