Wrapped in Red is Clarkson's sixth album, a collection of holiday-themed favorites with five all-new originals. As a fan, I've wanted to hear Clarkson record a Christmas album and it looks like my prayers have finally been heard, because Wrapped in Red is a lovely package of holiday music.
Below, as always, is the track-by-track review of the album:
1. Wrapped in Red: This original album opener is a soaring love song with a holiday theme. Clarkson delivers on every level, emotionally and vocally.
2. Underneath the Tree: My personal favorite from the album, Underneath the Tree is sparkly, upbeat and reminiscent of Mariah Carey's 1994 hit All I Want For Christmas Is You. In fact, it's just as good as that perennial holiday classic. Clarkson has a wonderful time singing about presents, carolers, and snow, filling you up with the Christmas spirit. The song isn't all about bells and hand claps, Clarkson brings the house down with an incredible vocal performance. Be sure to blast this song out loud while decorating your tree.
3. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas: Keeping the arrangement of the original classic, Clarkson gives us a sincere, honest and beautiful rendition of the song. By sticking to the original, she keeps it classy and traditional, while of course, lending her incredible vocals to the song.
4. Run Run Rudolph: How can you make a fun song even more fun? Get Kelly Clarkson to sing it! Although I'm not the biggest fan of this song, I think this is one of the best versions I've heard. Clarkson gives the song her own sassy spin and changes up a few lyrics.
5. Please Come Home For Christmas (Bells Will Be Ringing): I'm glad this song made the album. It's one of my all time favorites and a rather underrated one. Of course, Clarkson does no wrong, with a stellar, jazz- inspired vocal, and pours her all into the song.
6. Every Christmas: The third original song on the album is one about longing for a lover to return. Not the most original premise, but still a good song. It's one of the slower, jazzier songs on the album and to be honest, I found it a tad old fashioned. And no, that's not a bad thing.
7. Blue Christmas: Great to see another timeless classic on here. As usual, Clarkson respects the original material and gives it a brilliant vocal backing.
8. Baby, It's Cold Outside (feat. Ronnie Dunn): Joined by country star Ronnie Dunn, Clarkson turns up the heat for this rendition. It's well done, with an impressive (and again, old fashioned sounding) piano. In sum, it sounds like it's 1942.
9. Winter Dreams (Brandon's Song): The fourth original on the album, this song is a pretty glimpse into Clarkson's mind as she spends this Christmas with her newly wed husband Brandon Blackstock. It's cute and fun and really quite personal.
10. White Christmas: Although White Christmas is, itself, a pretty slow song, Kelly doesn't do much to make it more upbeat. I appreciate this version, though, because you can't go wrong with a classic song and Clarkson's vocals combined.
11. My Favorite Things: I'm very excited that one of my favorite songs from one of my favorite movies made it's way on here. Originally from the movie/musical The Sound of Music, this song about remaining optimistic in tough times is actually a great Christmas song, come to think of it. Clarkson owns it, her vocals soulful and open, making this a highlight of the album.
12. 4 Carats: The final original on the album is one of the best. Although it feels less like a Christmas song and more like one of Clarkson's radio hits, this Santa Baby-inspired song is fun, flirty and one of the nicest pieces of ear candy you'll hear this season.
13. Just For Now: Being the first time I heard this song (it was originally performed by Imogen Heap), I actually found it a little sad and depressing, in the midst of all the shimmer and cheer of the album. At the same time, it's a mature song about being hopeful during a rocky time. Isn't that what Christmas is all about? Clarkson pours her heart into it, and you can't help but feel thankful for your blessings.
14. Silent Night (feat. Reba McEntire and Trisha Yearwood): A spectacular way to end the album, with three amazing voices in harmony. Definitely one of the best versions of this song I've heard. It focuses entirely on the vocals, main and background, culminating with an incredible acapella towards the end.
Most Christmas albums are rushed out because they take considerably less time to produce. However, you can tell that a lot of work has gone into the making of this album. All the songs sound top-notch, with Clarkson giving every song her all. I loved all five original songs, especially Underneath the Tree and Wrapped in Red, both of which are potential holiday classics.
Wrapped in Red puts the focus on great vocal performances, something that comes naturally with Kelly Clarkson. Although I found the second half of the album slow and, with the exception of the original tracks, a little boring, it's a great sounding album overall. The sound of the album pays tribute to jazz and Motown, with smooth saxophones and 60s-esque instrumentation. Clarkson lets her old soul out, creating an album that sounds nostalgic but modern at the same time.
I'll admit I felt a little underwhelmed after my first listen of the album, but after a couple of repeat plays, the songs are growing on me. I do wish Clarkson had added a few more classics (I personally would have loved a version of O Holy Night or Grown Up Christmas List), but with five original songs, I can't really complain. Wrapped in Red could be better in some ways, but minor flaws aside, it's amazing.
Great vocals, classy arrangements and a warm ambiance make Wrapped in Red a modern Christmas classic and a great addition to your Christmas collection.
Great vocals, classy arrangements and a warm ambiance make Wrapped in Red a modern Christmas classic and a great addition to your Christmas collection.
RATING: ★★★★1/2
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