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.
I’ve always been a fan of Eric Bellinger. My admiration stems not only from the records he has released under his own name but also from the impressive career he built behind the scenes. Long before casual R&B listeners recognized his face, they were already familiar with his songwriting through tracks he penned for artists like Chris Brown, Usher, Justin Bieber, and Wale.
As many of you know, I had the opportunity to visit Paisley Park earlier this week while vacationing in Minnesota. During the tour, our guide shared that an expanded edition of Prince’s album “Parade” is expected to be released to celebrate its 40th anniversary. After spending the day exploring the Twin Cities, it felt like the perfect excuse to revisit one of the most fascinating and underrated albums in Prince’s legendary catalog.
One of the reasons I’ve always considered Prince to have the edge over Michael Jackson is his remarkable collection of ballads and