Album- Wrapped In Red
Artist- Kelly
Clarkson
Since winning American Idol’s first season Kelly Clarkson
has gone on to be a musical superstar with a string of hit albums and singles
under her belt. The singer’s sixth studio album finds her making her first
Christmas record and giving us an array of covers and original song. A
Christmas album is always a dangerous prospect and isn’t always pulled off
right, but with the track record off good music that Clarkson has, surely she
has produced a really good Christmas album?
Track 1- Wrapped In
Red
Title track Wrapped In Red is the first of a few original
Christmas compositions by Clarkson. Here we find the singer in snappy and
slightly soulful musical state in which she expresses the emotional intensity
that she feels for this person and how this Christmas she is just going to give
herself away fully to this person and risk it all, making this Christmas an
extra special one. The song is sweet lyrical composition that is a bit more
appealing for couples this Christmas, whilst Clarkson’s vocals on the track are
absolutely stunning, as she belts those high notes with ease and brings
emotional weight to the words. The swaying rhythms of the production with the
clattering drums and light bell notes makes for an easily identifiable
Christmas sound that is maybe a bit safe but which is still exciting and
powerful enough to make the first original song a good one.
3.5/5
Track 2- Underneath
the Tree
After the Motown esque, 60’s girl band vibe of the previous
track Clarkson turns to more finger clapping, modern and upbeat grooves with
the records lead single Underneath the Tree. Another original composition that
finds its lyrical weight in the love that surrounds the Christmas , the song
focuses on Clarkson telling this person that she has found what she is looking
for in them and just needs them this Christmas underneath the traditional
Christmas tree. The song is really light and fun and perfectly captures the
Christmas spirit, with the song have a little flavouring of Mariah Carey’s All
I Want for Christmas Is You. Clarkson keeps things fresh and merry with her
vibrant vocal performance, and with twinkling piano melodies and an all-round
groovy feel that is really exemplified with an awesome saxophone solo, this
could very well become a Christmas classic.
3.5/5
Track 3- Have
Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
The sets first cover sees Clarkson take on a song originally
sung by Judy Garland and later made famous by Frank Sinatra. With the swirling
strings and ethereal tone of the production, Clarkson keeps a faithfulness to
the Sinatra version whilst adding her own stamp on the song with her vocal
delivery, with the song starting of nice, soft and sensual vocally before the
singer builds her voice to a beautiful crescendo that makes the song that much
more impactful and sweet. The song is lyrically still as potent as many years
after its original recording, and so if you just want to chill and bask in the
warmth of Christmas at some point this period then stop at this track.
3.5/5
Track 4- Run Run
Rudolph
From the softness of the previous track we go into a much
higher musical gear with Run Rudolph, a funky old school rock number with an
infectious spirit that will make you want to get up and dance this Christmas.
The songs lyrical message is intriguing as you can take different things from
it, but here the main thing Clarkson seems to be instilling is that you should
really run with and enjoy the spirit of Christmas. Clarkson feisty delivery and
sharp vocals makes the song a bit more reminiscent of her usual work, but she
still sounds fun and fresh rather than overtly aggressive. The funky guitar
riffs and stomping bass is awesome, and with the great use of horns, the song
is fun filled, infectious number where the production definitely wins in terms
of being the songs best element.
3.5/5
Track 5- Please Come
Home for Christmas (Bells Will Be Ringing)
Clarkson takes on the Christmas classic from blues singer
and pianist Charles Brown, and because of the soulful setting her voice shines
and she just seems very comfortable singing the song. With multiple references
to the holiday season the song typifies what Christmas will mean for people,
but at its heart is the simple message that Christmas should be spent with your
loved ones, hence why Clarkson asks for this person to make sure they come home
for Christmas. The warmth and powerful soul that exists within Clarkson’s
vocals makes this a superb rendition where you can tell where she means what
she is singing, and whilst the piano melodies and drumming of the production is
quite safe, Clarkson still gives Brown’s original the respect it deserves and
gives us a good cover.
3/5
Track 6- Every
Christmas
Another original composition, Every Christmas keeps the
soulful, blues vibe of Christmas going, as here Clarkson sings of wishing for
this man like she does every Christmas, and here her emotions seem to really
bubble too the surface as she makes a defying declaration for this man to be by
her side this Christmas. The message is sweet and intriguing and would resonate
nicely with those listeners who have loved ones away from them for long periods
of time. The rich tones of Clarkson carry the song really well, with the use of
a choir elevating the passion of the song to lovely heights. The use of the
church organ adds a catchier dimension to this track alongside the bluesy
rhythms of the guitars and drums, so once again Clarkson really manages to
capture the spirit of Christmas within her new compositions.
3.5/5
Track 7- Blue
Christmas
Clarkson takes on a Christmas tune made famous by the one
and only Elvis Presley, and brings a different spin on what it Christmas time
means, as the song focuses on this tale of unrequited love during the holidays.
Having first sung this song live back in 2005 for a UK TV special, it seems
that Blue Christmas would undoubtedly end up being on Clarkson’s Christmas
album, but it maybe does seem a bit weird for an artist who is now happily
married. But with the songs soulful edge Clarkson’s voice naturally lends
itself to such a rendition, and she brings a lovely mix of warmth and sadness
to the record that does the song justice. The simply production keeps things
steady with a cool bit of twangy guitar, whilst the piano solo is great on the
ears, and this is just a nice song that gives a different element to this
Christmas record whilst still sounding comfortable alongside the rest of the
songs.
