Search
Search
Anthony Hamilton, What Do the Lonely Do at Christmas
Picture of Derrick Dunn

Derrick Dunn

Slow Jam Saturday : Anthony Hamilton, What Do the Lonely Do at Christmas

Anthony Hamilton was nearly two decades into his career, with five albums to his credit, when he released his first Christmas album, Home for the Holidays, in 2014. Hamilton’s Christmas project featured the usual Christmas standards such as “The Christmas Song,” “The Little Drummer Boy,” and “Please Come Home for Christmas.” There were also covers of soul classics, such as James Brown’s “Santa Claus Go Straight to the Ghetto” and this week’s Slow Jam Saturday pick, “What Do the Lonely Do at Christmas?”

 

Originally performed by The Emotions and written by Homer Banks, Hamilton works with producers, The Avilla Brothers, to put a modern spin on the Stax Records classic. As Hamilton croons the lyrics: 

“Tis the season to be jolly

But how can I be when I have nobody?

The Yuletide carol doesn’t make it better

Knowing that we won’t be together

A silent night

I know it’s gonna be

Joy to the world, but it’s gonna be sad for me

What do the lonely do at Christmas?

Oh-oh, what do the lonely do at Christmas time.”

 

The listener feels the pain in his voice. Hamilton, who holds no qualms about his love for his spouse in the real world, entirely sells the song, mainly when the singer goes into the falsetto range. While The Emotions version is still in my rotation, Anthony Hamilton does a beautiful job making it his own.

Final Grade: B+

 

“What Do the Lonely Do at Christmas?” from Home for the Holidays is available on all streaming platforms.

Movie Clappers

More reviews to explorer

Second Listen Sunday: Tamia, Tamia

July 21, 2024

There’s no denying the exceptional talent of Canadian singer Tamia, whose voice stands out as one of the most distinctive in R&B. Her introduction to the music scene was marked by her captivating performances in two songs, the soulful ballad “You Put A Move on my Heart” and the Babyface duet “Slow Jams,” both featured on the 1995 Quincy Jones album Q’s Jook Joint. Tamia’s collaborations with Brandy, Gladys Knight, and Chaka Khan and her contribution to the legendary ballad “Missing You” further solidified her reputation as a powerhouse in the industry.

Slow Jam Saturday: IV Xample, I’d Rather Be Alone

July 20, 2024

In the 1990s, R&B music was dominated by vocal groups known for their captivating lead singers and smooth harmonies. This week, I wanted to highlight IV Xample and their single “I’d Rather Be Alone” for Slow Jam Saturday.

Second Listen Sunday: Babyface, Lovers

July 14, 2024

As an independent entertainment critic, one of my primary concerns stems from observing established figures within the music industry making factual errors during interviews or reviews. Of particular note are instances where Bobby Brown’s “Don’t Be Cruel” and Usher’s “My Way,” released in 1988 and 1997, are erroneously cited as the artists’ debut albums. It is evident to genuine music enthusiasts that such claims are inaccurate.

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn