For true aficionados of alternative Christmas music, some artists become automatic buys. These are the creators who consistently deliver quality and resonate with your musical taste, building a trust that means you can purchase their new releases unheard, confident in their excellence. For those of us who champion unique holiday sounds, Winterval, the home recording project masterminded by Duncan Baird, unequivocally belongs in this esteemed category. His latest offering, and third foray into festive releases, Sad Christmas Songs, emerges as a beautifully crafted and warmly produced collection of original Christmas tunes, perfectly poised to become essential listening for Christmas Songs 2024.
The sheer songwriting brilliance on display is immediately apparent, most notably in the ingeniously titled track, “Sad Christmas Songs.” This song is a masterclass in lyrical creativity, cleverly weaving in nods to numerous classic Christmas songs within its poignant narrative of Christmas solitude. The seamless integration of these familiar melodies and phrases is nothing short of inspired. It’s genuinely difficult to resist sharing the entire song here just to illustrate this point, but this excerpt offers a taste of its magic:
Hey baby where did this go wrong?
Last Christmas we were something strong
Another silent night alone
Sat here singing sad Christmas songsThe cavalry have stopped, Santa’s got the blues
I’m the boy that he forgot, what do the lonely do?It’s a Christmas all alone
In the bleak midwinter snow
Turn around and please come homeHey baby where’s the magic gone
I walked 2000 miles along
A winter fairytale gone wrong
Sat here singing sad Christmas songs
Within this single verse and chorus, listeners will detect around ten distinct Christmas song references, with even more sprinkled throughout the entire album. The joy of recognizing each allusion is part of the listening experience, a delightful game that, admittedly, took me a couple of listens to fully appreciate. “Sad Christmas Songs” is without a doubt one of the most cleverly written songs of this, or any, Christmas season, and a strong contender for your christmas songs 2024 playlist.
While the album bears the title Sad Christmas Songs, and a surface-level interpretation might lean into the melancholic connotations of each word, the reality is far more nuanced. The title track, despite its lyrical themes of loneliness, is so lyrically engaging and musically captivating that any sadness is quickly overshadowed by enjoyment. Delving into tracks like “Christmas Without You” might initially reinforce the “sad” label, yet even here, the music itself tells a different story. Winterval’s signature synthpop-meets-The Clientele orchestration creates a soundscape that’s far too foot-tappingly infectious to evoke genuine sorrow. It’s reminiscent of the best Swedish indiepop – those charming, subtly melancholic pop songs that somehow leave you smiling. This album perfectly captures that bittersweet essence, making it ideal for those seeking christmas songs 2024 with depth and emotional resonance, but still ultimately uplifting.
The album’s closer, “Making Christmas,” deserves special mention. This track poignantly portrays the struggles and complications of loved ones attempting to connect during the holiday season. It culminates in a beautifully realized emotional breakthrough as they realize, “Suddenly, we both know, where we are, we’re making Christmas / Finally, even though, we’re apart, we’re making Christmas.” Coupled with a gorgeous, swelling orchestral arrangement, “Making Christmas” is a genuinely moving piece that tugs at the heartstrings without resorting to sentimentality. It’s a powerful reminder of the true spirit of Christmas and a standout track amongst potential christmas songs 2024 favorites.
While this review highlights just a few key tracks, the magic of Sad Christmas Songs permeates the entire album. From the narrative richness of “Krampus” to the surprisingly humorous yet tender and longing-filled “Times Square Elmo,” this record offers a diverse range of emotions and musical styles within its festive framework. It is, in truth, one of the most compelling and rewarding Christmas albums to emerge in recent years and a must-listen when curating your christmas songs 2024.
Bottom Line: As I sit here, listening to Sad Christmas Songs once more, the overwhelming feeling is a desire to experience these songs live, in a cozy venue adorned with Christmas lights, watching Duncan Baird perform them in person. Paired with a glass of fine whiskey – the “good stuff,” because Winterval’s music is undoubtedly top-shelf – this album provides the perfect soundtrack for a reflective and heartwarming Christmas season. Discover your new favorite christmas songs 2024 with Winterval.
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