In conjunction with NBC and Universal Music, Julianne Hough has released a CD of Christmas songs called Sounds of the Season - The Julianne Hough Holiday Collection. It is available only at Target stores. And at the attractive price of only $6.99, this is a great little holiday stocking stuffer music collection addition.The CD (actually an EP, running a shade over 21 minutes) shares much with her debut album released earlier this year. Producer David Malloy oversees many of the same veteran studio musicians, including the rock-solid rhythm section of Lonnie Wilson (drums) and Spady Brannan (bass), as well as Jerry McPherson (guitar), and Jimmy Nichols (keyboards). Mickey Jack Cones handled the re-mixing (as well as background vocals). And, front and center, is a very fresh, new-to-the-business Julianne Hough, brimming with optimism and bubbly personality.
"Sound of Christmas" is the first track. It is a short instrumental; it sounds like an introduction to a piece that never materializes. Very curious -- but it is a pleasant melody. And it's notable for being co-written by one "J. Hough" making it Julianne’s first songwriting credit.
The second track, "Jingle Bell Rock" is the most up-tempo song on the album, with a driving, powerful beat and heavy bass line unlike anything Julianne has released yet. Her voice is rich and supple, relaxed and playful. The music is lean, almost spare, with no wasted notes -- the vocals keep it from sounding impersonal.
"It Wasn't His Child / Mary Did You Know?" is the centerpiece of the album, and the only track that focuses on the "reason for the season.” It is a duet with Phil Vassar; a medley of two Christmas songs which had some country radio airplay in the 1990's ("It Wasn't His Child" by Trisha Yearwood; "Mary Did You Know" by Wynonna and Kenny Rogers). Julianne starts off with "It Wasn't His Child"- sounding sincere and breathy. When Phil Vassar begins to sing "Mary Did You Know?", his booming baritone and her fluttery voice make it through with soaring harmonies, and by the end of the song, prove to be a dramatic and potent duo.
"Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree" is another variation on a popular theme; a nice party song, not particularly memorable but not meant to be, either. They can't all be showstoppers, tearjerkers or tours de force! Plus, it's obviously one of Julianne's favorites!
"Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" showcases Julianne's sweet, pure voice in fine style. She never seems to strain, or even break a sweat. And she doesn't try to shake the rafters. She just sings, and sings very well.
The CD is short, sweet and inexpensive- think of it as a candy cane treat for the ears. It’s not, nor is it intended to be a rich dessert, just a quick sampling of more to come from the beautiful blonde down the road.
The CD is short, sweet and inexpensive- think of it as a candy cane treat for the ears. It’s not, nor is it intended to be a rich dessert, just a quick sampling of more to come from the beautiful blonde down the road.
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