

Christmas Songs by Jars of Clay CD / Unwrap the Gift of Holiday Harmony with Jars of Clay's "Christmas Songs"
Key item features
There are many ways to approach holiday music, and for its contribution, Jars of Clay have chosen to take the mellow, thoughtful route.
Christmas Songs is a simple, warm collection of holiday-themed music that is great for those quiet moments between the bursts of the holiday hubbub. That calm and gentle approach is evident from the very beginning; the disc opens with the strumming of an acoustic guitar for the instrumental piece, "The Gift Of St. Cecilia." That segues into Paul McCartney's "Wonderful Christmastime," but it has been completely transformed. The lively tune has been reworked into an extremely gentle rocker that feels soothing and comfortable. It celebrates the season, but it is as if they've slowed it down to focus on the meaning of their words.
With a pleasant blend of new, original music and a few old familiar songs, Christmas Songs is a breath of fresh air in the onslaught of holiday releases. They've taken nothing for granted here, and approach each track -- even the well-worn classics -- from a new point of view. Tracks such as "O Little Town Of Bethlehem," "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" and "I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day" are nothing new, but Jars of Clay give listeners much more than another batch of cover songs. On "Drummer Boy," they present a different version than the single they released of the song in 1995. As they build the momentum of this alt rock version, they pour all the appropriate emotion into it, and deliver a stunning and thoughtful end product.
With the addition of a handful of original songs, Jars of Clay create some new holiday magic as well. "Hibernation Day" is a fabulous song that embraces the kind of cozy-up-and-stay-inside feeling that often accompanies those cold winter days. The song is like a warm hug on a brisk morning, and it paints great visuals about shutting out the rest of the world for a day.
Similar themes are explored on the new track "Winter Skin," and they also unwrap a beautiful new song with "Peace Is Here." It's a timely carol for the new generation and a reminder that the Christmas message transcends all time.
Many listeners recognize Vince Guaraldi's "Christmastime is Here" from A Charlie Brown Christmas. The holiday standard has received plenty of makeovers through the years, and here it works well as a jazzy kind of alt-rock number.
Christmas Songs is unique in that it embraces the feelings of the season with a spirit of quiet reflection. There's a sense of happiness flowing throughout the disc, but the mood is definitely more one of contemplation than celebration. This isn't the holiday album to get the party started. But when you're ready for those quiet moments -- snuggling in front of a fire or perhaps sitting alone with a hot cup of cocoa -- there's not a better Christmas disc out there.
By Paula Felps
Specs
- PerformerJars of Clay
- Music genreSpecial Interest, Holiday
- Music release typeAlbum
- Media formatCD
- Original release date2007
- LanguageEnglish
- Free shipping
Free 30-day returns
How do you want your item?
More seller options (1)
About this item
Product details
There are many ways to approach holiday music, and for its contribution, Jars of Clay have chosen to take the mellow, thoughtful route.
Christmas Songs is a simple, warm collection of holiday-themed music that is great for those quiet moments between the bursts of the holiday hubbub. That calm and gentle approach is evident from the very beginning; the disc opens with the strumming of an acoustic guitar for the instrumental piece, "The Gift Of St. Cecilia." That segues into Paul McCartney's "Wonderful Christmastime," but it has been completely transformed. The lively tune has been reworked into an extremely gentle rocker that feels soothing and comfortable. It celebrates the season, but it is as if they've slowed it down to focus on the meaning of their words.
With a pleasant blend of new, original music and a few old familiar songs, Christmas Songs is a breath of fresh air in the onslaught of holiday releases. They've taken nothing for granted here, and approach each track -- even the well-worn classics -- from a new point of view. Tracks such as "O Little Town Of Bethlehem," "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" and "I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day" are nothing new, but Jars of Clay give listeners much more than another batch of cover songs. On "Drummer Boy," they present a different version than the single they released of the song in 1995. As they build the momentum of this alt rock version, they pour all the appropriate emotion into it, and deliver a stunning and thoughtful end product.
With the addition of a handful of original songs, Jars of Clay create some new holiday magic as well. "Hibernation Day" is a fabulous song that embraces the kind of cozy-up-and-stay-inside feeling that often accompanies those cold winter days. The song is like a warm hug on a brisk morning, and it paints great visuals about shutting out the rest of the world for a day.
Similar themes are explored on the new track "Winter Skin," and they also unwrap a beautiful new song with "Peace Is Here." It's a timely carol for the new generation and a reminder that the Christmas message transcends all time.
Many listeners recognize Vince Guaraldi's "Christmastime is Here" from A Charlie Brown Christmas. The holiday standard has received plenty of makeovers through the years, and here it works well as a jazzy kind of alt-rock number.
