Northern Lights Bottom Line:
Gretchen Peters is one of Country Music's most famous songwriters. Her music ranges from rock ballads all the way down to some of the most influential country tunes of all time. If you have never heard of her, this is the perfect time to jump on the train that all of her other fans have been on for years. With the release of her latest album Northern Lights, Gretchen offers a full record of nothing but Christmas songs.About Gretchen Peters
First off, when people are discussing country music, they usually end up leaving the songwriter completely out of the conversation. What they forget is how important the songwriters are. They are the ones who have a thought that eventually leads to the lyrics and the song. There is no way to describe just how valuable most of these masterminds truly are. The arrangements that Gretchen uses in order to get her messages across simply displays that she is a poem's best friend.One of the biggest hits that Gretchen has written was a little tune called "Independence Day." This was written back in the early 90s and shot Martina McBride to the top. What most people didn't realize, was who the creator truly was.
Gretchen's voice has a natural "rasp," which helps people relate to her warm, comfortable sound. No matter how many times I hear her records, it is always clear that she writes the words that come from her heart and soul. Everything that she writes down reflects her opinion on life, love, and anything in between. Gretchen Peters is by far one of the most advanced singers and songwriters in Nashville. The sad thing is that she has never gained more popularity among the fans. This really is a shame. Regardless of how famous she is, she has accomplished more in twenty years than most can accomplish in a lifetime.
Northern Lights - The Songs:
Being that it is that time of year when Christmas albums are hitting the shelves, it was great to see that Gretchen Peters was going to be adding an album of her own into the mix. For the most part, when artists record a Christmas album, it is always full of remakes of the old Christmas classics. That is not the case with this record."Song For A Winter's Night" is amazing. Is has a very unique sound and the story it tells is great. Sometimes Christmas is the loneliest time of year for folks who don't have that special someone to share it with. That is the feeling this tune gives. The main character is alone and yearning to be next to her ex.
A personal favorite is "I Wonder As I Wander." This is told by someone who is out taking a walk and simply thinking about the story of Jesus' birth and how it all took place. It really makes you think about the story as a whole.
"(Charlie's) Angels" has an "off the wall" sound, but leaves the listener with a great feeling. There is a neat blues sound, mixed with some jazz and country. This tune will appeal to just about anyone who is willing to give it a listen.
"Waitin' On Mary" slows things down and really takes on a traditional Christmas sound. It tells the story of Mary and Joseph, explaining all of the things they had to go through in order to fulfill the plan that God had laid out.
Release Date - October 28th, 2008: Scarlet Letter Records
Northern Lights Track List:
- Song For A Winter's Night
- Coventry Carol (Prelude)
- Coventry Carol
- I Wonder As I Wander
- December Child
- (Charlie's) Angels
- Waitin' On Mary
- In The Bleak Midwinter
- Careful How You Go
- Northern Lights
- Christmas Time Is Here
- Silent Night
