NYCS First Impression: Martina McBride ‘It’s The Holiday Season’
There are few distinct voices in country music that feel like home. Martina McBride’s is one of those such voices, nowhere more so evident than on her festive new album, It’s the Holiday Season. On the cheery collection, released today, the country superstar adds a surprisingly jazzy touch to some of the most classic Christmas songs, and frankly, the only thing missing on this album to make it all the more quintessential Christmas is a duet with Michael Buble.
The album opens with spirited takes on the classics, “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” and “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” While it’s hard to offer a fresh take on tunes that have seemingly been recorded 19,000 times, McBride’s voice pairs perfectly with the music throughout the album, neither outshining the other. For McBride fans, the album definitely shows a different side of the singer, focusing heavily on the LP’s orchestration, rather than just her golden voice.
One of the highlights of the album is McBride’s take on “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.” The track could’ve easily veered off into being cheesy, but McBride offers a fresh take that’s hard not to tap your toes to. Other highlights include “Happy Holidays/ It’s the Holiday Season,” and “Home for the Holidays.” The show tune staple, “My Favorite Things” closes the album perfectly, McBride’s voice covering each and every note like a warm blanket on a cold evening.
Despite the fact that It’s the Holiday Season does not include any originals, it’s a fun take on many of the most classic Christmas songs. Interestingly, it’s an album that could’ve been recorded in the 1950’s or the 2050’s and not sounded out of place. It’s poised to be a future classic, and we can only advise you to add this one to your Christmas mix; you definitely won’t regret it.
In addition to the release of her holiday album today, McBride will be releasing her cookbook, Martina McBride’s Kitchen Mix on October 30, with the premiere of her cooking show, Martina’s Table, premiering on the Food Network on November 18th.
Additionally, McBride will be taking her holiday cheer on the road, performing with a full symphony on The Joy of Christmas Tour. Full dates are as follows:
November 23: Biloxi, MS – Beau Rivage
November 24: Jacksonville, FL – Florida Theatre
November 25: Charlotte, NC – Ovens Auditorium
November 29: Nashville, TN – Schermerhorn Symphony Center
November 30: Nashville, TN – Schermerhorn Symphony Center
December 1: Nashville, TN – Schermerhorn Symphony Center
December 4: Atlanta, GA – Atlanta Symphony Hall
December 6: Kansas City, MO – Arvest Bank Theatre at The Midland
December 7: Dallas, TX – Majestic Theatre
December 8: Sugar Land, TX – Smart Financial Centre
It’s the Holiday Season is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.
For future tour information, upcoming news and announcements from Martina McBride, visit martinamcbride.com, and follow the rising star on his journey via Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
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