CD: "NOEL"
ARTIST: PHIL VASSAR
RELEASE DATE: 11/22/11
LABEL: RODEOWAVE
Dear Santa, thank you for bringing us an early Christmas cd that isn't all of the same classic carols. I mean, I love Jingle Bells and all but not a million different ways by a million different people. Phil Vassar brings a different gift to the tree this year in his Christmas release, "Noel". Sure, there are a few Christmas standards on the cd but the majority of songs are all Phil, all original and I prefer it that way because let's admit it, the same old same old gets just that, old. Phil takes a step in the jazzy direction with this cd and it's not what you're expecting by a long shot and that's gonna be a good thing to some and a not so good thing to others. A Christmas cd is a hard thing to record, especially for a country artist. Phil gives it his best shot and while he doesn't hit it out of the park, I think he's done a fine job.
The first track, "Doesn't Feel Like Christmas Without You", is an original written by Phil and Dane Bryant. This song has that "Buble" vibe going one and while it's not particularly one I am over the full moon for, it's not that bad. It took a few spins for me to take a liking to it and it will probably be the one song on the cd that gets the obligatory skip on the iPod once in awhile. (Aw come on, we all have those, even Phil!). He follows up with a mix of "Oh Come All Ye Faithful" and "Angels We Have Heard on High". Shoot me, but neither of these have been favorites of mine but Phil does them more justice than most artists have in my opinion. He actually makes the songs worth liking and I haven't liked them for years. On the heels of that classic tune is another Vassar original, "I Saved Christmas". Now this one works for me, it's a bluesy, rootsy tune with that Delta blues flair and really brings out a different side of Phil Vassar. I like it! Ahhh, then there's one of my alltime favorite carols, "Merry Christmas Darling". Of course no one can top the flawless vocals of music enigma, Karen Carpenter, but I really love this one. I love the male's take on the song and the depth and soul that Phil brings to the song. Phil, thank you for choosing to include this one on the cd, it's one that is rarely covered and for good reason.
Now, the second half of the cd - "Big Ol' Texas Christmas" is like a stocking full of just that, Texas. It's got that Texas twang, that Texas beat, and that good ol' Texas country sound. Did I care for it that much? Not really, but the Texas country crowd will love it and it will probably become the Christmas song at Billy Bobs and Gillies. He brings in Kellys Collins for a duet of "Away in a Manger" and this one I think is one of my favorites on the cd just because I love that song and think they did it right. They didn't overdo it and they didn't underdo it. It's just the right blend of each voice and it works. By the way, does anyone else want to add an extra "a" in manger and make it manager or is it just me? ... LOL. Ok, the next track, "Santa's Gone Hollywood" ... hmmm, don't like it, doesn't fit the real theme of the cd, seems like maybe it was a hokey filler song or something. Sorry but just couldn't like it. I did try! Now "I'll Be Home for Christmas", great song, great rendition, loved it. It's a classic, how can you not? I also like the follow up track, "Let's Make a Little Christmas Tonight", which is another Vassar original co-written with Juliana Cole. It's a "saxy, sexy" little tune that will make you wanna curl up with your holiday honey and make a little Christmas of your own. There's something about Phil's gravelly tone and a slow saxophone that just brings the magic to the song. Phil rounds out the cd with another standard, "What Child is This". Phil brings out the soulfulness of this song with his baritone vocals and really showcases it's beauty.
Ok, all in all, the cd is ok. I've heard better and I've heard worse. I think fans of Phil will love it but country fans in general, probably not, due to the lack of "country" rhythm. This cd sounds more like it should be classified as blues as opposed to country, but country these days is an eclectic mix of all genres so I think that may actually be a factor in the success of this one. I'm just glad to have some new Christmas music to listen to and will more than likely listen to this one more than once. I think it's gonna be one of those cd's that you'll have to listen to several times to truly appreciate.
You can pick up your copy of "NOEL" on iTunes and Amazon as well as Phil's website.
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