When Brett Eldredge played his first headline tour in the UK earlier this year, he performed a tribute to his idol Frank Sinatra. It was at that moment that I saw a completely different side to the singer away from his usual Country sound. Taking on the big band style songs showcased a soulful and bluesy edge to his voice that doesn’t appear on either of his album releases. For his third album release, Brett is embracing the holiday season with Glow, a collection of festive tracks that allows him to indulge in and explore the music of big band and swing.
It would have been easy for Brett to do a straightforward Christmas album but instead he’s recorded with an orchestra for an authentic and classic sound. The end results are stunning and vocally he’s never sounded better than he does on Glow. The album opens with Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! And it perfectly sets the tone for a classy collection of pure Christmas delight. The track features gorgeous arrangements and Brett’s charismatic vocal oozes the joy of the season. It’s so damn infectious that you can’t help but get carried away by the class of it all.
For Glow Brett has covered festive favourites and included one original track – the title track. Meghan Trainor features on Baby, It’s Cold Outside and surprisingly her voice complements Brett’s very well. She, like Brett, shows off a different side to her vocal ability and she sounds really great. I’ll Be Home For Christmas allows Brett to unleash his inner crooner, giving a controlled and impressive vocal while Winter Wonderland is transformed into a bold and joyous big band number.
Elsewhere on the record Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas enables Brett’s lower range to shine as he displays impressive vibrato control as he climbs up and down the scales. He sings the song, in my opinion, the way it’s meant to be sung and it’s one of the best versions of the track I’ve ever heard. Silent Night is a tour-de-force and It’s Beginning To Look a Lot Like Christmas makes you want to strap on your dance shoes and throw some serious (and classy) shapes.
Original track Glow sits nicely on the track listing and it could easily pass for a festive classic. The gentle swing of the song is catchy and Brett perfectly captures the classic sound he embodies across the record.
The deluxe version of the album features 3 bonus tracks – Blue Christmas, O Holy Night and an acappella version of The First Noel. They are fantastic additions to Glow, with the acappella version of The First Noel delivering the wow factor. I’m a sucker for a solid vocal and the one Brett gives on that track is as near perfect as you’re ever likely to hear. His tone is rich, his diction clear and his vibrato spine-tingling.
There are a lot of Country Christmas albums coming out this year but if you buy only one you have to make it this one. Fans of Brett will get to see a different side to the incredibly talented vocalist and those that don’t particularly enjoy his Country music will find plenty to enjoy thanks to the classic Christmas sound of the record. Glow is everything I hoped it would be and more, and I can’t wait to see Brett performing some of these gems over the holiday season.
[brid video=”71074″ player=”531″ title=”Brett Eldredge Baby It’ Cold Outside (feat. Meghan Trainor)”]
Track Listing: 1. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! 2. Baby, It’s Cold Outside (feat. Meghan Trainor) 3. I’ll Be Home For Christmas 4. The Christmas Song 5. Glow 6. White Christmas 7. Winter Wonderland 8. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas 9. Silent Night 10. It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas 11. First Noel 12. Blue Christmas 13. O Holy Night 14. The First Noel (acappella) Record Company: Atlantic Nashville Release Date: 28th October 2016
