Filipino singer and actress Lea Salonga released a new Christmas album, Sounding Joy. The album includes one original piece and 11 covers of Christmas classics.
The music is Pop /Jazz/Holiday. It starts with one track playing two Christmas classics: Christmas Time / It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year. It is a lovely way to start this Christmas Album.
There are fantastic renditions of Christmas classics with upbeat sounds: Sleigh Ride, Christmas (Baby Please Come Home), and This Christmas. These classics have a Jazz-style beat. Sleigh Ride has a beautiful piano playing in the background, creating a romantic feel, along with a violin. Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) starts slow with drums and saxophone, then picks up in tempo, creating an elaborate and bold composition. This Christmas, this version has a contemporary sound but also honours the musical structure of the original. The music is phenomenal. It brings joy hearing it. Lea Salonga and her team of musicians are fantastic. The guitar solo adds a nice touch to the song.
The ballads on this album are impressive in blending the musical structures of the original songs with contemporary sounds. This version of River is similar to Joni Mitchell’s version, combined with Jazz-style beats. Last Christmas, on this record, is impressive as a ballad version as it captures the song’s sadness thro. The guitar, piano and maracas in the background are a nice touch. Christmas on Broadway features beautiful classical music with a hint of Jazz. The violin creates the perfect romantic and festive atmosphere, conveying the love and joy of the holiday season, in this case, in New York. The ballad version of Mariah Carey’s 1994 hit All I Want For Christmas Is You has a rich composition. It has the same structure as the original but with a slow tempo—a distinct vibe. The piano in the background conveys that feeling of disappointment. The What Child Is This/Silent Night pairing is a great combination, and the songs complement each other. The transition between these two pieces is smooth. I’ll Be Home For Christmas has a jazzy and whimsical rhythm. It’s soulful and cosy, and the tune reminds me of old-fashioned Christmas movies. Angels We Have Heard (Glory Be) (with Clay Aiken) has a smooth rhythm, blending choir-style music and contemporary/modern sounds. The energy is beautifully uplifting and hopeful.
The original song, Love Is Our Christmas Star, has cheerful, festive music. The guitar and piano create an intimate setting and rich composition. Trina Belamide did remarkable work with the composition.
The music throughout the album is beautifully thought-out and intricate.
Lea Salonga’s voice is lovely and soulful. Her vocal range is incredible, and she has the right tone for each song. She performs the Christmas classics.
There is a song where Lea Salonga has a fantastic duet with Clay Aiken, Angels We Have Heard (Glory Be). They make an awesome duo and sing harmoniously. Their voices complement each other nicely. They perform this piece with great passion.
The original song, Love Is Our Christmas Star, is poetic and sentimental. Trina Belamide wrote the lyrics with heart and soul. The words are full of love and hope, reminding us of what’s essential during the holiday season.
The album Sounding Joy is available.
