I've been impatiently waiting for the release of Elliott's Christmas CD. I really enjoy Christmas music and I have an obscene number of Christmas CDs. :embarrassed grin:

I was one of the "lucky ones" to find a CD in my local Target store and wanted to share my first-listen, honest impressions. Caveat: reviews are very subjective and this is just my humble opinion:

1. This Christmas -- same as last year's release. Still a real strong number, and I LOVE Ely's piano solo!

2. Little Drummer Boy -- this has never been my favorite Christmas song, and I'm sad to say that Elliott has not changed my mind. The accompaniment was rather monotonous and I really didn't care for his take on the "pa rum pa pa pum" part. His voice sounds great, but the song doesn't do much for me. (The only version of this song I find tolerable is by Jars of Clay, a contemporary Christian group -- and only because I think that the accompaniment line is kind of interesting).

3. Merry Christmas, Baby -- Goodness gracious, Elliott gets REALLY growly on this one. I really enjoy "new sounds" from Elliott and got a big smile on my face listening to this. Lots of fun and his vocals just kill.

4. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting...) -- Just beautiful. I like the jazzy, laid-back accompaniment. It has a nice, intimate feel and it has me feeling all Christmas-y.

5. Jingle Bells -- Why he picked this song, I have no idea. It has sort of an old-school R&B sound and he does a nice job with it. His vocals are spot on as usual, very soulful... but it's JINGLE BELLS. Sigh. There are a lot of other songs I would have rather hear him do.

6. A Very Merry Xmas -- I admit at this point, I don't even remember what this song sounds like (pauses to play it again). Another old-school R&B-sounding song. Tony Reyes (Find a Way) wrote it. It's snazzy but didn't catch on with me immediately. I'll have to wait and see if it grows on me.

7. Let's Be Naughty (and Save Santa the Trip) -- Slow, bluesy sound. It's a nice change. Elliott uses his head voice to hit the high note "Let's be Naugh-TY" and it reminds me of yodeling for some reason. The song really has a sort of old-country sound and the lyrics are really cute (I understand that this song has been previously recorded with even naughtier lyrics). He gets really sexy towards the end, in a playful sort of way. I like this.

8. Warm Me Up -- This has a more contemporary sound -- sort of a light rock/R&B sound. I really like this one because he sounds different on this song than on any other song he's recorded. It's very laid back and ROMANTIC!! This may be my favorite track.

:awe:

Sorry if I sound a little negative about a couple of these tracks -- my criticism is more about song choice than Elliott's delivery, and I have very high expectations where Elliott is concerned. Overall, his vocals are spot on and I'm really enjoying some fresh new music from him. I'm hoping that he'll record more Christmas music in the future, and I'll be able to hear him sing some of my favorites (like "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm" and "Baby It's Cold Outside"). Overall I give it an A-, just short of perfection to my ears.

Hope you all can get yours soon!!!!

Thanks, Cathy for that candid review. I'm looking forward to hearing this although I'm not a big Xmas music fan. Oh well, about Jingle Bells. When I saw that song selected, I was surprised along with many others. Maybe they were thinking that you need to throw in a couple of contemporary versions of holiday classics to keep people happy.

Thanks for your honest review cathy! Not everyone will like everything Elliott records. That is an impossiblity, but the fact that his vocals were wonderful as ever is really all that matters, right? I, too, was a lil befuddled with 'Jingle Bells', was really hoping for 'Sleigh Ride'. lol

Can't wait to get my own copy! :woohoo: :danceghost:

I love "Sleigh Ride," too. I used to sing in the Candlelight Processional show at Disney every year (I haven't done it in years) but one of my favorite parts of the show is when the orchestra plays "Sleigh Ride." I used to LOVE to watch the percussionist do the "whip crack" and other sounds!

"Warm Me Up" doesn't sound like a Christmas song (well, neither do "Let's Be Naughty" or even "A Very Merry Xmas") so maybe you'll like those better!

