2. Christmas Dreamin'
3. Jingle Bells/Over The River
4. December
5. The Santa Claus Boogie
6. Christmas Has A Way
7. Let It Snow
8. One Night In Bethlehem
9. The Snow Lay On The Ground
10. Silent Night (Sveta Noc)
AMAZON
CD BABY
ARTIST SITE
Arrangements of holiday favorites like “It’s Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas” and “Let it Snow”, as well as the sure to become classic, “December” are reminiscent of the Bing Crosby /Nat King Cole era of Christmas albums. As a writer on some of the more contemporary cuts, Brittany conveys the range of emotions the holiday season holds from fun and joy to loneliness and even forgiveness as in the touching title track, “Christmas Has a Way”. The Nativity is beautifully recounted in the soul stirring “One Night in Bethlehem”, destined to be a Christmas carol for ages to come. This delightful collection captures the Message, the magic and the sentiment of the season - steeped in tradition and timeless appeal.
Overall, "Christmas Has A Way" is warm and refreshing, like a winter coat on a blustery day, though I wish she’d started the album with any tune other than “It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas” which, for me personally, I’d have to rank as the album’s weakest track. After that, though, this is a really nice record that should readily appeal to fans of the old-time Christmas specials (Andy Williams, et. al.) and fans of modern-day Adult Contemporary pop alike.
Originally from Minnesota, Brittany Allyn moved to Nashville where she built her reputation singing backing vocals for Country artists like Lorrie Morgan and Toby Keith. All the while, she was studying the craft of song writing and learning the business of the music industry. Finally, in 2007, Brittany stepped out of the shadows and into the spotlight, releasing her critically praised debut, “Like A Butterfly”. Those expecting a Country disc may have been surprised by the diversity of styles Brittany served up, but I doubt that anyone was disappointed.
For her Christmas effort, Brittany hews pretty close to the traditional vocal style prevalent in Christmas albums of the late 50s and 60s, complete with the nice jazz touches in the arrangements. She offers up a fun medley of “Jingle Bells/Over The River”, and a version of “Let It Snow” that will hold its own among versions by many better known artists in that vein. And she deserves kudos for choosing “The Snow Lay On The Ground” over other more familiar, and overly performed, traditional carols of the season.
But it is on the albums' originals that Brittany Allyn shines brightest. Were I programming a Country or Adult Contemporary station today, I’d add “Christmas Dreamin’” (written by Brittany and Russ Roberts) to the rotation without hesitation. Randy Mason’s “December”, on the other hand, harkens back to the vocal standards of the 40s and 50s in a way that will have you longing for a slow dance with the one you love best. Either of these songs could easily become a Christmas standard in the years ahead. Allyn, with David Mastran, also penned the passionate and spiritual “One Night In Bethlehem”. And the sassy “Santa Claus Boogie”, with both words and music by Brittany, sounds to me like a perfect Line- dancing number, though it should be able to find a home with R&B fans in the Carolina Beach Music crowd as well.
The winter coat analogy is the best one I can make, here. This album is comfortable and warm. It’s not indispensable, by any means, but it’s certainly enjoyable. And I'd rather have my winter coat than not have it. “Christmas Dreamin’” and “December”, by themselves, elevate “Christmas Has A Way” to a level where it should not be overlooked.