Our Review
A Lovemongers' Christmas has an unusual pedigree. Originally released in 1998 by another label just as Lovemongers' This Is Christmas, Sovereign Artists re-released the offering as Heart Presents a Lovemongers' Christmas in 2004, presumably to clarify the connection between Heart and Lovemongers, and to provide an additional two seasonal tracks (Mary and Let's Stay In). Heart was a powerhouse Canadian rock group ultimately propelled by sisters Ann (vocalist)and Nancy (guitarist) Wilson in the 1970s, but the two women developed the Lovemongers as an acoustic side band in the 1990s (here with keyboardist Sue Ennis, guitarist Frank Cox, and drummer Ben Smith).
Despite the underlying confusion, A Lovemongers' Christmas is a satisfying set of contemporary Christmas numbers, largely original. Although Heart was a hard-rockin' band, this album is four-square pop music with lovely layers of gentle harmonies, even if you can hear a gritty edge on Ann Wilson's excellent vocals. The foldout liner notes helpfully reveal all lyrics.
The album opens very well, with a sweet guitar instrumental intro of Bring a Torch before morphing into an anti-materialism holiday anthem with a very catchy refrain. The second track, Christmas Waits, is a lushly rolling, Burt Bachrach-style piece about the rush of life. As I move through the album cut by cut, I find much to embrace; the tone is definitely more heartwarming than harsh. From the romantic tones of Let's Stay In to the classical strains of Ave Maria (with fresh lyrics), A Lovemongers' Christmas paints a surprisingly pretty picture. The a cappella harmonies on Oh Holy Night are particularly rewarding. The offering ends as it began, with the instrumental strains of Bring a Torch (this time, the full number).
Heart Presents a Lovemongers' Christmas is a definite "must have" for nostalgic fans of Heart and/or The Lovemongers. In addition, those who enjoy contemporary Christmas music of the pop/rock variety, music that stretches beyond the normal boundaries of ho-hum holiday chestnuts, should give this offering a spin. Enjoy!
--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2007)
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From the liner notes:
The Lovemongers are:
Ann Wilson
Nancy Wilson
Sue Ennis
Frank Cox
Ben Smith
Produced by The Lovemongers
Heart
Heart Presents a Lovemongers' Christmas
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Artist site
Label: Sovereign Artists
Length: 45 minutes
Genre: Pop
Release: 2004
Track List
| Song Title |
|---|
| Here Is Christmas |
| Christmas Waits |
| Mary |
| How Beautiful |
| William and Rose |
| Let's Stay In |
| Balulalow |
| Ave Maria |
| The Last Noel |
| It's Christmas Time |
| Oh Holy Night |
| Bring a Torch |