Great review! thanks

I was thinking maybe Target asked him to do Jingle Bells; maybe the song choices weren't all his to make. Maybe they wanted to divvie the standards among the three singers who did the CDs. Question is, why would ANY singer be asked to cover Jingle Bells, it's such a non-song!

Thanks CathyEM. I look forward to receiving my copy from my santa.

"2. Little Drummer Boy -- this has never been my favorite Christmas song, and I'm sad to say that Elliott has not changed my mind. The accompaniment was rather monotonous and I really didn't care for his take on the "pa rum pa pa pum" part. His voice sounds great, but the song doesn't do much for me. (The only version of this song I find tolerable is by Jars of Clay, a contemporary Christian group -- and only because I think that the accompaniment line is kind of interesting)."

This is the one that I was a little befuddled at too. I haven't heard E's version yet, but like you, it's not high on my favorite Christmas songs list. I too have so many Christmas cd's, that it's ridiculous, but I am sure they will all be collecting dust from now on, once I get my hands on this one!
My Target opens at 8a.m. tomorrow, so I will be there when the doors open!I can't wait!!!

Cathy, nobody is gonna tar and feather you because you don't like some of the song choices! I really don't like Jingle Bells either! The important thing is that he sounds great :)

With 24 hours to go........I'd thought I'd "Warm You Up"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkUD_TiFGOQ

Thanks Nancy! Our Target did not have the Cd out yet so it was nice to hear a snippet. :fangirly:

Cathy...
1. Agree with you!
2. I'm loving it!
3. Yes, to all you said!
4. I want the fireplace on and warm blankets over me! :awe:
5. Rocks!
6. I think this will grow on us!
7. Some falsetto in this song, you think? Oh, my...he does gets sexy....mmmmmm!
8. Yummy!!

I'm pretty much right there with you Cathy. I also want to add that he does "Chestnuts" very similarly to the old Stevie Wonder version. which is a sentimental favorite of mine because my husband and I used it on a family video that we made. I was very pleased with Elliott's version - he has a rich tone to his voice.

I totally agree with every single review of every single song, except I'm thinking Merry Christmas, Baby is definitely my favorite of all.

I can honestly say there isn't a Christmas song out there I don't like.

I may be alone, but I really like his version of Jingle Bells, he jazzed it up well.

Little Drummer Boy was my fav in high school a few years ago when I was in choir. (I really like David Bowie's and Bing Crosby's rendition) Ummm maybe he should have more backup on this.

I feel the same about A very Merry Christmas.. I think I need to listen a few more times.

Warm me up is my favorite. It gives me the chills, yet I have the same feeling I get when I hear Dean Martins "Baby it's Cold Outside".

The Christmas song, my 2nd fav... and it's always been up there with my favs.

Wish he would have done Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas... but then I always cry when I hear that song.

The sense that I got while listening to the CD on the drive home from Slidell was that I was seeing strong glimpses of Elliott beginning to define himself. The whole CD is capitivating and I think it's in a different league from the debut CD. I like the new material (and this includes Merry Christmas Baby because it is new to me) better than the standards. I agree with those who think "Warm Me Up" is the standout track on this CD. I'm surprised more attention hasn't been given to "Let's Be Naughty." I thought it came across as a rather sweet, subtle romantic song and I can see it still getting play years from now.

A bit off topic, but as I was listening to the third loop of the album, I thought back to all of the talk a year ago and some of the concerns that we might never get an album from Elliott, and here we are the only fanbase of a AI 5 contestant enjoying two albums in less than a year.

Itslate, have you ever heard "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer"? :rotfl:

Hey everyone. It's Catielyn. Something happened to my account and I haven't been able to respond in over 2 months! I had to make a new account.

I got my 2 copies today at Target in Palmdale tonight. They had them in back. I called and had them hold them for me, and when I was at the checkout, the cashier said, "oh, is this Elliott? I love his Wait for You. He should have won season 5. I have to get me a copy". :fangirly: I told him they were getting limited supplies so he said, "oh, I'll have to get my first thing tomorrow morning".

