Tuesday, 17 December 2013

Ariana Grande- Christmas Kisses E.P. Review


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
Album- Christmas Kisses
Artist- Ariana Grande

If you’re a new artist who is being constantly compared to the voice that is Mariah Carey, then surely you would follow in the diva’s footsteps and have a go at a Christmas record? That is exactly what Ariana Grande has done. With a vocal range and RnB/pop sensibility that has already seen her be deemed as this generations Carey, the singer has released four festive tracks consisting of two covers and two original songs to warm your heart this festive period. It may not be a full album, but this E.P. has the promise of magic, and continues to let Grande’s music star shine, but is the content really strong enough to keep the buzz that is all around her going, both from critics and fans alike?

Track 1- Last Christmas

First up we hear Grande tackle Wham!’s hit Christmas tune Last Christmas. The song is a delicious slice of warmth mixed with sadness as Grande reflects on giving her heart to someone last year but that love being given away, and so this year she will give it to someone special. The lyrics (in particular the chorus) are as catchy as ever and what is nice about this version is that Grande plays with the verses a bit to really put her stamp on the track but also maintain the essence of the original version. The singer’s voice is light and airy enough to make this a strong but vulnerable tune, with the ad libs of the songs final chorus being impeccable and gorgeous to listen to. The snappy beats and jingling bells creates a fun RnB sound for the track that definitely allows the singer to make the song her own and give us a stellar version of this Christmas classic.

3.5/5

Track 2- Love Is Everything

The first of two original songs from the singer, Love Is Everything is a fun if cheesy lyrical tune that is all about just giving the gift of love this Christmas. It is a sweet message but it does come across as a bit too clichéd, and the only way the song is really saved is by the singers vocals. Grande really utilises her range within the track and gives the verses a lovely soft tone before belting out the chorus to make more of an emotional impact on the listener. The song is also lifted with the production as although the jingling bells add to the songs clichéd tone, the song has a juddering RnB groove and has a final impactful element with the use of a gospel choir for the last chorus.

3/5

Track 3- Snow in California

Second original track Snow in California slows things down and keeps the production more minimalist. Here Grande sings to Santa for her wish this Christmas to just be that it snows in California, as she wants her baby to stay with her for longer as she really needs him. The song’s lyrics have a cool narrative quality with a heart melting chorus, and the song acts as a sweet tune for anyone whose partner may have to go away after the holidays. Grande’s voice is lilting and lovely, with the singer using her falsetto brilliantly within the track and bringing both passion and warmth to the song, whilst the finger snapping groove of the production with the twinkling melodies creates a sweet and simple sound that perfectly compliment the substance of the lyrics.

4/5

Track 4- Santa Baby (featuring Liz Gillies)

Grande’s final festive tune sees the singer take on the Christmas classic that is Santa Baby, with a little help from her former Victorious co-star and best friend Liz Gillies. The song finds the pair seductively wishing for Santa to put something nice and expensive under the tree for them this Christmas, because they have been really good this year. The two singers blend together really well, with Gillies’ deeper tone complimenting the wistful, light tone of Grande, whilst both singers exude a sensuality that stays true to the original song and makes the lyrical sentiment all the more powerful. The jingling tone of the tracks sound creates a jazzy rhythm that finds this track the one that stays most true to the original festive hit, but the singers definitely still make the song their own whilst paying a lovely homage to this festive classic.

3.5/5

Final Review

Christmas Kisses is a short but sweet E.P. from the singer that sees her create some nice new festive hits whilst paying homage to and reinventing some old classics. Grande as always been highlighted for her voice this year, and this E.P. is no exception, as her voice remains her best asset, and she shows her range off to great effect within the record. The lyrics are strong if bordering on clichéd in terms of the new tracks, but the production is solid and nicely caters towards the singer’s style and what her fans would expect from her, whilst maintaining a heart-warming Christmas feel. These four tunes definitely have me hoping that she has a go at a full Christmas album somewhere in the future, and it definitely continues to cement the fact that Ariana Grande is one of the most exciting new artists for today’s audiences.

7.5/10

Best Track- Snow in California

Worst Track- Love Is Everything

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