Rosie Thomas – A Very Rosie Christmas

It seems every holiday season a plethora of artists step forward with a brand new Christmas release. And generally these albums are simply retreads of old material, old songs, simply tweaked just a bit to give them that “original” flair and justify the artist’s cashgrab. Now there’s nothing particularly wrong with that but it does call into question the idea of creativity and artistry as it pertains to the music. Thankfully, we’re blessed with Rosie Thomas this year and her perfect little Christmas album, A Very Rosie Christmas. Like a steaming hot cup of cocoa after a vigorous snow ball fight, Thomas’ album plays both to tradition and creativity with equal aplomb.

The Charlie Brown classic, “Christmastime is Here,” sets the pace right out of the gate. It’s a patient, pleasingly piano-driven track that allows Thomas’ vocals to warm you to the core. The Joni Mitchell-penned, “River,” takes us down the same road, again showcasing those golden vocals that make you long for an evening in front of the fireplace. “Walking in a Winterland” follows with a subdued tone and simple vocals that allow the cares of the day to ebb away. It’s simplicity at it’s best and is just what the doctor ordered in a time of the year that threatens to get away from us.

Thomas also shakes up “Christmas Don’t Be Late,” made famous by those frustratingly cute Chipmunks, by slowing things down and truly focusing on the lyric. Almost hymnlike in it’s delivery, the song is transformed from a children’s classic to a plaintive holiday wish. In fact, this somber sense of the holidays seems to paint it’s way through many of the songs, offering up a very reverent sense of Christmas. Thomas’ rendition of “Silent Night” is a great example of this. Reworking the arrangement and putting her vocals to the forefront, this track rivals the original easily. The same can be said for “O Come O Come Emmanuel,” with this reworking providing for some hauntingly layered vocal harmonies that draw the beauty of the lyric out even more. Add the quiet instrumental “Snow Day” to the playlist and things are looking even brighter.

Yet all is not quiet and somber here. The original track “Why Can’t It Be Christmastime All Year?” taps into an indie sensibility to echo thoughts that we’ve all had about the Christmas season. And Thomas’ take on “Let It Snow” is the most upbeat of the covers provided here, although still given a more jazz-based treatment that features some interesting trumpet work within. Last but not least, we’d be remiss if we failed to mention Thomas’ fun little Christmas tale, “Shiela’s Christmas Miracle!” which showcases the artist’s great sense of humor and brings a warm smile to any and all listeners.

In a market that is swamped with unoriginal covers, phoned in performances, and borderline cheesy arrangements, Rosie Thomas’ A Very Rosie Christmas is quite a godsend. For those looking for something to enhance their holidays outside of the latest collection from XYZ Top 40 artist, this album is just wanted Santa ordered.

Related posts:

1. Ashton Allen – The Christmas Songs
2. Ten Out of Tenn: Christmas
3. Alli Rogers – The Silent Stars EP

Tagged as: singer/songwriter

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