BY LESLEY HASTINGS
Despite her hectic schedule (more about that later) Brandy Clark has found the time to record two gorgeous Christmas songs, “My Favorite Christmas” and “I’ll Be Home For Christmas“, released last Friday via Warner Records. These two beautiful ballads both ooze nostalgia, the first being an original from the pen of the multi-Grammy nominated artist alongside her frequent collaborator, Shane McAnally, and the second a cover of the well known classic first recorded by Bing Crosby in 1943 which needs no introduction here …. but this really is a truly dreamy version as you’ll hopefully agree.
When it comes to the melancholic “My Favorite Christmas“ we find Brandy in pensive mode on Christmas Eve, reminiscing about celebrating the festive season in New York with someone special. The opening lines immediately transport the listener to the big apple, and as the song progresses the lyrics continue to paint a vivid picture of the festive season there. Sparse piano chords and a stripped back arrangement that includes some appropriately heart aching cello ensure Brandy’s emotional vocals are to the fore throughout the track. Addressed to the now ex, she shares her memories of their relationship that Yuletide, including a kiss that “shook up my heart like the snow in that globe”. Despite things not working out, “guess some wishes ain’t meant to come true”, she looks back fondly at their time together, and wonders if they too consider that particular Christmas as their favourite. Consider this to be a Christmas torch song!
Stream/Download the tracks here https://brandyclark.lnk.to/MFCIBHFC
As mentioned earlier, it’s a very busy time for Brandy, who having just completed a run of shows across the pond which she co-headlined with Lori McKenna (as someone who caught their Boston date believe me it was a perfect pairing) is now continuing her solo headline tour Stateside promoting her recently released self-titled album. Dates include the iconic Ryman Auditorium and LA’s legendary Troubadour. In the midst of everything she also had the honour of performing “The Song Remembers When” at Tricia Yearwood’s induction into the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame a few days ago. And the Tony award winning musical “Shucked“ ( for which she co-wrote the score alongside Shane McAnally) continues its run on Broadway before touring the US next year …. it is slated for a West End transfer in 2025 .
Keep up to date with all Brandy’s news here https://www.brandyclarkmusic.com/