Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays! However you are spending the day, my hope is that you are surrounded by people you love and are busy making lots of meaningful memories. This is such a magical time of year. One that fills me with optimism and joy that is so often lacking in our troubled world. It is nice to believe in miracles and goodness...even if only for a little while. My plans for today include time spent with family, lots of food, and of course, Christmas music. Speaking of Christmas music, there is one holiday album that has been making my spirits bright this season. Clay Aiken released a new holiday album, "Christmas Bells Are Ringing." My husband thoughtfully gifted me the CD and vinyl version as soon as it was released. Since then, it has been played over and over and over again. On this snowy Christmas morning, it is time for a review of this new favourite.
Clay Aiken - Christmas Bells Are Ringing. When it comes to Clay Aiken music, there has been a drought of sorts in recent years. His album, Steadfast, was released way back in 2012. Though he has done some touring here and there...it has been largely quiet on the new music front. Until now! Christmas Bells Are Ringing is the latest release from this incredible singer. In the past, Clay released a full-length Christmas album and an EP, had a Christmas special air on television, and played all sorts of holiday themed shows. Now it is time for something new. Truth be told, I was nervous listening to the album for the first time. Would I like it? Would it meet my expectations? With such a long gap between the last album and this one, the pressure was on.
I am happy to report that all of my worrying was for nothing. Christmas Bells Are Ringing is a masterpiece! It has all of the warmth and nostalgia that classic Christmas albums provide (think releases from Andy Williams, The Carpenters, and Bing Crosby) but still has that signature Clay Aiken style. As someone who loves older music, it was nice to hear the nods to styles from decades past. It makes the album feel both new and timeless. Every single song on this album is stellar, but there are a few standouts that I love to listen to most. Those include: Caroling, Caroling, Magic Moments, Pure Imagination, On This Silent Night, and All Year Long. This new album has been such a treat this holiday season...and it is sure to remain in heavy rotation this season and beyond. Clay Aiken has a remarkable voice and effortlessly seems to make the world seem more beautiful.
On another note, this is a reminder that the creation of beauty is art. will be on a short blog break until January 1st. I like to take a little breather each year during the week between Christmas and New Years Day to soak in all of the remaining magic of the season. (And to catch up on some much needed rest after all of the festivities.) Until my next post...happy holidays!
How do you celebrate during this time of year? What Christmas albums are your favourites?
Merry Christmas and happy holidays! <3
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas Shannon. Hope you are having a wonderful day :-D
ReplyDeleteI wish you merry christmas too <3 The cookies look yummie, love to eat 3 days only good food at home and relax on the couch watching christmas movies.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds really good. My favourite christmas album is from Michael Bublé <3
Ho ho ho! Wishing you a Christmas full of laughter, joy, and way too much eggnog.
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