Backstreet Time is so strange. They make us wait an extra year for an already long-awaited Christmas album, then release it a whole month earlier than necessary. But hey, I can’t complain about new music, even when it comes in the wrong season. I’m a big fan of spooky season, but you bet I’m listening to the new album on repeat as I write this post.
Quick review before I get to today’s update: I absolutely love it! Their covers of classic Christmas songs are beautifully arranged, the new songs are fun, their vocals sound incredible, and there’s a perfect balance between all five voices. I absolutely love hearing more of the low range of their registers, especially Kevin and Nick. Swoon! Their rendition of “White Christmas” to open the album was a perfect choice. I’ve never been a big fan of “The Christmas Song,” but of course, they sound great singing it. I love the a capella arrangement of “Winter Wonderland.” After writing The Road to Bethlehem, I was really happy to see “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” included on the track listing. It’s the perfect Christmas song for these troubled times. “O Holy Night” is one of my very favorite religious Christmas songs, so I was happy they recorded that one, too, but so far, “Silent Night” is my favorite of the classics on the album. It brought tears to my eyes because it’s just so beautiful! Speaking of beautiful, my favorite track on the album is “Same Old Lang Syne.” I just learned yesterday that this is a cover; I had never heard the original before, but I adore it. I’ve always loved a song that tells a story, and this one is so beautiful! Can’t wait to see who’s going to write the first fanfic based on it, LOL. “Last Christmas” is a great cover as well, and I’m enjoying all three of the new songs. “Together” is particularly bouncy and fun. “It’s Christmas Time Again” still beats them all, though; I freaking love that song as much now as I did a decade ago! Also, how has it been almost ten years since the pandaskunk song was released?!
Speaking of ten years ago, Chapter 3 of The World Will Be Waiting is up! It takes place during AJ and Rochelle’s wedding, which was also almost ten years ago. They got married in December, so while it’s not quite a Christmas chapter, it’s close enough. Perfect for A Very Backstreet Christmas in October!
Thank you to everyone who’s been reading, as well as to those of you who voted in the poll I posted last week. The majority of you preferred Saturday updates, so I’m going back to that. I’ll be back next weekend with the next chapter!