When I was growing up in a northern small town, Christmas was my favorite time of the year, and not for the reasons you might think. Of course, as a child I was excited about the presents, but I always looked forward to the candlelight services on Christmas Eve in the small Methodist church my family attended. I loved hearing the choir sing the hymns and traditional Christmas Carols.
Now, as an adult my husband and our family live several states away from parents and siblings. Many years we travel to spend the holidays with them, but some years it's just not possible. One thing hasn't changed though, I still love to listen to those old songs on Christmas Eve.
Christmas With You is a collection of warm, traditional carols and holiday songs from Rick Springfield. At its core, the album's subtle accompaniment to his rich vocals creates an intimate feeling, similar to a family gathering or quiet night in front of the fire.
As I said, some years I'm far away from my family, so the one original song on the album and the title track, "Christmas With You," hits especially close to home. The song is dedicated to the fallen troops and a yet-to-be released video will have photos of some of those soldiers, provided by Gold Star Mothers, woven throughout. All proceeds from the video will benefit the charity. Not a political statement, the sentiment behind the song is about missing home and family, and easily identifiable to anyone who has had to spend the holidays away from loved ones.
That longing theme is not confined to just the one track, however, and is revisited with the familiar "I'll be Home For Christmas." Backed with a doo-wopy vocal, it is delivered with a 1940's jazz style that brings to mind all the charm of the early recordings by Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra, but with an updated sound. The song is a timeless classic and seamlessly fits within the overall framework of the album, as well as with the dedication to the troops theme; "I'll be Home For Christmas" became an anthem for soldiers during World War II.
Article comments
1 - Glen Boyd
OK...GH, Rick Springfoeld...I think it all makes sense now. Nice review Connie. I guess your just a down home girl after all.
-Glen
2 - Candi
Very nice review, Connie. I have this CD, too, and your comments are spot-on. As a Rick Springfield fan, I have to say, I wasn't wild about the idea of a Christmas CD - but now I'm sold. The man did a very nice job with some of my all-time favorite material ever written. It's fresh, and at the same time very traditional and reverent.
I should never have had any doubts. :^)
3 - Connie Phillips
Thanks, Glen! Down home hu? I think that's the first time anyone has used those words to describe me.
I'm looking forward to see you you and everyone else in Vegas tomorrow, and you can see if that image still applies.
4 - Connie Phillips
Candi, Thanks for you comments. Doing a album of holiday songs can be a tricky thing for an artist to take on. Most people already have a connection and preconception about the music. Springfield's honors that and is one I will truly enjoy and play often through the holidays.
5 - Terry
Thank you for a wonderful review for a wonderful cd! I too was a little hesitant to see this cd made. So many Holiday cds come out cheesy. Rick Springfield did a great job on this one.
6 - luann
Connie, What a very nice review.I haven't got the cd yet,but I will have it as part of the collection of Rick's Albums,and cd's I have. Thank you so much! It is nice to read a critic being nice to him,since in the past he has gotten "slammed" by them.
7 - Sabrina Maria Messenger
This three decade long fan and USMC vet thanks you for taking the tiime to do such an excellent review!
You might be interested in knowing that there is now a VIDEO of the song "Christmas With You." A very beautiful and tastfully done tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Proceeds from the song "Christmas With You" go to help the families of the fallen troops via American Gold Star Mothers. You can see the video at Rick's website www.rickspringfield.com
8 - Connie Phillips
Thank you for the comment Sabrina. I am aware of the beautifully filmed video and will be publishing a article about it in the next day or so.
9 - Just
I haven't been up to anything , not that it matters. Basically nothing seems important, but I guess it doesn't bother me. Not much on my mind to speak of. Today was a loss, but maybe tomorrow.
10 - lauri j
Lovely review for a lovely traditional sounding, pleasing, "warm fuzzy" Christmas album. I love it - play it over and over and over. Highlights are "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" and "Do You Hear What I Hear" (fabulous rendition) and the title song "Christmas With You" just couldn't be better. Way to go on this cd Rick Springfield. Mutli talented rock star to be sure. Happy holiday!
11 - Donna
That was a great review! I just recieved this CD yesterday and I was floored! It just totally blew me away! He did keep it very traditional, with just a few contemporary twists, it is nothing like I have ever heard. I enjoyed it immensely and after it played through, all I could say was WOW! It is a very powerful CD.