Kelly Clarkson, Duck Dynasty and more make holiday cheer with new releases
(AP) — Kelly Clarkson, “Wrapped in Red” (RCA Records) The goal of any artist making a holiday record is to put their own signature on these time-honoured songs. On “Wrapped in Red,” Kelly Clarkson does so with about five exclamation marks. Clarkson’s booming voice provides the jolt for this collection of Christmas classics. True, you probably didn’t think “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” needed any spark — but then you’ve probably yet to hear Clarkson’s voice take it to a soaring crescendo. It may not have been needed, but it sure is a welcome change from the sweet but often staid renditions heard at this time of the year.
Clarkson wows throughout “Wrapped in Red.” She shows her versatility and influences as a performer, jumping from jazz to pop to soul to country, yet still delivering a cohesive album that will be entertaining to all. “Wrapped in Red” should be unwrapped quickly for this holiday season.
The Robertson Family, “Duck the Halls: A Robertson Family Christmas” (EMI Records Nashville) It looks like the enterprising Robertson clan has found a new market for their signature product, with Jase turning his duck calls into a “musical” instrument, replacing the “Fa la la la las” with quacks on the title track sung by three generations of Robertsons.
This criticproof Christmas album has already hit No. 1 on Billboard’s country chart, offering a mix of new Robertson-themed Christmas songs with more traditional holiday tunes in a package designed to appeal to fans of the top-rated “Duck Dynasty” TV reality show. The Robertsons get a little help from some friends too — country stars Alison Krauss, George Strait, Luke Bryan and Josh Turner. Trace Adkins, “The King’s Gift” (Caliburn) Admit it, your holiday music collection is missing this: Traditional Celtic Christmas carols sung by the lowest baritone in Nashville who also happens to be the reigning “Celebrity Apprentice.” But before you dismiss it as a seasonal cash grab, give it a chance. The renditions here of “Tannenbaum,” ”Away in a Manger“and ”O Holy Night“manage to sound fresh thanks to that oh-so-deep voice and new arrangements heavy on the soaring strings, flutes and mandolins. Mary J. Blige, “A Mary Christmas” (Interscope) Yes, Mary J. Blige is the reigning Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, but she can do a lot more than that — and she certainly proves it on her gem of a Christmas album, “A Mary Christmas.”
While the album is certainly soulful, it’s best to describe this as more of a jazzy, adult contemporary take on holiday music: Mellow is the vibe of Blige’s album. But don’t think that equals yawn-inducing renditions of the classics. Bad Religion, “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” (Epitaph) Good Lord, Bad Religion has made a Christmas album. Actually, it makes a lot of sense for a punk band to sing about the greatest agitator ever, and it’s a bit disappointing these tunes aren’t more abrasive. They’re closer to power pop than punk, starting with the handsome a cappella harmonies on the opening cut, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.”
Singer Greg Gaffin remains faithful to the melodies on the eight traditional carols included, and layered vocals and chiming guitar chords make the set surprisingly sweet. Marvin Sapp, “Christmas Card” (RCA Records) Marvin Sapp provides a soulful cheer with his new holiday album, “Christmas Card.” It’s the first Christmas album by the Stellar Award-winning and Grammy- nominated gospel singer, who has topped the charts with “Here I Am” and “I Win.”
Sapp is impressive on the 13-track offering with guest appearances from R&B singer Joe and Sapp’s children, The Sapp Kids (Madisson, Mikaila and Marvin Sapp II).
He also reunites with gospel super-group Commissioned (Fred Hammond, Keith Staten, Mitchell Jones, Karl Reid, Michael Williams and Marcus Cole). Nick Lowe, “Quality Street: A Seasonal Selection for All the Family” ( Yep Roc) Nick Lowe gives Christmas a hip twist in “Quality Street: A Seasonal Selection for All the Family,” using a variety of musical styles to liven up the sometimes staid holiday music scene.
Lowe, best known for penning classic 1970s tunes like “Cruel to Be Kind” and “(What’s So Funny ’ Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding,” turns in 12 new recordings including three he wrote himself for the seasonal release.