Bing Crosby this ain't. Prior to this album, Christmas never sounded this eclectic while still sounding like it had something to do with God. Broken Records was the really cool (but now sadly defunct) label credited with the ingenious idea of gathering together its roster of artists and then some in a Christmas collection that is as wide as it is compelling. Not all the songs are hits, the rap song "Rudy Red" seems ripe for the skip button at times, yet still proves a worthy contrast to the more reflective material that is most noteworthy on the album. Taken as a whole this album is a surprisingly quirky anthology, but there are three songs in particular that makes it worth hunting down for your personal collection. Adam Again's melancholy take on "Angels We Have Heard on High;" Ojo Taylor's unique presentation of "Hark! the Herald Angels Sing;" and the album closer, "O Come, O Come Emmanuel," which beautifully cries out for a savior. An entire album could have been made out of such material, but you'll have to content yourself with these stand-out tracks among the other holiday notables.
In my memory, this was the first album that showed Christmas in all its fullness, and created something of such artistic integrity that reflection on the true meaning of Christ's coming was not only mandatory, but possible. That's a powerful testimony to the power of well played music, and this album's particularly potent legacy. Not only that, The Broken Christmas is just plain fun for your brain, your heart, and your yuletide singing voice.
4 tocks
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by Tony LaFianzaOnce upon a time long ago (about ten years ago), in a land far away (California), there was a label run by and for artists called Broken Records. While this special label was alive it put out several great records and one great Christmas collection. These days, you'd be very lucky to find anything on the Broken label, yet The Broken Christmas was one of the coolest Christmas records ever when it…Similar sounding releases
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