| An Inconvenient Christmas - The Oak Ridge Boys | |
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Reviewed by Jolene Downs
The Oak Ridge Boys have released a new Christmas album from Spring Hill Records. It is a mixture of old and new holiday music. Duane Allen, Joe Bonsall, Richard Sterban and William Lee Golden have the unique ability to sing just about anything and make it sound terrific. Their incredible harmonizing will immediately draw you into the music and make you forget what is going on around you. All you want to do is sit and listen to what they are singing.
The album kicks off with the holiday standard, "Winter Wonderland." While they keep the traditional arrangement, their version is probably my favorite of the many different ones I've heard. I love the deep bass of Richard Sterban on his solo parts.
Harry Connick, Jr. wrote one of the new songs that are on the album. "I Pray on Christmas" starts out with a musical rhythm that is a little different from what you would normally hear in traditional Christmas songs. I think it has a little bit of a jazzy flavor. It is a catchy tune and fun to listen to. As in most of the songs on the album, it has a definite message.
"A Christmas Love Song" is a beautiful ballad. The song is spent telling her how much she is truly loved. It is sung with incredible feeling.
"My Son" is a song written from Mary's viewpoint. While she knew what his destiny was, in her heart she wanted for him what any mother would: a family of his own and for him to lead a normal life. She begged him not to sacrifice his life and wonders why it couldn't have been someone else that was chosen. It is a very moving song.
The title track, "The Most An Inconvenient Christmas," is also the first single release. It has an upbeat melody and contemporary lyrics to remind you of the most basic Christmas story. While getting stuck somewhere in a blizzard on Christmas Eve is certainly inconvenient, what about Mary ready to give birth to our Savior and no one was willing to give her a room? Life is never as bad as it seems.
"Just A Simple Christmas Song" has a catchy beat to draw you into the music. The lyrics will keep you there. It is basically a small prayer that hopes you are safe and well and spending time with loved ones.
The grand finale of the album is "The Hallelujah Chorus." I say grand finale, because that is exactly what it is. It is like when you watch the Fourth of July fireworks. The whole show is great, but the end is fantastic! The group arranged the music for this song and there are no words to properly describe it.
Bottom line is that this is an incredible album. It is a must have for your holiday collection. When the last notes are fading out, you will have the urge to hit replay so you can hear it all over again.
Song List:
Album cover used with permission of Spring Hill Records.
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