3.5/5
Track 8- Baby It’s
Cold Outside (featuring Ronnie Dunn)
Taking on a classic that has been sung by a lot of duo’s for
many years now, Baby It’s Cold Outside finds Clarkson getting out a lovely
romantic side with the help of country singer-songwriter Ronnie Dunn. The song
nicely stays faithful to the original with a bouncy piano melody that gives the
song a sweet texture in terms of sound, whilst vocally Clarkson is really
powerful and sensual in her delivery, whilst Dunn acts as a nice complimentary
voice that underpins the song, although I personally would have liked to hear
this version give a bit of country spin to the song considering Dunn is so
rooted in that genre and that Clarkson has also dabbled in the genre a number
of times.
3.5/5
Track 9- Winter
Dreams (Brandon’s Song)
Winter Dreams (Brandon’s Song) is signalled as a love song
kind of a Christmas tune because the title says the song is for Clarkson’s
husband. The song lyrically focuses on Clarkson being in this blissful state
this Christmas where she doesn’t want to wake up because her partner makes her
feel so great. The chorus doesn’t hit you in the same way the other original
songs did but the cute and soft feel of the verses lyrics is actually stronger
and adds to the songs catchiness. Clarkson typically belts outs the song in her
signature style to great effect, but the vocals are also great in the way that
it feels like a very natural build in power. Production wise the song is lovely
with a shimmering melody that gives a very sweet, very romantic tone to the
tune that makes this track perhaps a nice one to play to your partner this
Christmas.
3.5/5
Track 10- White
Christmas
Taking on a Christmas classic made famous by Bing Crosby,
Clarkson’s flowing vocals work wonders in exuding the passion, smoothness and
sophistication that made Crosby’s version such a massive success. The song is
very simple and understated with the piano instrumentation, which is great
because whilst it is safe it avoids ruining such a song and just makes the
message more powerful, whilst also highlighting the brilliance of Clarkson’s
vocals. The piano player for the track has to be commended because he does a
stellar job, and Clarkson just gives us a lovely rendition that brings a layer
of softness to the record and doesn’t try to outdo the Crosby version in
anyway, because let’s face it that probably couldn’t have been done
Track 11- My
Favourite Things
A hit song from the musical The Sound of Music that has become a Christmas song in its own
way due to some of the winter imagery in the lyrics, My Favourite Things finds
Clarkson telling us some of the things she loves. The song is giving a jazzy
makeover for this version and vocally it is an intriguing rendition because
whilst the original song and many cover versions feature very light, cute vocal
performances, Clarkson goes a bit bolder and grittier with her vocals to give the
song a different vibe that is cool and powerful to listen to, whilst some of
the songs lightness remains with Clarkson’s awesome high notes. The production is
toe tapping and groovy in a big band kind of way that builds nicely with the
vocals and makes the song a complete package.
3.5/5
Track 12- 4 Carats
The final original song, 4 Carats was described by Clarkson
as a cross between Eartha Kitts ‘Santa Baby’ and Madonna’s ‘Material Girl’.
Underpinned by a simmering guitar riff and complete with some light but
forceful drum beats and a funky rhythm,
the song is one of the more pop driven of the sets off. The song focuses on
Clarkson asking Santa Claus for something nice this Christmas, and preferably
something sparkly, because she has been a good girl. The song is probably the
weakest of the original songs, because whilst the light and smooth vocal
performance is cool and sensuality, the song feels a bit to sensual in some
ways and doesn’t quite settle on the record as the other songs have. The production
is different and adds something new to the album but also feels like something
that would have worked on a previous or future Clarkson album, and the lyrics
are nice but don’t keep your attention in that same way the other songs have.
2.5/5
Track 13- Just for
Now
A cover of a song originally by Imogen Heap, Just for Now
brings a sombre but sweet and hopeful tone to the record and emphasises the
dysfunctional qualities of Christmas time but coming to the great conclusion
that feelings and the chaos should be pushed aside and the closeness, family
quality of the time should just be cherished for a moment. Clarkson vocally
nicely brings out the emotional qualities of the song in the way her voice
builds up, dragging out the depths of emotion to express how she really wants
the day to be cherished, whilst the mix of drums and piano gives the song this
simmering but still intense energy that makes it that much more powerful. It
may not be your traditional Christmas tune but it still makes a strong point that
will resonate with many listeners.
Track 14- Silent
Night (featuring Reba and Trisha Yearwood)
Closing out the album with a rendition of a popular
Christmas carol, Clarkson teams up with American recording artists Trisha
Yearwood and Reba McEntire for a powerful finish to the record. The song is
great in terms of it’s placement cause it kind of reminds the listener of the
true spirit of Christmas time outside of all its commercial qualities. All
three artists are vocally great and harmonise beautifully, suggesting that
placing these woman as a future girl group wouldn’t be totally out of the
question. The production is very understated and nicely strips back more for
the final section to allows the ladies voices and the words to really shine,
making this a lovely, peaceful note to end the record on.
3.5/5
Final Review
Clarkson does a great job in giving us a fun and very
festive Christmas album that is really joyful and exudes the spirit of
Christmas, whilst not feeling like a hastily put together, I want more money
kind of a Christmas record. The album nicely shows of the singers amazing
vocals and sees her putting her own spin on classics whilst giving us some good
original tunes, one or two of which could become classics in their own right.
The production is fine-tuned and great in allowing the singer to continue to
show her musical diversity whilst giving us a cohesive set. This is just a
welcome Christmas album built on love and merry spirit that is infectious.
8/10
Best Track-
Underneath the Tree
Worst Track- 4 Carats
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