WERS 88.9 fm - Album Review: Bob Dylan - Christmas In The Heart

December 11^th, 2009

Christmas In The Heart offers an array of Christmas carol classics such as "Here Comes Santa Claus," "Little Drummer Boy," and "O' Little Town of Bethlehem." The basic idea of this album is the jingle bells and soothing choir of Christmas music topped with a hint of Bob Dylan's personality. Unlike the run-of-the-mill Christmas music, listeners will actually ends up paying attention to Bob Dylan's versions because of the unique approach he takes to these songs.

Dylan's version of "The First Noel," epitomizes the album. The song starts with a calming choir in the background with the occasional bells and chimes. Once Dylan starts to sing, the entire dynamics of the tune changes. His scratchy voice turns a family-friendly Christmas tune into an original – if not slightly sketchy – cover that makes you wonder if Dylan is being sarcastic about the holiday spirits or if this is his way of being cheerful about the season.

Out of fifteen tracks the absolute listener-catch is "Must Be Santa." This originally mid-tempo jolly carol was completely reborn with a touch of Dylan. Fast-paced drumbeats and quirky-sounding accordion brings a whole different feel to the song. Where the original version makes you think of Santa delivering presents to children, drinking milk and eating cookies, Dylan's "Must Be Santa" makes you picture Santa falling down the stairs drunk and partying Christmas Eve away.

If you are sick of the same Christmas songs sang by the same cheesy voice over and over again, Bob Dylan's Christmas In The Heart is just for you. It's not the album you listen to while opening presents, having dinner with your family, or having hot chocolate with your significant other – it's the album you listen to while you sit at your cubicle alone, getting extra work done, and feeling skeptical about the holiday spirits. Yet, the ironic energy the album carries makes you smile and laugh, which is what the holiday season is all about.

- By Lily Jeong