PEPPY POP AND CLASSY ARRANGEMENTS EDGE OUT USUAL ROCK MOTIF
On BarlowGirl’s first-ever Christmas album, the Chicago-bred
trio highlights some of its previous strengths while concurrently exploring an
entirely new stylistic interest pool. The most immediate point of familiarity
is the group’s tight knit harmonies (which are once again on target), though
there’s a certain softening of the threesome’s rock edge in favor of more peppy
pop and classy arrangements. Though that may turn off fans who only prefer
these young ladies’ aggressive material, it really wouldn’t be appropriate to
crank up the amplifiers during “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” or
“I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” both of which are tastefully tailored to a more
peaceful motif.
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Though not necessarily the group’s future direction, this
specialty project soars with a jazzy rendition of “What Child Is This?” and the
vocal pop glow of the combined “Carol of the Bells/Sing We Now of Christmas.”
Outside all these covers, the collection also features the original ballad
“Hallelujah (Light Has Come),” which also displays radiance in orchestrated
ballad contexts, even if it lacks the instant infectiousness of the group’s
previous radio singles. In that regard, the project would’ve benefited from at
least another original tune or two. Even with those omissions, Home For
Christmas has a lot of surprising but
impressive elements, likely to put longtime and even brand-new listeners in the
spirit of the season. –Andy Argyrakis