popsrocks's Full Review: Home for the Holidays by Elvis Presley
This digitally remastered CD is from Elvis' first Christmas Album recorded in 1957. It was controversial because this rock-singing, hip-swinging guy was everything against what some religious and prim-and-proper thought appropriate manner from a young person. They were afraid of the maddening and disruptive influence he would have. Where they right?
I was one of those kids who followed him but I never picked up this album until the 70s and after I was married. (it was a vinyl I first owned) Over the years we changed out much vinyl for CDs. I lost many to a fire and more to my son. This was one of them.
This CD opens with Elvis singing Blue Christmas. This happens to be my favorite Elvis song on this CD. There is nobody I know that can sing this song quite the way Elvis does. He brings a melancholy feel as he sings the "Blues", in this country-like song, yearning for that special person he sings of. It's a funny thing, I love the song but I sometimes see it as out of place on a Christmas album. Yes, it speaks of Christmas but not in a jolly or uplifting or spiritual way that I normally look for. When I think of the song in relation to other traditional songs, it seems out of place. It is however, important and brings out the plight of those who long to be with someone they love. I think of our troops all over the world who I'm sure would love to be home for the holidays. It's their families who can state the words,
Decorations of red on a green Christmas tree
Won't be the same, dear if you're not here with me
I do thank these volunteers and their families for their sacrifice. In a way, this song is a salute to them.
Silent Night Elvis takes this traditional beauty and gives it a reverent touch with a soprano, female voice in the back ground harmonizing and a choir backing them up. He seems to sing it at an even slower than most other versions. Beautiful.
White Christmas is where Elvis gives a fun little rendition of the worlds most reproduced song. He gives it a little funky style that goes well after Silent Night.
Elvis continues a build up in energy as he rocks in Christmas with this one. Santa Claus Is Back in Town should not be confused with Santa Clause is Coming To Town. This is a contemporary rock song, even if recorded in the 50s. It's up-beat and fun.
The next two songs of I'll Be Home For Christmasand
If Every Day Was Like Christmas show Elvis in a more pensive state singing with feeling. This is especially true with the latter that he presents like songs on his Gospel CDs. He does the same with Oh Little Town of Bethlehem that comes afterward.
Again Elvis goes for another promise of Santa. This one is Here comes Santa Upbeat and lively. As is his rendition of Santa Bring My Baby (To Me)
This version omits four gospel songs from the original release Peace in the Valley - I Believe - Take My Hand, Precious Lord - It Is No Secret (What God Can Do)
This CD does have an addition that was not recorded on the original Mama liked the Roses. At first glance one may wonder why this song closes the Christmas CD but upon listening to the words, Elvis remembers mama,(generic but I would also believe he may have spoke of his own mom) not for the liking the roses but, for teaching her children to live a good life. He sings the message with,
Oh, Mama liked the Roses But most of all she cared,
About the way we learned to live, And if we said our Prayers.
I always liked this album that offers a "jolly Christmas" feel and also a more pensive and spiritual touch. Elvis had the voice that could entertain so many people. This CD has songs with words that convey the spirit and celebration of Christmas and also holds a touch of reverence.
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