R&B quartet Boyz II Men were still basking in their massively successful single “End of the Road” when their first-holiday album, Christmas Interpretations, hit stores in the fall of 1993. The first single from the album was “Let It Snow,” and while the group could have gone the pop route and just covered the Vaughn Monroe standard, the four gents from Philly delivered a holiday slow jam classic.
“Let It Snow” found the group working with Brian McKnight, who produced the song with BIIM and co-wrote it with group member Wanya Morris. Wanya opens the song with his signature lush vocals crooning:
“It’s another Christmas holiday
It’s a joyous thing, let the Angels sing
‘Cause we’re together
We got a thing, can’t let it slip away
Go outside, it’s raining sleet
When our bodies meet
I don’t care about the weather
Let it snow, let it snow, outside it’s cold
But the fire’s blazin’ so, baby, let it snow
Let it snow, yeah
Let it snow, let it snow”.
Brian McKnight comes in on the second verse with a simple line, “Come over here and help me trim the tree “which sounds heavenly. Boyz II Men then come back to finish the song for the remaining running time. The song’s appeal is that the lyrics from Wanya and McKnight showcase the writing ability of both men.
Twenty-eight years later, “Let It Snow” still sounds fresh and is part of my annual Christmas playlist.
Final Grade : A
Christmas Interpretations is available on all streaming platforms.
Songstress Ashanti was experiencing significant success with two platinum albums at the time of the release of her inaugural holiday project, “Ashanti’s Christmas,” on November 18, 2003. Her label head, Irv Gotti, produced most of the album. This project comprises four original songs co-written by Ashanti, in addition to six cover versions of traditional Christmas standards and carols.
Vocal quartet A Few Good Man contributed two songs to the project: a cover of “Silver Bells” and the ballad “Merry Christmas My Dear,” both of which were produced by Daryl Simmons. Demail Burks, David Morris, Aaron Hilliard, and Tony Amey were the members of the group, and after introducing themselves in the festive video for “Silver Bells,” it was only fitting that they delivered a ballad on the album.
R&B legend Luther Vandross had already solidified his place in R&B when he released his first holiday album, “This Is Christmas. Arriving in stores on October 24, 1995, “This Is Christmas” validates Vandross’s ability to sing anything.