Various Artists – Let’s Have A Rockin Christmas Vol. 5

HERE’S WHAT WE DUG MOST…

Jackie Kringle and The Elves & The Doughboys kick things off with their driving, title track tune, featuring an authentic rock ‘n roll feel and remarkably festive lyrics. Sounds To Me Like Christmas by Italian Cowboy Harry James & The Kids takes us in a down-home direction, a warm and inviting country tune that paints the ups and downs of a family Christmas season.

Jeralyn Glass and Dr. Sue Morter have created a totally spellbinding version of O Come Emmanuel, including a beautiful spoken word intro, Tibetan singing bowls, and overall a number of eastern tones that surprisingly work incredibly well against this classic song. This is followed by Christmas Blessings by pop songstress Helen O’Shea, a touching song telling us of the signs we receive from loved ones who have passed on during this time of the year. Christmas Party brings back the fun, as country rocker Todd Barrow regales us with a story of his ultimate Christmas gathering.

Candle in the Window is performed by Marlo Wells, his soulful voice the perfect complement to such a heartfelt song about unity, kindness, and love. Annemarie Picerno gives us Mr. Santa, a lighthearted love story for a couple’s first Christmas together. Miracles are Seen in the Light begins with a stunning a cappella version of O Come O Come Emmanuel, which opens into a dark pop/folk number by Rev. Yolanda.

Il Est Ne L’Enfant Jesus is a gorgeous French track, though you don’t need to speak the language to hear the Christmas spirit in this one by Yona Pax – that’s plenty present in the orchestral string parts and sing-song melodies. My Mrs. Claus is another country song, an adorably sweet tune by Clark Ford about a love story that arose from playing pretend as Santa & Mrs. Claus as children. I Wish it Was Christmas Day is a gentle, easy-listening ballad by Studeo, defined by the powerful female vocals driving the track along. The album closes with a classic tune – In The Bleak Midwinter – as performed by Jeralyn Glass and Dr. Sue Morter. This ethereal, angelic rendition of this iconic song is a magical way to conclude this wonderful collection of music.

OUR FAVORITE TRACK…

Where Is Christmas? – a soulful, singer-songwriter ballad by Dave Molter and Al Snyder – is a real highlight on this compilation. While it might not be the most jovial or spirited track on this project, its somber message is so appropriate for this difficult year, where so many are celebrating the holidays in a way that feels foreign and disjointed. The track muses particularly on the theme of not quite being able to get into the holiday spirit when a certain loved one isn’t around, another difficult facet of this year that so many of us have been tasked with. Between the heartfelt lyrics and the classic pop-Christmas song production featuring a bell-toned piano and gentle strings, this song will resonate with just about anyone who’s coming into the holiday season after a difficult 2020.

IN CONCLUSION…

We’re hardly surprised that Bongo Boy Records has put together yet another impressive collection of tunes. There’s just so much to like about this widely dynamic and evocative holiday compilation. From the fun and festive to the deep and reflective, no matter your preference for Christmas tunes, you’ll find it on Let’s Have A Rockin Christmas Vol. 5. This is a must-have on any holiday playlists this year, and every year.

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