Okay, so I know Kelly Clarkson might not be what many of you would call country yet (me included), but I felt it worth writing a spotlight feature on her Christmas album, during this festive season. After all, it is Christmas, and we accept everybody in at Christmas. Except those in-laws we so despise. Anyway.
Opting for a contrast between rootsier, grittier sounds and smoother, jazzier performances, Kelly goes for a similar style here to Blake Shelton in 2012’s ‘Cheers, It’s Christmas’. There are also a fair few standards on offer, ranging from the classic to quirky interpretations, such as the delicate piano-led ‘White Christmas’ for the former, and a gritty, explosive take on ‘Run Run Rudolph’ for the latter. Also exemplifying the stark contrasts on this album, Kelly shows her incredible vocal and stylistic range by jumping between the gentle ballad, such as on ‘Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas’, to the soulful and bluesy, such as on ‘Blue Christmas’ (an admittedly slower, more old-fashioned version than many), and finally to the 1940’s big band jazz of ‘My Favorite Things’. The latter is a nice re-jig of a song tirelessly covered by everyone going, and though a fair few of the covers on this album are unsurprising in their loyalty to the originals, this is not one of them.
Closer ‘Silent Night’ could have been one such ordinary recording, but Kelly brings in Reba McEntire and Trisha Yearwood to make it really rather special, and I can imagine it would be a magical moment to see these three ladies performing it live, particularly as their harmonies are awesome. Some nice touches include a cover of Imogen Heap’s ‘Just For Now’, and the classic arrangement of ‘Baby It’s Cold Outside’, but featuring Ronnie Dunn to add some credibility and twang to the chilled out, jazzy instrumentation. ‘Please Come Home For Christmas’ continues the jazzy feel, as does original ‘Every Christmas’, a song of holiday heartbreak from waiting for a distant love. Speaking of originals, there’s a good selection here, from the quirky and cinematic ‘Winter Dreams (Brandon’s Song)’ that revels in a new love making Christmas magical, to the Wizzard-esque 1970’s lead single ‘Underneath The Tree’, which wonderfully captures Phil Spector’s wall of sound production technique that so characterized that era.
Something notable about ‘Wrapped In Red’ is the quality of the originals too. This is what really shines, in their musical and lyrical content and focus. They’re just plain catchy, well-produced, and with great performances from Kelly. Another example is the title track, which utilizes a big band and would be a great movie soundtrack (and incidentally Kelly has said she was inspired by 2003’s Love Actually for this record), and the fun, sassy pop/rock ‘4 Carats’. This deserves special mention because although it’s a total rip-off of the classic ‘Santa Baby’, it’s also infectious and displays Kelly’s brilliant songwriting and her great way of connecting with a song. It’s a rare chance to get some attitude on a largely smooth and sweet album.
Overall, this is not an especially country record, however, it is a great Christmas one, so you should add to your collection for a warm and festive season.
