Stephen Cheung - Our Christmas Time
World, Christmas Songs
Hong Kong
Overall Impression: Now here's a tune that will undoubtedly get many a listener into the festive spirit of things! Stephen Cheung's wonderfully warm and welcoming "Our Christmas Time" is the type of Christmas track that's best enjoyed whilst comfortably sitting back with a frothy cup of hot cocoa in one hand and a mince pie in the other, it has both the calming performances and melodic delicacy required to not only relax listeners but place them into a state of utmost serenity, an effect that only the very best of Christmas tracks can so effortlessly accomplish. I'm no stranger to the musical delights of Stephen Cheung and once again he has conjured up a thoroughly pleasant and heartwarming piece of songwriting that you can't help but be enamored by.
Strongest Point(s): Opening with the distinct sound of sleigh bells before gently transitioning into a beautifully arranged piano progression that's soon accompanied by lavishly orchestrated string layers, "Our Christmas Time" sets the mood perfectly, managing to whisk up those very particular feelings of magic and awe that only the festive period can create. There's a certain sparkle to the music that manages to capture the very essence of the time superbly, and by the time the vocals enter, listeners are cozily nestled into the warm textural blanket that the arrangement provides. Speaking of the vocals, not only do they possess an undeniably soothing quality thanks to their rich tonal characteristics and fluid-like phrasing, but they cleverly adopt a traditional jazz-pop vocal style that is so synonymous with the Christmas song style that it has become very much a staple of the period, helping to heighten the overall festive mood of the track greatly. There's also a great sense of harmonic maturity in the writing that ensures the music always feels as if it's going somewhere, this is thanks to the continually intriguing chord progressions and there colourful embellishments and superbly handled modulations, as well as the effective melodic layering, allowing for a consistently rewarding piece of songwriting that is both well-balanced and thematically fitting.
Target Audience Appeal: Fans of the Jazz-infused Christmas pop style will undoubtedly find "Our Christmas Time" to be a thoroughly enjoyable listening experience.
Artist target suggestions: Johnny Mathis, Michael Buble, Al Martino, Harry Connick Jr., Steve Tyrell, Tony Bennett, Jamie Cullum, Stevie Wonder, Dean Martin, Chris Rea, Elton John
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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.