Sounds of the Season
It’s that time of year again! Family, friends, food, laughter, and love – a time to reflect upon the many blessings God has given to us. And as you gather around your fire places and have a glass of egg nog, I thought I’d share a few sounds that will help you celebrate the season.
The Best Man Holiday Soundtrack, which reached No. 2 and No. 4 on Billboard’s Soundtracks & R&B Charts after the box-office success of the film, is sure to help set the holiday mood. With the smooth “Christmas I’ll Be Steppin” by R. Kelly, to Monica’s heartfelt, “Love Driven” and powerful rendition of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,”the Soundtrack is definitely a crowd pleaser. The closing number “As,” by Marsha Ambrosius & Anthony Hamilton was originally recorded by the great Stevie Wonder. Marsha & Anthony pay homage, and do the song much justice. The Best Man Holiday Soundtrack is sure to get the Christmas spirit flowing with an all-star line up which includes Jordin Sparks, Ne-Yo, Mary J. Blidge and more!
Next on my list is Tyler Perry’s a Madea Christmas Album. The soundtrack features some of my favorite Christmas songs. The Jackson 5’s “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town,” Stevie Wonder’s “What Christmas Means To Me,” and “Jingle Bells” by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles. The album combines new Motown and classic Motown with the latest editions to the label MPrynt and rising R&B star Kevin Ross. It also features one of my personal favorites, “Let It Snow” by Boyz II Men featuring Brian McKnight. Tyler Perry’s a Madea Christmas Album is fun for the whole family.
Next on the music roster is Tamar Braxton with Winter Loversland. Tamar graces us with her sultry vocals throughout the album – taking it to her Gospel roots, Tamar sings a beautiful blend of “Away In a Manager” & “Little Drummer Boy.” She gives us something to tune our lips and bounce our shoulders to on “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” Winter Loversland is a great holiday album for you and your “Boo” to share some mistletoe with.
And the last shall be first! Music From The Motion Picture Black Nativity is a music must-have. Produced by musical genius Raphael Saadiq, the album connects African-American people back to our roots and that is the Gospel. With soul stirring songs by Jennifer Hudson, Grace Gibson, Luke James, and Tyrese, Music From The Motion Picture Black Nativity is sure to connect you to the heart of Christmas, which is Love and Jesus. You’re in for a pleasant surprise as both Angela Bassett & Forest Whitaker prove they can hang with the big league with their vocal abilities. The young Jacob Latimore holds it down as well, by showcasing his sweet vocals on his solo “Coldest Town.” Mary J. Blige, the queen of R&B/Hip-Hop and the Hip-Hop Heavy Weight Champ, Nas – two of New York’s finest – team up on “Rise UP Shepherd and Follow.” The soundtrack truly takes you on the journey of the film and allows you to visualize each scene through each song. The Black Nativity Soundtrack definitely paid homage to Langston Hughes, the story’s originator. It captures his vision of restoration in the African-American community. Great producing and writing Raphael Saadiq!
Be sure to grab a copy of each of these albums. Go check out the movies! And remember family, love, and God. That is truly what Christmas is about. Until next time, much love and Merry Christmas!
