Decade The Halls Vol. 1
Label: Reunion Records
Release Date: November 10th 2017 (Amazon mp3/iTunes)
Track Listing:
- Good King Wenceslas
- O Come All Ye Faithful
- O Holy Night (feat. Jon McLaughlin)
- The First Christmas (feat. Zach Williams)
- Deck The Halls
- We Three Kings (feat. Britt Nicole)
- Go Tell It On The Mountain
- The First Noel (feat. Colton Dixon)
- Mistletoe (The Christmas Sweater Song)
- God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (feat. Sarah Reeves)
Initial thoughts: This fun filled journey across the decades of Christmas music is very, very fun. Extremely joyous beyond anything I could ever dream of. Probably too many guest artists but that’s a small, small nitpick!
Reason to listen: Mike and co. have never sounded better here, and they seamlessly embody each decade with grace and aplomb. Plus, with Tenth Avenue North having disbanded, the nostalgia and sentimental value of listening to this project over Christmas is well worth it!
Reason to buy: How about cause it’s Tenth Avenue North and they’re not going to release anymore music ever, ever again? Now you’ve made me emotional, and now I need to find some more tissues!
Reason to skip: If you don’t like the Christmas music of old and only like current poppy Christmas music (ala Bieber!), then you probably won’t appreciate the musical styles of the first half of this album. Though I reckon every other listener will have a blast here!
No. of carols: 8
No. of originals: 2
No of guest artists: 5 (Jon McLaughlin on track #3, Zach Williams on track #4, Britt Nicole on track #6, Colton Dixon on track #8, and Sarah Reeves on track #10)
Does it have heart?: There is great enthusiasm, especially on songs like “Deck The Halls” (who’d have thought, am I right?!), “Go Tell It On The Mountain” and “The First Noel”. You’ll all be singing along with Mike in no time!
Does it have a Christmas-y atmosphere?: Of course, it’s Christmas since the 1920’s after all! What a silly question indeed!
Uniqueness?: See directly above. But let me say it again: I don’t think there’s been a Christmas album like this ever in the history of Christmas music. Correct me if I’m wrong though guys!
Christmas message: In abundance! Even the guys manage to include the super obscure “Good King Wenceslas”, as well as add a spiritual chorus to “Deck The Halls”, a previously ‘secular’ holiday tune. 10/10 guys!
Closing thoughts: One of the most unique Christmas albums I’ve heard. It’s a pity it’s only 10 tracks long, but I guess the beauty of this album is that you can press repeat, and it’ll be 20 tracks long!
3 songs to listen to: Deck The Halls, We Three Kings, The First Noel
Overall rating: 4.5/5
Yes/no; why/why not?: If you’re a fan of different musical eras, then definitely! If you’re not a fan of different musical eras… then I don’t know, we can’t be friends anymore! Just kidding! Anyway, take a listen first if you’re apprehensive, however I’m positive you’ll be wanting this physical copy in your stocking in a few months time!