By Esther Callens
It’s that time of the year, again! Break out the eggnog and get merry while listening to a few seasonal favorites. One that’s guaranteed to get partygoers into the holiday spirit is The Christmas Album, recorded by Human Nature, an all-male quartet from Sydney, Australia. Although this was previously released last year Down Under, it is now available in the states to make an excellent addition to your festive playlist.
Now, I will be the first to admit that there are millions or more Christmas albums and you are probably thinking what makes Human Nature’s collection stand out from the rest. Well, when Human Nature began singing some 20 plus years ago, they first started out performing Christmas Carols on their neighborhood street corner. Adding to the enchantment of this CD is the fact that this is the first holiday collection they have ever recorded. Therefore, they have taken great care in presenting a magnificent assortment of tunes and they know how to put the jolly in the party. Lastly but certainly not least, these gentlemen can sing and they are the crème de la crème of harmonization!
“White Christmas” is the first track and it is a superb way to set the mood. The outstanding arrangement on “Silent Night/Oh Holy Night” is exceptional. It is by far the best I have ever heard. A touch of Doo-Wop magic is added to “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” – it is perfect! Their interpretation of “Amazing Grace” is highly emotive – simply awesome! Joining Human Nature on this project are Smokey Robinson (“Please Come Home For Christmas”), Robin Meade (“Sleigh Ride”) and The Prague Philharmonic Orchestra (“Human Nature Amazing Grace-My Chains Are Gone”). Human Nature has recorded an impressive Christmas CD that I am sure will be a holiday staple for many generations.
Track listing: White Christmas; Christmas (Baby Please Come Home); Sleigh Ride; Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas; Winter Wonderland; Please come Home For Christmas; Silent Night/O Holy Night; Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer; Christmas without You; Give Love On Christmas Day; Santa Claus Is Coming To town; This Christmas; Human Nature (My Chains Are Gone); Mary’s Boy Child (Bonus Track).
Album personnel: Human Nature members – Andre Tierney; Mike Tierney; Phil Burton; Toby Allen. Special guests: Robin Meade; Smokey Robinson; The Prague Philharmonic Orchestra.
