There's a way. I'm sure. Trying my best to give you the completely unbias review of every single song on The Henningsens' Christmas album titled "Our Family Christmas".
The Dalton brothers did a phenomenal job orchestrating the whole thing. They seem to be very detail oriented, and nothing sounds simple. It's all a complex, exuberant and energetic portrayal of musical emotion all crammed into 30-some minutes of plastic. Then mix in the quirky, out-of-the-box Henningsens, and you have a masterpiece.
"Happy Birthday, Merry Christmas, Baby Jesus"
This is a catchy tune, whether you like it or not. It's one of those tunes that you want to punch someone in the throat for humming under their breath because it's now in your head for the next 48 hours, playing over, and over, and over and....
Although I have to admit, not that I didn't like it to begin with, it's grown on me more, especially since my kids light up like fireflies when it begins. The intro draws you in like a moth to the flame. And the end has all my kids giggling:
"Ahaha! I've got it!"
"Wesley! Don't say that!"
"Carol of the Bells"
Wow! Such a neat and creative rendition of the song. Probably my favorite version ever. EVER.
"Holly Jolly Christmas"
I know, I said I was gonna set myself apart from the family bias, but I can't for this song. Halfway through, dad interrupts, reminiscing about the WORST CHRISTMAS EVER. We all had the chicken pox(like all kids did in the 90s), and to the dismay of our broken hearts, we had to stay home Christmas Eve. Our family tradition of going to Grandma's and sitting on Santa's lap after a big meal of little weenies, relish tray, and ham and cream cheese wrapped sweet pickles, was shattered. Bashed on the rocks. This lousy annoyance of a sickness had ruined Christmas. I wish I could go back in time and get vaccinated just so we didn't screw up our perfect attendance record. Just kidding. Kinda. Although those broiled scallops were kind of tasty....
"Christmas Kissin'"
This is a blusher of a song. Sort of risqué, but not really at the same time, and Jarrod Niemann's deep voice certainly compliments Clara's. It's a cross between "Baby, It's Cold Outside" and something from A Kenny and Dolly Christmas. Another cute and catchy tune sure to become a classic.
"Oh Holy Night"
This has always been one of my favorites. This rendition of it is so beautiful. A little bit country/bluegrass, but also a little eerie during the chorus. A good combo in my book.
"The Christmas Story"
What would A Charlie Brown Christmas be like without Linus bringing the "commercial kids" the story of the humble beginning of our Savior? So is the same for this song on the album.
"White Christmas"
The harmonies carry this song. So old timey and easy to listen to. People probably don't usually listen to the bass in songs, but I'm not usual and I love the low bass in this song toward the end. I'm all about that bass. 😏
"O Come, O Come Emmanuel"
Stunning. Brilliant. Gorgeous. Chilling.
If you've heard it, you will know. Not only is this my favorite rendition of this song, this is my favorite rendition of any Christmas song in existence. From the background music, to the lyrics, to the eerie male vocals that follow Clara's clear voice, it's captivating. Then the harmony. Wow! If you don't get chills, something is wrong with you.
"Silent Night"
Easy listening and pretty. Clara and Janelle Arthur sound beautiful together. Clara has a piercing, but steady voice, and Janelle has that Celtic-sounding tone about her. The vocals at the end from both girls is very emotionally-driven.
"Auld Lang Syne"
Such a simple song arrange in such a powerful way. Makes me want to hug George Bailey and tell him everything's gonna be okay. This has a very old feel about it, and it's another beautiful classic. Put the head phones on and just close your eyes and listen. You hear the faint nostalgia of times gone past ringing subtly in your ear. Almost like time has stood still for just a few moments to join everyone together in a like-mind. It's simply ghostly.
So there you have it, my totally unbiased yet biased review of Our Family Christmas by The Henningsens. If you didn't get to enjoy it this past christmas, PLEASE don't deprive yourself of a masterpiece. Go and buy it!
Purchase a hard copy here:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00PV0OQHM/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1420681638&sr=8-1