My favorite tracks are:
1. This Christmas
4. The Christmas Song
6. A Very Merry Xmas
8. Warm Me Up.

What are yours?

Catielyn, I'm merging your post to an existing thread where the xmas cd review has been started.

Thanks for the review.

Now, I'm waiting for my CD. :) I still can't thank my santa enough.

Yeah, I like that one too :rotfl: :rotfl:

I believe it's just the anticipation that my favorite holiday is on it's way... no matter what the song. It's a season of fond memories, good foods and traditions. Now I get to enjoy it with a new CD from Elliott! Who could ask for more :).

Now this is my favorite line from my favorite song. (wish he'd done this one)

Through the years
We all will be together,
If the Fates allow

I'll give my quick impressions after about 4 listens.

1. This Christmas -- we all know how good this one is.

2. Little Drummer Boy -- I've always had a soft spot for this song for some reason. On my first listen I was disappointed because there's no big build-up to the "then he smiled at me" line, like there is in every other version of LDB that I've ever heard. After a few more listens I'm loving it as a simple version of the song. The accompaniment is great, I think someone posted earlier that it was dramatic. I don't know if I would use that word exactly, but it does get one's attention. Nicely done.

3. Merry Christmas, Baby -- I love this.

4. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting...) -- Just never been thrilled with this song. Elliott sounds great, tho.

5. Jingle Bells -- I like this version. When I'm listening I'm not thinking "but it's just Jingle Bells" lol.

6. A Very Merry Xmas -- This song starts out with alot of promise and then . . clunk . . . lyrical mess. They need to do a rewrite on this one IMHO. Elliott sounds great, though. He always does.

7. Let's Be Naughty (and Save Santa the Trip) -- I just love this. Sounds like it's about 50 years old - done rather tongue in cheek. It makes me smile.

8. Warm Me Up -- The chorus is drop dead gorgeous. . . then he starts singing "Kiss me . . . " wow. I think this is why the :thud: smiley was invented. ETA: Elliott's vibrato is absent on the chorus, which makes a person wonder if it's even Elliott singing, but the beauty and richness of his voice is still there. It's not bad that there's no vibrato - just different. I like this song alot.

Well, I will give my review in one sentence, " Oh the weather outside is frightful, but E's CD, is sooooooooooo d"e"lightful!!" I think the entire thing is AMAZING, but the three originals are wonderful, and all very different from each other! Warm Me Up is HANDS DOWN my absolute fave, and guaranteed you have never heard his vocals sounding quite like this on any other track he has done so far. The way he says the word DESIRE in it...well let's just say it will send shivers up and down your spine, and I think you instantly KNOW the meaning of this word, just by the way he says/sings it. It is absoutley BEAUTIFUL!! Of course, being a "drummer girl" myself, I have a soft spot for that song, and he does a soulful, straight up, "truly Elliott" version of this song. I just love it;) I really don't have anything bad to say about any of it, and just like his EY CD, there is a little bit of something, for EVERYONE, young, and old alike;) Elliott my friend, you have done it again;)

xo :rocker: :awe: :elliottelliott: :1word:

My fave is still the one he released last year "This Christmas". :elliottcap:

I lub them all though..fantabulous.

Oh & great review CathyEM. :elliottcap:


ETA on the second day. My opinion has changed..the last track Warm Me Up is now my fave..I reckon he could release that & have a Christmas hit on his hands.

Thanks, elliottcrazy!

I've listened a few dozen times and "Warm Me Up" is still my favorite! Followed by "Merry Christmas, Baby," "Let's Be Naughty," and "The Christmas Song." And I still love "This Christmas!"

My short, from-the-hip take on E's Christmas CD: This CD is stunning!! Will leave you breathless, what can I say but OMGOMGOMGOMG!!! First it makes you melt, then when all your defenses are down, it sets you on fire--in every way! Roll out the yule log, you'll be steaming in holiday sweat! lolol! (And loving it!)

