Brett Eldredge broke through in 2013 with his debut album ‘Bring You Back’ and since then he’s released another six studio albums including two festive collections ‘Glow’ (2016) and ‘Mr Christmas’ (2021). His last studio album was 2022’s ‘Songs About You’ and since the release of that record, Eldredge has parted ways with his long-time label home Warner Nashville. For his eighth studio album, Eldredge is once again turning to Christmas for his third holiday set ‘Merry Christmas (Welcome to the Family)’.
Over his career, Eldredge has become known for his love of the holiday season and his 2016 album ‘Glow’ started a now long-standing tradition. Every winter Eldredge hits the road for a series of festive shows in the US and this year’s run comes after the release of ‘Merry Christmas (Welcome to the Family)’, an 8-song collection of all-original material. The record opens with the title track as Eldredge sings about the members of his family, backed by sumptuous instrumentation that brings to mind the very best Christmas songs ever recorded. The sing-a-long chorus ensures this song will be added to many festive playlists this year and for many years to come.
The album’s lead single is ‘Sweet December’ featuring Kelly Clarkson, marking the second time the two artists have collaborated on a Christmas song. Their voices work so well together and the end result is a gorgeous duet. It sounds timeless and it injects a bit of romance into the holiday season. On ‘It Must Be Christmas’, Eldredge ups the tempo as he sings about the infectious nature of the Christmas spirit and the tell-tale signs that the season is upon us. ‘Warm and Cozy’, which is also the name of Eldredge’s own label, leans into the swing sound he’s made his own across his Christmas albums and it’s one of the highlights on the record.
‘The Night St. Nick Got Sick’ (don’t worry kids, he’s fine now!) sees Eldredge turn storyteller for a 60s-influenced song that sees the singer asked to take the reins (literally) for Santa one Christmas night. ‘Seasons of Lights and Wonder’ plays to Eldredge’s strengths, accompanying his incredible vocal with piano. The emotion drips from his voice as he plays with his trademark riffs and showcases his impressive vibrato. Idarose features on ‘Who Will You Be Kissing On New Year’s Eve?’, a playful song that’s every bit as classy as it is catchy. This is one that’s going to sound fantastic live!
The album’s closing track, ‘Welcome to the Family (Reprise)’, is a spoken-word track that finds Eldredge telling the listener about his family. Starting with his Uncle Jim, Eldredge’s infectious enthusiasm radiates out of the speakers as he introduces his mother, his brother and more. Fans will love getting a little more insight into the notoriously private star’s life.
My only complaint is that the album leaves me wanting more. At 8 tracks the set is fairly short but given that Eldredge has gifted us with so much Christmas music over the years, I’m happy to forgive him. It just means that you’ll be reaching for the repeat button so you can enjoy the record all over again.
The vinyl edition of the album, which arrives in October, features a gatefold that opens out into a board game. As a keen advocate for unplugging yourself from the digital world and really experiencing life away from the glare of social media, Eldredge wants to encourage fans to spend time with friends and family, and remember what’s important. It’s a lovely idea and one that shows just what a kind soul Eldredge is behind his starry exterior.
‘Merry Christmas (Welcome to the Family)’ is another home-run for Eldredge. Christmas music is notoriously hard to get right and to produce an entire collection of original songs is no easy thing. Eldredge makes it look like its second nature to him, delivering songs that feel familiar yet refreshingly new. No one else is making modern Christmas music like Eldredge and I hope that he continues to include new festive music in his repertoire for many years. The style fits him like a glove and his vocal delivery is second to none.
Track list: 1. Merry Christmas (Welcome to the Family) 2. It Must Be Christmas 3. Sweet December (feat. Kelly Clarkson) 4. Warm and Cozy 5. The Night St. Nick Got Sick 6. Seasons of Light and Wonder 7. Who Will You Be Kissing On New Year’s Eve (feat. Idarose) 8. Welcome to the Family (Reprise) Record label: Warm and Cozy Records Release date: 27th September 2024 Buy ‘Merry Chrismas (Welcome to the Family)’ now
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’ is a home-run for Eldredge. Christmas music is hard to get right but he makes it look easy.){kind=link}