Here's what I thought
of Mary J. Blige's album, “A Mary Christmas.” Remember all scores
are out of a possible 10 points.
“Little
Drummer Boy” - The first
third and the last third of this song were pretty straightforward,
but the middle was all Mary. The whole track has some attitude, but
this is Mary J. Blige – I expected that. Score: 8
“Have
Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” - Ms.
Blige injects this holiday classic with her own brand of R&B soul
realness. I can see so many drag queens doing this number this
Christmas. Get your dollars ready! Score: 9
“My
Favorite Things” - I have
never really understood why this is a Christmas song. It is one of my
favorite Broadway songs, but hey, I guess it works. Mary's voice on
this track is like butter. I loved the entire track from start to
finish – including the circus feel from the arrangement. Score:
9
“This
Christmas” - Another stunning
vocal performance. I love when Mary lets it all hang out and on this
track she lets her voice soar. And ya know what? I do think she wants
me to have a very Merry Christmas! Thanks Mary! Score: 9
“The
Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)” - Respectful.
That is how Mary treated this track. She didn't do too much, but did
give this standard a fresh feel. Score: 7
“Rudolph,
The Red-Nosed Reindeer” - Attention
all drag queens – you will want to do this number. Mary jazzes up a
classic. She scats! Loved every aspect of this track. Mary made this
track fun again. Score: 10
“When
You Wish Upon A Star” - Amazeballs.
Barbara Streisand makes an appearance on this track and it gave me
chills. For real – chills ran up and down my back as I listened to
Mary and Barbara blend their voices. Not to oversell it, but I also
caught myself tearing up by the end. One of the most beautiful songs
I have ever heard. Score: 10
“Mary,
Did You Know” - A beautiful
love letter to the Mother Mary. Mary's voice is rich and heartfelt on
the entire track. I was drifting away on her lovely tone. Score:
9
“Do
You Hear What I Hear” - Mary
invites Jessie J to harmonize on this track and they both knocked it
out of the park. I loved the modern twist they put on the
arrangement. This track is very enjoyable. Score: 8
“Petit
Papa Noël” Mary
knows French! Who knew? I have no idea what she is saying seeing how
I am mono linguistic, but damn her voice sounds gorgeous! Score:
9
“The
First Noel” -
This holiday classic get the royal R&B treatment. Lots of vocal
runs and soul has been injected into this track to make it fresh. Did
it work? In spots, but overall, not my favorite version of this song.
Score: 6
“Noche
De Paz (Silent Night)” - Another
bilingual track. The funny thing is I caught myself singing – in
English – along with Mary and Marc Anthony took care of the vocals
in Spanish and we all harmonize fantastically! I should give Mary a
call. Score: 8
Average
Track Score: 8.5. An
excellent holiday album. Would I recommend this to my friends? YES!
But only the ones on my good list.
Escalader,
Jim
No comments:
Post a Comment