holiday – Page 11

Jamie Cullum | Turn On The Lights

“Turn On The Lights” is from Jamie Cullum‘s latest album, The Pianoman at Christmas, released last month. Featuring 10 original songs and a band of 57 musicians, the album was recorded at Abbey Road Studios with social distancing precautions in place. “We had to set up in a way that you wouldn’t normally; between screens, two meters apart and socially distanced,” Cullum said in an interview. “But we had some of the most talented people in the world working on this record and for that reason, it still ended up sounding as wonderful and authentic as it did.

“Being in a room when all those musicians are playing at the same time, it is the pure sound of human warmth,” he added. “I think that’s why the sound feels so good at Christmas, because it’s a mass of that beautiful human sound – I absolutely love it.” Key change at 2:57.

Dolly Parton (with Willie Nelson) | Pretty Paper

Written by Willie Nelson in 1963, “Pretty Paper” was first recorded by Roy Orbison that same year, and placed on the Billboard Adult Contemporary, Top 100, and Christmas Singles charts. Dolly Parton collaborated with Nelson this year on a cover of the tune that is featured on her new Christmas album, A Holly Dolly Christmas, released this year. Key change at 2:32.

The Carpenters | (There’s No Place Like) Home for the Holidays

Other than Perry Como’s 1984 rendition, the most well-known recording of this tune was featured on The Carpenters second holiday album, An Old Fashioned Christmas, released in 1984. Karen Carpenter, who sang lead vocals on every track, died the year before the album was released. Key change at 1:59.

Stevie Wonder | Someday at Christmas

The title track from Stevie Wonder’s first holiday album in 1968, “Someday at Christmas” is infused with Wonder’s signature Motown spirit. The track has stood the test of time, becoming something of a modern holiday classic, and has been covered by artists across the stylistic spectrum, including The Jackson 5, Diana Ross, Justin Bieber, and Rascal Flatts. Most recently, Wonder recorded a duet version in 2015 with American singer Andra Day for use in an Apple TV commercial, which is featured here. Key changes at 1:22, 2:22, and 2:43.

Mariah Carey | The Star

“The Star” was the first single released from the eponymous 2017 holiday film, inspired by the Nativity story. Performed by Mariah Carey, the song was nominated for Best Original Song at the Golden Globe Awards. In her review at Pop Sugar, critic Victoria Messina claimed “this brand-new jam just might give “All I Want For Christmas Is You” a run for its money.” Beginning in B major, the track modulates to Db at at 2:51 and then to Eb at 3:11.

Barbra Streisand | What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve

Happy New Year’s Eve! Thank you all for making 2019 a memorable one at MotD, introducing new music to our libraries, with key changes brightening every day. We close out the year with “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve,” performed by Barbra Streisand from her 2001 album Christmas Memories. Key change at 2:47. See you in 2020!