Matthew West ~ Come On Christmas: Two things - first off, Matthew actually has a whole album of seasonal delights out entitled The Heart of Christmas. This includes a duet with Amy Grant, who in the 90s (along with Mariah Carey and uh, Garth Brooks) was my go-to Christmas artist. So hurrah for that. Secondly, this isn't actually the official single from that album. That would be the title track (view the heartwarming video here) which also accompanies a movie of the same name. However, this track - the song that opens the album is so jam packed with festive cheer, gleeful musical arrangements and seasonal good will that I can't not bring it to your attention. It basically encapsulates everything I love about the holiday period, why it should really last all year and why you can never start enjoying it too early. All this is accompanied by some joyous horns and a genuinely uplifting vocal from young Matthew. Add to this the most wonderful sax breakdown in the middle 8 since Debbie Gibson's Should've Been The One (sorry Lady Gaga Edge of Glory), and it's a song you'll start singing in July and won't stop humming til June... Immensicles!
Joe McElderry ~ Last Christmas: Who would've thought that l'il Geordie Joe would go onto re-capture the hearts of the nation after the sadly underwhelming response to his debut album? But hurrah, the likeable chappy is moving forward with his Classics themed albums and this new single (obviously a cover of Wham) is from his upcoming Christmas set. Joe doesn't deviate much from the original (save for a stately orchestral opening), but his sincere vocal and added festive sound effects give this a real hearty glow that makes it incredibly difficult to dislike. Oh and based on the video clip above, Joe is obviously a good hugger - and Christmas round his place looks like a real visual and gourmet treat. Gorgeous! (Click here for my post on other "Last Christmas" covers!)
A1 ~ Another Year Gone: Frankly everything about the A1 comeback has been an absolute treat. The album Waiting For Daylight featured some amazing tracks including brilliant single In Love (And I Hate It) & the epic The Life That Could Have Been. Their brand new track (sadly only available in Norway, but you can hear it on their website) is a reflective, melancholy tune built around a stark acoustic guitar that is juxtaposed with a more warming vocal and melody from the guys. It builds layer by layer, particularly with the addition of some tinkling piano and a soaring, but sad sounding chorus. Sometimes it's good to take a few moments to review the year gone by and make new affirmations for the year ahead and you might as well do it while listening to an accomplished piece of music... (Click here for my post on other end of year songs!)
Back tomorrow with more 'we 3 sings'...
I want a hug from Joe! This is so perfect that he's remade "Last Christmas." I've always thought he looks like a young, more boyish version of George Michael. Hopefully he'll manage better that GM when he's older.
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