Sony Music Entertainment
Release Date: November 4th 2022
Reviewed by: Joshua Andre
Rachel Wammack– Dear Christmas EP (Amazon mp3/iTunes)
Track Listing:
- Santa Claus Is Back In Town
- There’s A New Kid In Town (feat. Blessing Offor)
- O Holy Night
- This Christmas
These days, I’m always on the lookout for new music. It’s been the blog series about influential artists, that has pushed me out of my comfort zone musically; but more than that, it’s made me realise that I’m really limiting what kind of music speaks to my soul and my spirit if I just listen to CCM. But these days, I listen to all kinds of music (aside from the metal genre!), and I have many playlists on Spotify- some curated by Spotify and some created by myself. Anyway, it was through one of these playlists that I found out about rising country singer Rachel Wammack– it was through her latest song “Like Me”. And though her discography isn’t the largest (aside from two more standalone singles in “Girl’s Gotta Know” and “Outliving My Love” that will be reviewed before the year’s end!); what Rachel lacks in number of songs is what she makes up for in her passion and her big heart. Vocally, Rachel is incredibly impressive, and a joy to listen to; and though there hasn’t been a full-length debut album from Rachel as of yet; I truly believe that she will be one of the biggest stars within the next few months and years- within the country music scene and also beyond that as well.
“Like Me” is probably one of 2022’s most inspiring and powerful and vulnerable songs I’ve heard- and you can read about the analysis of the song here, and about how Rachel is in the process of overcoming social media addiction. Rachel’s story of social media addiction reminds us that we all are human and every day we can fall for our vices even when we don’t want to, or even when we think we’re fine. The song “Like Me”, born out of Rachel’s intense addiction to people’s positive opinions about her, also delves into meaty issues- and as Rachel inspires us to be vulnerable and authentic and unapologetic about who we are, as well as not wanting to fit in just to be in the ‘in group’; “Like Me” inspires us to run against the norm and to say no to fitting in when it is at the expense of our values, morals and beliefs. But as we are 2 months out from yet another Christmas; how about we delve into the Christmas EP Dear Christmas from Rachel, as part of our series of Christmas in July (which in fact gives us a licence to write about Christmas music all year round!)?
The groovy and jazzy danceable tune “Santa Claus Is Back In Town” has Rachel channelling soul singers like Whitney or Aretha, as this Elvis song is covered beautifully and incredibly skilfully. “There’s A New Kid In Town”, originally recorded by Keith Whitley and make famous by Blake Shelton, is beautifully and near-flawlessly covered by Rachel and guest vocalist Blessing Offor, as we hear the story of the three wise men and their thought processes as they were travelling to bring Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. “O Holy Night”, my favourite Christmas carol ever, is a perfect rendition as Rachel slays this song vocally, even though the second verse is missing and the track is a tad short; while Dear Christmas ends with danceable and groovy Christmas pop tune “This Christmas”- and then the EP ends as soon as it begins, which is a shame.
It’s also a shame that Rachel doesn’t sing an original Christmas song on this EP… but maybe that’s reserved for a future full length Christmas album. Regardless, Rachel Wammack is a rising star and an artist that will undoubtedly be on everyone’s lips within the coming weeks, months and years. There’s nothing much more I need to say about Rachel… because you all need to listen to this EP as well as “Like Me” the song, and then her entire discography. I first heard about Rachel’s music through Rascal Flatt’s final EP, and a duet she did with Gary. But Rachel is a bonafide burgeoning artist and one to definitely look out for in the future. Well done Rachel for this enjoyable holiday EP! I can’t wait to hear what’s next in store for you in the future!
Score: 4.5/5
RIYL: Alana Springsteen, Hannah Ellis, Leanna Crawford, Hannah Kerr, Jana Kramer, The McClymonts