Christmas Music Review

If you were to have asked any of my roommates in College if I liked Christmas, I think most of them would tell you NO. For some reason, I didn't like it much then, but now... I started listening to the Christmas Radio station a week BEFORE Thanksgiving.  So... something is different.

I heard a few songs off of Kelly Clarkson's Wrapped In Red Christmas album, and I decided to review it for you all and give you my opinion of the cd as a whole, as well as what songs I will be playing on repeat.

1. Wrapped In Red: I think this is a good new Christmas song, talking about taking a risk for love. I like the description of colors. It's a cute one. 4 Stars
2. Underneath the Tree: This is where I like to spend some time, under the tree looking up at all the lights, just relaxing and smelling that tree (if it's real...) That is something some of my best girl friends will relate to, mainly because it is a scene from Grey's Anatomy. This is a cute and fun one, I can see myself dancing around the apartment with a nicely scented candle or cookies in the oven and the Christmas lights on. 5 Stars
3. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas: Simple, Classic song. She does it right, she doesn't push too hard (well, maybe a little at the end), it is just soft, sweet, and makes me want to watch some snow fall. 3 Stars
4. Run Run Rudolph: A fun little Swing number, makes me want to do a little jive. 3 Stars
5. Please Come Home For Christmas (Bells Will Be Ringing): Soulful, a little sad, and she rocks it.  2 Stars
6. Every Christmas: It didn't quite capture my attention, but it is alright, I think I like the music more than the lyrics. 1 Star.
7. Blue Christmas: Not my favorite Christmas song... and she doesn't totally sound like herself on this track. 1 Star.
8. Baby It's Cold Outside: Not super impressed, I don't care too much for the man in the duet. The piano solo is very jazzy and makes me feel like I am in a piano bar where Kelly is in a slinky red dress draped around the piano... 1 star.
9. Winter Dreams (Brandon's Song): First off, loving the beat, love that this is a song for her husband, I am a sucker for those moments where the music drops out... its cute and new and I like it. I think this song captures the feeling of having a great snowball fight, warming up with hot coco... building that perfect snowman, and just snuggling with that perfect someone watching the snow fall, no responsibilities, no where you need to be. That's the dream!5 Stars
10. White Christmas: I am quite biased on this song, White Christmas is one of my favorite Christmas films, and no one can really compare to Bing Crosby... This is a lot slower version and it is nice, but since I am biased, I will be giving it a lower score. 1 Star.
11. My Favorite Things: I do like this version of the song better than Julie Andrews--Sorry! It's a little bit more upbeat, it would be a fun Viennese Waltz to do.  2 Stars.
12. 4 Carats: This is really upbeat and I think it is catchy and fun! Not totally a Christmas feel, but it is light hearted and silly. 4 Stars.
13: Just For Now: A remake from Imogen Heap, it is not originally a Christmas Song... she sings it well, and it is a different version of the song... I do like that I don't feel as song when I hear this song by here, but it still has a frantic and rushed quality to it, and it is no Christmas song... 1 Star. (maybe more when not featured on a Christmas Album)
14. Silent Night: Well the rest of the album did not prepare me for this more Country version, with Reba McIntyre and Trisha Yearwood joining in. I have been enjoying watching Trisha on Food Network, but I am not super interested in this countrified version of Silent Night. I don't think you'll hear me singing along to this one... 1 Star.
Bonus Songs:
15: I'll Be Home For Christmas:Oh what a welcome relief to my ears after that country trio! This is the voice of Kelly's I like. Again, it has a smoky piano bar feel, but I am digging it. It is a little breathy, like a mix of Jessica Simpson and some high notes like Mariah Carey, but overall I like the instruments that join in. 2 Stars.
16. Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanuel:  Slow, smooth, soft. This song leaves you wanting more, it is a classic song and she doesn't try to hard, it just happens. 5 Stars.

I think this is a great album, it is a nice addition to anyone's Christmas music collection!