Review: ‘Brett Young and Friends Sing The Christmas Classics’ – Brett Young

This collection is different to the majority of Christmas records we’ve reviewed in this issue, there are no originals but it doesn’t mean it’s not original in it’s delivery. I feel Young takes a humble approach, the idea that the ‘old ones are the best’ is the basis but his arrangements are inspired.

This is evident from the beat on the opening track ‘Silver Bells’ it’s quite stripped back, the main instruments being the drum machine and pedal steel guitar. An unusual arrangement on ‘Rockin Around The Christmas Tree’ took me by surprise and took a few listens for me to warm to it, it’s slowed down and feels slightly disjointed with that drum beat however Young teams up with Darius Rucker and though their voices are very different it’s a great partnership, one I’d like to hear more of in the future.

The closing track, ‘Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas’ is a more traditional rendition with the piano and strings arranged to really compliment the song and Brett Young and Sam Fischer’s vocals. It’s a great record filled with some fantastic collaborations.