Eric Benét’s holiday album, “It’s Christmas”, finds the four-time Grammy nominee embracing comfort rather than challenge. He delivers a collection that is impeccably sung and tastefully arranged, though it ultimately feels a bit too cautious for an artist of his talent and history.
There is no doubt that Benét’s voice remains in excellent form. Over time, it has developed a richer quality that lends these performances a weathered elegance, ideally suited for the season. In “Please Come Home for Christmas,” he allows the blues lineage to shine through, opting for subtlety instead of overblown phrasing. Similarly, his rendition of “Oh, Holy Night” is restrained; its power stems from control rather than theatrics, reminding us that Benét has always commanded attention without needing vocal embellishments.
The cover songs are selected with affection and respect, sometimes to a fault. “Mele Kalikimaka,” the classic made famous by Bing Crosby, leans heavily into nostalgia, with Nina Nelson’s warm accompaniment helping to maintain its vintage charm. Likewise, “Give Love on Christmas Day,” originally recorded by The Jackson 5, is treated with reverence. Benét chooses to honor the song’s legacy without reinterpreting it, resulting in tracks that are pleasant and polished but lack a distinct personal take.
“My Favorite Things,” linked to Benét’s lifelong love of *The Sound of Music*, reads more like a personal tribute than a bold reimagining. “Christmas Time Is Here” drifts gently, setting a mood rather than delivering a strong statement. This pattern characterizes much of the album: it is beautifully executed and emotionally sincere, but rarely surprising.
The original songs hint at a more revealing project. “It’s Christmas,” a duet with Stacey Ryan, features a conversational sparkle that momentarily lifts the album out of its comfort zone. Meanwhile, “Christmas Morning,” featuring Benét’s daughters Lucia and Luna, serves as the emotional centerpiece of the album—tender, intimate, and refreshingly candid.
Ultimately, SLS “It’s Christmas” succeeds as a soothing, fireside listen, but it plays things too safe when it could have taken more risks. Benét sounds as good as ever; one only wishes he had trusted that voice enough to explore more adventurous directions.
Final Grade: B
“It’s Christmas is available on all streaming platforms.
As a longtime music enthusiast, I’ve often wondered how quickly record labels expect lead singers from groups to release solo albums. This question came to mind recently when my iPod played “So You Like What You See” by Samuelle. Listening to the song, I realized he would be a great choice for this week’s Second Listen Sunday.
You know the voice. The moment Michael Marshall starts singing the hook in Luniz’s “I Got 5 on It,” anyone who grew up in the nineties knows exactly what time it is. However, nearly a decade before that 1995 hip-hop classic, Marshall was already responsible for another instantly recognizable vocal.
There are some albums you revisit because of nostalgia, and then there are albums you return to because they remind you just how high the standard used to be. Anita Baker’s Rapture falls into that second category. Released in 1986, the album did more than make Baker a star. It helped define what sophisticated, grown R&B could sound like without losing any soul, sensuality, or personality.