Pentatonix "That's Christmas to Me" Album Review

Prime Cuts: That's Christmas to Me, Mary Did You Know, Winter Wonderland/Don't Worry Be Happy
Trailing just behind Taylor Swift's "1989" on Billboard 200 this week at a lofty #2 position is Pentatonix's "That's Christmas to Me." In a climate where record sales are sloughing as if they were stately monuments, "That's Christmas to Me" fluidly moves thousands of copies each week, easily making "That's Christmas to Me" this year's best-selling seasonal album. So, what's the buzz with this album? After all, a cappella groups like Pentatonix are not novelties, think Manhattan Transfer. And Christmas offerings by a cappella groups are by no means avant-garde. However, if you listen to just the opening track of this album, "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" all the mystery will unfold. Featuring just layered of voices seamlessly parlayed one on top of the other before breaking out into a Sister Act frenzy type of Gospel fun, what you get is the best of both worlds. Goosebumps traditional a cappella singing coupled with a modern rock sensibility that few together can muster.
Pentatonix is a quintet comprising of Scott Hoying, Mitch Grassi, Kristie Maldenado, Ari Kaplan and Kevin 'K.O.' Olusola. "That's Christmas to Me" is the group's 2nd album (the first one being PTX Vol. III) within a month and 4th in less than a year to debut Top 10 on the chart. Pentatonix currently has more than 6.7 million YouTube subscribes (besting Beyoncé and Avicii) and 650 million cumulative views. The group recently collaborated with world-renowned director Baz Luhrmann and Barney's on their Baz Dazzled Christmas experience. "That's Christmas to Me," apparently their debut festive offering, is the most successful of their bunch of releases. Featuring one original the title cut, the rest of the selections fall under secular Christmas favorites ("Santa Claus is Comin' to Town" and "Sleigh Ride"), Christian hymns ("Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" and "Silent Night") and some lesser known gems ("White Winter Hymnal").
From the cozy fireplace to children playing angels in the snow to mom and daddy sharing a kiss underneath the mistletoe, the title cut "That's Christmas to Me" covers all the basis for a romantic Christmas. Featuring the quintet's soaring harmonies over a gorgeous melodic tune, "That's Christmas to Me" will certainly melt the iciest hearts with its warm romantic seasonal flames. If you think you have heard enough of "Winter Wonderland," you haven't Pentatonix's version yet. Meshing "Winter Wonderland" with Bobby McFerrin's carefree "Don't Worry Be Happy," the two-song medley has a contagious Caribbean vibe that will get our feet tapping.
To appreciate the artistry use of rhythm and vocal nuances take a listen to Tchaikovsky's "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" which by itself is an intricate piece of sonic art. Already going viral across the net is their take of "Mary Did You Know." Giving this modern-day classic a calypso beat, Pentatonix brings to life again the wonder of how a tiny baby can be the Savior of the world. Depending on how one feels about the Frozen's theme song "Let It Go," the group's cover can be a blessing or a curse. Nevertheless, when it comes to a cappella Christmas, "That's Christmas to Me" is a delightful effort of merging tradition with ingenuity.
Tags : pentatonix pentatonix christmas that's christmas to me Pitch Perfect 2 pentatonix pentatonix that's christmas to me pentatonix mary did you know pentatonix christmas album pentatonix that's christmas to me review pentatonix alnum review pentatonix christmas review pentatonix a cappella pentatonix new album
Hot Trends
-
Chris Rice Maintains Public Silence Following Abuse Allegations; Focuses on Writing and Speaking
-
Sherwin Gardner Earns Multiple Marlin Awards and Flashes Flow Masters Gospel Showcase
-
Crowder Undergoes Emergency Surgery Following Leg Injury
-
Wanda Bell Launches LadyBellRadio.com 24/7 Gospel Music Platform
-
Recent Accident Inspires Forrest Frank’s New Single "Lemonade (feat. The Figs)"
-
Phil Wickham Celebrates His 15th Wedding Anniversary with "Just Too Good"
-
Building 429's New Single "Different" is Co-Written by Lead Singer's 14 Year-Old Daughter
-
American Idol Winner Jamal Roberts Inks $13.5M Netflix Deal Following Chart-Topping Gospel Hit
-
Author and Adventurer JT Mestdagh Shares Inspiring Journey in New Edition of "No Bad Days"
-
Michael W. Smith Celebrates His 40th Wedding Anniversary
-
Carroll McGruder, of the McGruders, Passes Away
-
Kutless Releases Bold New EP "Lies Of My Brothers"
-
The Most Popular Bands in Concert
-
Hillsong Worship Offers a FREE 5-Day Devotional Based on "These Same Skies"
-
Hillsong's Marty Sampson's Startling Revelations About Brian Houston & His Own Marriage
Most Popular
-
Chris Rice Maintains Public Silence Following Abuse Allegations; Focuses on Writing and Speaking
-
Sherwin Gardner Earns Multiple Marlin Awards and Flashes Flow Masters Gospel Showcase
-
Crowder Undergoes Emergency Surgery Following Leg Injury
-
Wanda Bell Launches LadyBellRadio.com 24/7 Gospel Music Platform
-
Recent Accident Inspires Forrest Frank’s New Single "Lemonade (feat. The Figs)"
-
Phil Wickham Celebrates His 15th Wedding Anniversary with "Just Too Good"
-
Building 429's New Single "Different" is Co-Written by Lead Singer's 14 Year-Old Daughter
-
American Idol Winner Jamal Roberts Inks $13.5M Netflix Deal Following Chart-Topping Gospel Hit
-
Author and Adventurer JT Mestdagh Shares Inspiring Journey in New Edition of "No Bad Days"
-
Michael W. Smith Celebrates His 40th Wedding Anniversary
-
Carroll McGruder, of the McGruders, Passes Away
-
Kutless Releases Bold New EP "Lies Of My Brothers"
-
The Most Popular Bands in Concert
-
Hillsong Worship Offers a FREE 5-Day Devotional Based on "These Same Skies"
-
Hillsong's Marty Sampson's Startling Revelations About Brian Houston & His Own Marriage