Les Fradkin – Say You Love Me for Christmas – Single Review

After reviewing Les Fradkin’s epic, musically dense, and dangerously predictive concept album Reality: The Rock Opera, the maestro of baroque/progressive/classical rock returns with something a little lighter – “Say You Love Me for Christmas.”

Originally released in 2006 with Mr. Fradkin’s Christmas album (Spirit of Christmas), “Say You Love Me for Christmas” was recently remastered in time for the 2023 holiday season. And to that, I say….“YAY” (and maybe, “Ho-ho-ho”)!

So, is “Say You Love Me for Christmas” of the same orchestral ilk found in Mr. Fradkin’s other amazing works? Oh, absolutely.

Wait. Who does what?

Les Fradkin plays all the instruments, including those too rarely used. And along with tackling vocals, he’s joined by his wife, Loretta Fradkin, adding a subtle, angelic tone over the layered backing voices.

Now, about the music…

This is a cheerful affair with horns, synth-strings, and strumming, especially jolly guitars. It’s very much in line with orchestral holiday offerings, and definitely a product of its described inspirations – ELO, Phil Spector’s Christmas Album, and The Beatles.

This is a midtempo, earnest, reassuring tune that truly rings with holiday spirit (a spirit that exists regardless of warmer climates and swaying, more tropical plant life):

“Winter’s here, palm trees sway, presents common’ on Christmas Day
Decorate your Christmas tree, with an ornament that looks like me
Please just let my lovin’ in, deck the halls and let’s begin
Open up your arms I’ll stay and be there on Christmas Day!”

And the chorus? Mr. Fradkin considers it “a hook that’s unforgettable that you’ll

sing along with to the final song [from the album Spirit of Christmas].” And, I have to agree…

“Say you love me for Christmas, say you love me for Christmas,
Say you love me for Christmas, and I’ll be your Santa Claus.”

In fact, I guarantee I’ll be humming the chorus long after this review is finished.

But is it good?

Folks, if the spirit of hope and giving was a song, it would sound just like this. If you aspire to happiness, peace, and do your darndest to spread holiday cheer, this is your song. And, performed with Mr. Fradkin’s usual orchestral rock acumen, “Say You Love Me for Christmas” gives the holiday its grand, resounding entrance music. Recommended.

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BELOW: Listen to Les Fradkin and check him out on Bandcamp, SoundCloud, Twitter (“X”), YouTube, and Facebook. Please support Les Fradkin by visiting his website and playing, downloading, and/or purchasing his music. And, as always, thank you for supporting real music.