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Would anyone have believed that 5 years ago that this Scot would become the sensation that she is? Yes, Home For Christmas is Boyle’s 5th album, and if you haven’t guessed from the title, there’s a bit of a Christmas theme to it.
The album opens with her current single O Come All Ye Faithful, a virtual duet with none other than the King himself, Elvis Presley and it works very well. We’re then led into a rendition of The Lord’s Prayer, beautifully orchestrated. A single drum beat with backing from The Overtones opens the classic Little Drummer Boy before building into full flair with what sounds like a military drum and bagpipes.
The beautiful I’ll Be Home For Christmas comes up next followed quickly by another duet in the form of When A Child Is Born with Jonny Mathias (and apparently, she appears on his new album performing Do You Hear What I Hear!). Strings lead us into The Christmas Song (or as some might know it, Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire) before being joined by piano and just a nice a nice little addition from the drum kit.
The Greg Lake track I Believe In Father Christmas is next and has a slightly slower tempo than the original but suits Boyle’s voice before giving way to another Christmas classic in Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing presents itself as the first carol of the album with organ and backing choir.
The Christmas Waltz with what sounds like just piano and guitar is delicately portrayed (we’re thinking we could see this of Strictly Come Dancing) as too is In the Bleak Midwinter. Finally, the album is brought to a close with an original song, led in the same as with Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, titled Miracle Hymn that will feature in the upcoming film The Christmas Candle (in which Susan will make her film debut)
Overall, the album is well delivered with the arrangements of the songs suited to Boyle’s voice. Yes there’s not much here that hasn’t been heard on previous Christmas albums by other artists (minus the last track) but there is something about Boyle’s voice that makes you want to listen, even if you know the songs. A beautiful little album for the upcoming season.
Rating 5/5
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