It’s the most wonderful time of the year.
Time to deck the halls with A Pentatonix Christmas Deluxe.
Known for their covers of classics and Top 40 hits, Pentatonix consists of five singers: Scott Hoying, Mitch Grassi, Kirstin Maldonado, Avi Kaplan and Kevin K.O. Olusola. They’re all accomplished musicians and performers.
The five-person a capella group has added five new tracks added to their last Christmas album.
Streamed the a capella orchestra yet and listened to their deluxe album?
Yes? Great.
No?
Here’s track-by-track review:
(1.) O, Come All Ye Faithful
Rhythmic. Bass provides a beautiful foundation for the top melody line. Upbeat. Energy. Happy glory. Reason for the season.
(2.) God, Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Pentatonix captures the mysterious wonder of this song beautifully. Sung in C-sharp minor, this rendition gives me the chills.
(3.) White Christmas (feat. The Manhattan Transfer)
Slow. Dreamy. Beautiful.
(4.) I’ll Be Home for Christmas
Slower jam compared to other tracks on the album. You feel each note. Lyrical chills and melodic thrills.
(5.) Up On The Housetop
Click, click, click. Playful. Cute. Upbeat. Totally didn’t realize there was more than one verse to this song until I heard Pentatonix sing it. Fun sing-along.
(6.) The Christmas Sing-Along
Mid-tempo mood. Light. Happy. Fun. Because music heals us and gets us out of our heads.
(7.) Conventry Carol
Haunting minor key. Epic beauty. Classical vibe? I think so. Tension keeps building.
(8.) Hallelujah
Regal, timeless, classic cover. Pentatonix does Lenoard Cohen justice with their cover.
(9.) Coldest Winter
Memories made in the coldest winter? Angsty. Sexy.
(10.) Good To Be Bad
Kirstin sings the main melody for Good To Be Bad. Fun and flirty. And cute.
(11.) Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays
This jam is everything Pentatonix does for the human soul. Uplifting. Inspirational. Hopeful. Happy.
(12.) Deck The Halls
Fa la la la la. The intro. The transitions in between verses. The bridge. A little extra back-up fa-la-las in there. High energy. With about four key changes. Fast-paced fun.
(13.) How Great Thou Art
Spiritual slow jam ballad. Gospel meets acapella group. Glory to A-flat major.
(14.) Away In A Manger
Tender. The group takes their time with each note. Beautiful interpretation with the melody. And E Major. My favourite key.
(15.) Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
Fast, playful and cute. Two minute jam is high-energy. With key changes. Tenor takes the lead.
(16.) Hallelujah (Featuring The String Mob)
Gorgeous collaboration with The String Mob. Another beautiful interpretation of a classic.
Stream an a capella Christmas orchestra.
Monika Weatherly 