:music: Elliott’s Sounds of the Season CD :music:
1. This Christmas – We already knew this is a great song. I'm focusing more on the new sounds from Elliott right now.

2. Little Drummer Boy – I love Elliott’s version of this song. When I was younger, I didn’t appreciate this song very much, but now I have a soft spot for it. It is a sweet story, when you really think about it. I also like the version by Jars of Clay.

3. Merry Christmas, Baby – This is my favorite track on the CD. It makes me want to move!! Pure perfection from start to finish. He sure knows how to groove!!

4. The Christmas Song – Beautiful version of this song. Relaxing, mellow.

5. Jingle Bells – I really like this one; it’s lots of fun! It has an R&B feel, and Elliott does an amazing job with the vocals. I like the bass sound. It reminds me of "I Believe To My Soul." This was playing in the kitchen last night, as we were getting ready to eat supper. I looked up from the table to see my 12 yr. old son dancing as he was getting a glass from the cupboard and my 14 yr. old daughter dancing at the sink, hehehe. My 16 yr. old daughter was even singing along! It’s a hit with the younger set. :) She didn’t watch AI very much, and asked me if he won. I said, of course he did. ;) Note: My son said Merry Christmas, Baby was “weird.” (??) “It doesn’t rhyme or anything mom” he said. It’s nothing like he’s heard before and he just doesn’t get it, lol. I think it’s the age. Give him time y’all.

6. A Very Merry Christmas – I like the message of this one and it has a nice sound. Elliott sounds great. I agree it needs a little something more, more lyrics perhaps?

7. Let’s Be Naughty – A sweet, fun song, a pleasure to listen to. I love the accompaniment. A few of the songs on the CD are very up-tempo, and this is a nice mid-tempo 60’s song that adds variety. I wonder what my kids will say about this one…

8. Warm Me Up – My second favorite song. This is very beautiful and distinctive. I get the impression that we haven’t begun to hear what Elliott is capable of. My favorite parts are the verses; Elliott’s vocals are especially beautiful here…just gorgeous. Very tender and loving. Just noticed that there’s that clapping thing on this one.

I’ve listened to the CD many times now, and during some of the songs I think I hear the doorbell, lol.

Question: Are the radio stations getting a copy of the CD? I agree that Elliott could have a hit with Warm Me Up and Merry Christmas, Baby. And Jingles Bells. And Let’s Be Naughty, too. I can’t settle on 1 or 2.

Can’t wait to share this with my nieces (6, 8, 12 yrs) Last time we were there, we were all jamming to some big band swing music, dancing and carrying on in the middle of the living room. I think the neighbors thought we had lost our minds, lol. This year we’ll all be dancing to Elliott’s Merry Christmas, Baby and Jingle Bells.
:dance: :dancers:

Mel thanks for your review. I copied your Jingle Bells review because you were the first to say more than a few words about it. I was really nonplussed when I heard this song was going to be on Elliott's CD.

But talk about making a song your own, WOW! It's hip, it's modern and it definitely blows the dust off the old tired classic. I mean, when was the last time you can remember wanting to shake your booty to Jingle Bells? This is a sleeper that I think everyone will be listening to for years to come. All of those other run down boring renditions can be retired forever.

On Little Drummer Boy, I love the updated sound of the arrangement and the musicians sound tight, but for some reason Elliott sounds a little bored. I wonder if he feared being irreverant?

Let's be Naughty is actually pretty cute.....the way he sings "naugty" is so sweet, and tames it down considerably. Had he gone for a growly sound here, I think it would have seemed a lot more suggestive. The country twang proves that this is a CD designed to have something for everyone.

Love Warm Me Up, but would have liked the clapping dialed down just a notch. But a terrific "holiday" song that will reinfoce Elliott's sound. Sure to be a fan favorite as we've already read from other E-fans.

Sk8888

p.s. I'm thinking that This Christmas may still be the "release" song if there is such a thing because it's the only one that is on ITunes. Or has that changed??

