Carrie Underwood is bringing fans her first full-length Christmas album at a time when it’s uncertain just how people will be celebrating Christmas this year.
This Christmas album is very traditional. It brings in a little bit of a country vibe, but not much. Underwood doesn’t sing about material things she wants for Christmas. She made this album with the true meaning of Christmas in mind, and that's clear throughout the entire album, whether she's singing Christmas songs of the past or her original material.
Her first original song on the album is “Let There Be Peace.” It feels like an anthem for our times. Underwood gives the listener the belting voice we’ve come to expect and love from her.
“Let there be peace,” sings Underwood. “Peace to every nation. Let there be hope. For all the world to see. Let there be love. And joy to all the children. Let there be peace on earth. For you and me.”
If you’re looking for something cute this holiday season that’ll bring a smile to your face, give her version of “Little Drummer Boy” a listen. It features her five-year-old son Isaiah Fisher, and was truly a wonderful choice to include on the album.
“Sweet Baby Jesus” is a new track that was written by Brett James, a writer who has worked with Carrie since her first song, “Jesus Take The Wheel.” This song feels like a blend of country and contemporary Christian. Simply classic Carrie.
“Fully human, Fully God,” sings Underwood. “Full of wonder and the blood. That one day you would shed to save the world. Tiny feet and tiny hands. With all of earth at their command. It must have felt strange to you.”
“Hallelujah” is a duet with John Legend and it was written by John Legend and Toby Gad. When I heard John Legend and Carrie Underwood were doing a duet for this album, this lover of both Legend and Underwood just about lost his mind. This isn’t the song to play through your earphones. This is a song that needs to be on your speakers. Both artists bring their signature belt to this song and it’s the kind of song that needs to fill the room. It would be spectacular if they ever get to perform this song together. Underwood is doing a special for HBO MAX and hopefully that will provide the opportunity for them to perform together.
“Let there be peace on earth,” sing Underwood and Legend. “Let the lonely join together. Let them know their worth.”
Underwood gives us a breathtaking performance of “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” and a glorious and powerful performance of “Mary, Did You Know?”
“My Gift” will bring the listener the gift of contemplation: To contemplate what the true meaning of Christmas is, what’s really necessary to celebrate Christmas during a pandemic, and to contemplate what is going on in the world today. Underwood wants this album to bring joy to people and I believe that it will. While bringing contemplation and pure joy, it may also bring some level of calm and peace. Finding contemplation, joy, calm, and peace are good things to look for now and to indeed carry through the holiday season.
