Artist: Etta James Album: 12 Songs of Christmas

Year: 1998
Duration: 0:0-1

Etta James' 12 Songs of Christmas: A critical review

The Christmas season is just around the corner, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than with some great Christmas music? In this review, we'll be taking a closer look at one of the most iconic and beloved Christmas albums of all time: Etta James' 12 Songs of Christmas. With her unique voice and soulful style, Etta James delivers an album that is both classic and innovative, mixing traditional yuletide tunes with some of her own unique compositions. So, let's dive in and take a closer look at this iconic album.

Etta James is one of the most beloved and influential artists in the history of soul and blues music. Born in 1938 in Los Angeles, California, James began her career at the age of 16 and quickly made a name for herself as one of the most talented and distinctive voices in the industry. Over the course of her career, James recorded numerous hits and won multiple awards, including six Grammys and a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Her 12 Songs of Christmas album offers a unique take on the holiday season, blending both traditional tunes and some of her own unique compositions.

One of the standout tracks on the album is Christmas (Baby Please Come Home), which was originally featured on Phil Spector's classic Christmas album. James puts her own unique spin on the song, infusing it with her signature soulful style and delivering a powerful vocal performance that perfectly captures the emotions of the holiday season. The album also features several other classic holiday tunes, including White Christmas, Winter Wonderland, and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, all of which James imbues with her own unique style.

However, it's the original compositions that really set this album apart. The Little Drummer Boy is a standout track, with James delivering a soulful and powerful rendition of this classic song. This Time of Year is another great original composition, with James showcasing her incredible range and musicality. Overall, the album offers a unique blend of classic holiday tunes and some truly innovative original compositions.

One of the most innovative parts of the album is how Etta James manages to mix genres and styles, incorporating elements of gospel, blues, and soul into her yuletide tunes. This unique blend of styles creates an album that feels both classic and contemporary, offering a fresh take on the holiday season that is sure to delight fans of all genres.

That said, it's not all sunshine and roses when it comes to this album. While most of the tracks are excellent, there are a few missteps that prevent the album from being a true masterpiece. Jingle Bells and Silent Night are both solid renditions, but they lack the soulful energy and power of some of the other tracks on the album. Additionally, some listeners may find that the album's slower, more melancholy tracks drag on a bit too long, making the album feel a bit uneven at times.

Overall, Etta James' 12 Songs of Christmas is a classic and innovative holiday album that showcases the unique talents of one of the greatest artists of her time. With its blend of classic tunes and innovative original compositions, the album offers a fresh take on the holiday season that is sure to delight fans of all genres. While it's not without its flaws, the album remains a must-listen for anyone looking to get into the festive spirit this holiday season. So put it on, grab a cup of hot cocoa, and enjoy this timeless holiday classic.

Overall, Etta James' 12 Songs of Christmas is a classic and innovative holiday album that showcases the unique talents of one of the greatest artists of her time. With its blend of classic tunes and innovative original compositions, the album offers a fresh take on the holiday season that is sure to delight fans of all genres. While it's not without its flaws, the album remains a must-listen for anyone looking to get into the festive spirit this holiday season. So put it on, grab a cup of hot cocoa, and enjoy this timeless holiday classic.