I edited my OP but I'm posting here in case it get's missed. I'm (pistachio)NUTS for Warm Me Up. I can't stop playing it. He should release it..I hope it's a taste of his 2nd CD. Flippin brilliant.

The tone of his voice on that one - it flippin' sends me over the moon. Instant goosebumps! :awe:

Quick run down so far after a few listens:

1. This Christmas -- I love this song and it reminds me of last year when I was kind of worried about Elliott's future. This also might be the longest song on the album.
2. Little Drummer Boy -- I like it.
3. Merry Christmas, Baby -- My favorite right now. I just wish it was longer because this could be a real soulfull jam. For some reason, I see a duet with Amy Winehouse. They both have that throwback 60s soul thing.
4. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting...) -- jazzy, pleasant
5. Jingle Bells -- uptempo. they had a lot of fun with this, groovy
6. A Very Merry Xmas --Another one of my favorites. This is an underrated gem so far. I even like the lyrics.
7. Let's Be Naughty (and Save Santa the Trip) -- The end is the best part. Wait for it. This is the GP version. I'd like to hear the R rated one too.
8. Warm Me Up -- Very smooth. This could be a radio hit.

This album is an early Xms present.

Overall im happy with it, but i wish it was longer!

Yep - for sure. This is not your parents' Jingle Bells!

Have to say when I ran to the car with the CD in my hot lil hands, and listened-skipped right to--Little Drummer Boy, it left me crying--and it was an emotional rollercoaster from there on in--all the way to the top! In a lot of ways, my heart feels that Elliott IS the little drummer boy, bringing his gift to the world...his humility and hope and love...and the world "smiled at him"...I so feel Elliott's very soul in that song!
I love the way he growls--never heard him do that before--in Merry Christmas Baby...I love the way his voice curls around Let's Be Naughty, especially the phrasing at the end..that's a whole new side of Elliott I have never hear before and--love it! I love every bit of it and am sure it will start to grow on me soon, ha! Hope Spring will never come! want to sit by the fire with Elliott...unwrapping things...till we're through...
ETA-This album is not about crying at all--that was just one song and just me--the rest of it is grooving, funky, great get-down beats and a real funky-white-boy Elliott--he even growls in Jingle Bells..but it's filled with Christmas magic and seasonal good-will--will really get you in the mood to celebrate! Very sexy and upbeat and happy!

I guess there will be many an Etrainer, including myself, up in space flying over that moon then, because DANG, I can't agree with you girls more!! This one just DOES SOMETHING to ya....just, WOW!!! ;)

:awe: :1word:

Just had a listen on the way home from Target.

Elliott's voice - magnificent!!!!!

Production - I'm not wild about it. Once again - not crazy about the arrangements - come on cousin Josh - that voice deserves imagination and interesting arrangements and musicians....

Big exception - Let's Be Naughty

HUGE exception - Warm Me Up - OMG!! Who needs the holidays for this song! Make them all this compelling!!!!

That gave me chills!

I love the entire CD. Well, actually, I like "A Very Merry Xmas" and love the rest of the CD. I've become addicted to "Warm Me Up" and "Let's Be Naughty".

Once again, Elliott made a "singer's record" which is the style that he loves. So do I. I can't get enough of his voice.

I couldn't wait to get my hands on Elliott's Christmas CD either. So, I called the Target store near me on the 12th and they had it! My hubby actually left his office in the middle of the day and went to pick it up for me! However, I must admit that, although I like the tone of "Warm Me Up" (which seems to be a fan favorite at this point), my favorite track is "A Very Merry Xmas." Maybe it's because it reminds me of some of the classic Motown hits I listened to while growing up or is the one song from the collection that makes me get up and dance!

I'm lovin Jingle Bells and Merry Xmas Baby! My girls keep making me play Jingle Bells over and over. My littlest said Elliott was singing the pa rum pa pum pum part of Little Drummer Boy wrong but my oldest corrected her and said - It's not wrong - he's singing Elliott style! Too funny but true!