20 years after Snowed In, Taylor, Isaac and Zac return with a fantastic Christmas album
Nowadays it’s not easy to find a good Christmas record, that’s why my original plans didn’t include a Christmas album review.
Hanson made me change my mind. First thing to say: since the 1990s, Taylor, Isaac and Zac have improved their approach to music a lot; second: the work they did in the last 10 years is remarkable. Finally it’s Christmas, their 2017 holiday album, is one more result of this fruitful journey.
This is a long awaited follow up to their first Christmas release, Snowed In: in 1997 the record received positive reviews, but this “chapter II” is even better.
Finally it’s Christmas is also the title of Hanson’s lead single, a sing-along anthem with irresistible harmonies, but the record is full of genuine and beautiful songs: Til New Year’s Night is a rock’n’roll gem and Please Come Home won’t make you regret Bon Jovi’s version, thanks to Zac Hanson passionate voice.
Joy To The Mountain is a fantastic take on the classic Joy To The World, this time emphasizing vocals, Hammond organ and drums. Happy Christmas is not a cover of the famous John Lennon song, but it sounds for sure as a Beatles-inspired track.
The standouts? Their cover version of Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas (the brothers succeeded in refreshing a classic, without losing the spirit of the original song) and Peace on Earth (a beautiful soft rock ballad about the significance of the holidays).
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas is the album’s closer: if you remember the previous heartbreaking versions, you’ll be surprised with this heartfelt rendition because it sounds even sexy.
Finally it’s Christmas is a 36 minute album: modern, fast-paced and enjoyable. It won’t make you shed a tear, I promise. Everyone will like it. Even the Grinch.