Christmas Songs is unique in that it embraces the feelings of the season with a spirit of quiet reflection. There's a sense of happiness flowing throughout the disc, but the mood is definitely more one of contemplation than celebration. This isn't the holiday album to get the party started. But when you're ready for those quiet moments -- snuggling in front of a fire or perhaps sitting alone with a hot cup of cocoa -- there's not a better Christmas disc out there.
By Paula Felps
Specifications
Performer
Music genre
Music release type
Media format
Warranty
Warranty information
Similar items you might like
Based on what customers bought
Pentatonix - Christmas In The City - Music & Performance - CD $22.63
$2263current price $22.63Pentatonix - Christmas In The City - Music & Performance - CD
115 out of 5 Stars. 11 reviewsVarious Artists - Ultimate Christmas Cocktails - Christmas Music - CD $40.52 $59.59/lb
$4052current price $40.52$59.59/lbVarious Artists - Ultimate Christmas Cocktails - Christmas Music - CD
Christmas Jug Band - Rhythm on the Roof - Christmas Music - CD $13.13 $65.65/lb
$1313current price $13.13$65.65/lbChristmas Jug Band - Rhythm on the Roof - Christmas Music - CD
Christmas Jug Band - Uncorked - Christmas Music - CD $12.22 Was $17.91 $64.32/lb
$1222current price $12.22, Was $17.91$17.91$64.32/lbChristmas Jug Band - Uncorked - Christmas Music - CD
Various Artists - My Favorite Gifts: Christmas Album - Christmas Music - CD $15.92
$1592current price $15.92Various Artists - My Favorite Gifts: Christmas Album - Christmas Music - CD
Lainey Wilson - Peace, Love & Cowboys (Holiday Edition) - Music & Performance - CD $12.74 Was $14.16 $53.08/ea
$1274current price $12.74, Was $14.16$14.16$53.08/eaLainey Wilson - Peace, Love & Cowboys (Holiday Edition) - Music & Performance - CD
53.8 out of 5 Stars. 5 reviewsKay Johannsen - Christmas: Improvisations on Christmas Songs - Music & Performance - CD $19.82 $79.28/lb
$1982current price $19.82$79.28/lbKay Johannsen - Christmas: Improvisations on Christmas Songs - Music & Performance - CD
Leann Rimes - Greatest Hits Christmas - Music & Performance - CD $16.66 Was $20.48 $69.42/ea
$1666current price $16.66, Was $20.48$20.48$69.42/eaLeann Rimes - Greatest Hits Christmas - Music & Performance - CD
In Love With Santa - 25 Children's Christmas Songs Concino Children's Chorus (CD) $9.52
$952current price $9.52In Love With Santa - 25 Children's Christmas Songs Concino Children's Chorus (CD)
Sam Robson - A Cappella Christmas - Christmas Music - CD $20.65 $147.50/lb
$2065current price $20.65$147.50/lbSam Robson - A Cappella Christmas - Christmas Music - CD
Christmas Jug Band - Mistletoe Jam - Christmas Music - CD $14.98 $74.90/lb
$1498current price $14.98$74.90/lbChristmas Jug Band - Mistletoe Jam - Christmas Music - CD
Various - Old School Christmas / Various - Christmas Music - CD $11.48
$1148current price $11.48Various - Old School Christmas / Various - Christmas Music - CD
36 Choir Christmas Carols (3CD) $14.99 $5.00/count
$1499current price $14.99$5.00/count36 Choir Christmas Carols (3CD)
The Wonder of Christmas (Music CD) $24.99
$2499current price $24.99The Wonder of Christmas (Music CD)
Various Artists Britten: A Ceremony of Carols & Other Christmas Music (CD) $7.54
$754current price $7.54Various Artists Britten: A Ceremony of Carols & Other Christmas Music (CD)
Brenda Pierce Kaye - Gift Wrapped - Christmas Music - CD $12.98 $49.92/lb
$1298current price $12.98$49.92/lbBrenda Pierce Kaye - Gift Wrapped - Christmas Music - CD
Pre-Owned Favorite Christmas Songs Sing-a-Long - Favorite Christmas Songs Sing-a-Long [CD] $12.84
$1284current price $12.84Pre-Owned Favorite Christmas Songs Sing-a-Long - Favorite Christmas Songs Sing-a-Long [CD]
Various Artists - Carols Of Christmas - Christmas Music - CD $29.45
$2945current price $29.45Various Artists - Carols Of Christmas - Christmas Music - CD
Rosemary Squires - Christmas Favourites - Christmas Music - CD $14.41 $55.42/lb
$1441current price $14.41$55.42/lbRosemary Squires - Christmas Favourites - Christmas Music - CD
Lady A - On This Winter's Night: Volume 2 - CD $17.80
$1780current price $17.80Lady A - On This Winter's Night: Volume 2 - CD
32.7 out of 5 Stars. 3 reviews
