Patrick Campbell - Christmas Without Holly
Country, Pop, Christian
Tennessee, United States
Overall Impression: Superbly performed, tenderly written, and absolutely bursting at the seams as a result of its big heart, Patrick Campbell's exemplary Christmas-infused Country tune "Christmas Without Holly" is just the type of track to get you well and truly into the festive spirit of things, and whether it's the deeply gracious way in which the song delicately blends its endearing lyrics, mood-elevating melodic splendor, or endearing sense of character, or the undeniably warm and welcoming way in which it invites listeners into its caring and hope-instilling arms, this is a tune many a listener will find both utterly pleasant and thoroughly engaging from start to finish.
Strongest Point(s): With lyrics as delicate and tender as the ones found in "Christmas Without Holly" a very particular type of vocal presence is needed in order to really bring out the gentle nuance and emotional qualities that that they hold dearly, and I'm glad to say that Patrick has done a superb job of injecting the lyrics with the necessary graciousness that they deserve. With a delicate approach to both dynamics and phrasing, Patrick brings a certain refinement and sense of reassuring understatement to the track that not only heightens the song's soothing nature but really helps capture the specific feelings and festive-inspired sensibilities of the period brilliantly. Alongside the strong sense of values that are lovingly weaving their way throughout the lyrics, the arrangement is quite simply excellent and makes excellent use of its varied instrumentation and intricate layering, treating listeners to a piece of songwriting that offers plenty in the way of tonal diversity and engaging melodic and rhythmic interplay. Lush full-sounding string textures are used as the perfect bed for the stylistically relevant sound of the solo fiddle to dance over whilst the soothing nature of the piano progressions, softly conveyed mandolin moments, calming arpeggiated acoustic guitar, and angelic backing vocals are used to perfectly compliment Patrick's timbrally pleasing voice, ensuring listeners feel fully absorbed by the music and even more importantly, the feel-steeped performances that brings it to life
Target Audience Appeal: "Christmas Without Holly" is a fantastic slice of Christmas-flavoured Country and I'm sure lovers of the genre will find themselves strongly connecting with it.
Artist target suggestions: Rodney Atkins, Blake Shelton, Kieth Urban, Alan Jackson, Brad Paisley, Eric Church, Chris Young, Zach Bryan, Chris Stapleton, Tyler Childers, Casey Barnes, Adam Brand, Brooks & Dunn, Willie Nelson
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About the Reviewer:
Andre Avanessian is a freelance session musician, composer, and sound engineer based in the U.K. Having studied music production and composition at a degree level, he has taken his passion for all things audio-related to a level that has allowed him to become both a competent musician and performer. Being a self-confessed "Guitar Nerd" Andre has been continually studying the guitar as well as teaching it, helping students learn the instrument, develop their songwriting, and become proficient in home recording.