Self-released

****1/2

Because Christmas records only have a brief window in which one can comfortably listen to them, I tend not to bother with them, but this 6-track EP piqued my interest. Firstly, there are none of the usual seasonal standards. All are original songs written or co-written by Helene. As I played the disc for what I thought would be the one and only time, I was immediately immersed in the gorgeous arrangements with a dreamy quality that is quite irresistible. Helene is a thoughtful and sensitive storyteller, and her well-written lyrics just flow naturally as she takes her faith and hopes that, with her encouraging words, your spirits will be uplifted, as mine were, by the beautiful songs, that capture the spiritual messages of the Christmas season. She elegantly folds her artistry into music while taking cues from past, present, and future generations of music. The result is a passionate, deeply eloquent, and musically rich celebration of the earth and mankind and the most enduring folk tale of all time.

Recorded in Nashville’s Sputnik Sound studios, Helene is surrounded by attuned musicians including Bobby Terry (guitar), Buron House (bass), Chris Powell (drums), Melodie Chase (cello), Charlie Powell (keyboards, bells) with additional colouring by producer Mitch Dane (guitar, keyboards, percussion) and background vocals courtesy of Caitlin Anselmo and Matt Singleton. The sentiment of the opening I Could Use A Silent Night, is a thought that should resonate with many as they rush around for those last minute gifts. The acoustic-styled instrumentation adds much to the song’s fragility. Here and throughout the album, specific images—Salvation Army bells ringing, an Angel chorus, new-born baby boy, snow-frosted streets—create the feel of short stories drawn from life. 

Helene uses her immaculate, almost haunting vocals to explore real, weighty themes, but there’s a warmth and tenderness present throughout. The title song that puts December front-and-centre in the calendar, is like an oasis in our crazy world. Her voice is gentle—yet confident—providing the exquisite notes at just the right time. Combine that voice with a wonderful stringed arrangement and you have the perfect song to add to your Christmas playlist. She uses the bible story of ‘Doubting Thomas’ to address her own self-doubts in The Bells Of St. Thomas, a traditional-sounding carol, which combines the religious relevance of the coming celebration with the warmth of home and family that so many of us associate with Christmas. One Night On Earth, with a simple acoustic guitar accompaniment and evocative cello, is one of the most emotive new carols I’ve heard. A pure gem that retells the ages old story of Christ’s birth in plainspoken lyricism. The hymn-like Come, Lord Jesus is the oldest song here, one that has gone through numerous changes and re-writes since Helene wrote it back in the late 1990s. A sedately sung carol with a wondrous chorus that would sound so at home in an old English church every December 24. The closing Christmas Boy is another old tune, this one from ten years ago. Helene describes the magic of Jesus’ birth as if she was hovering above the manger on that cold night so long ago. It’s magically told but with heartfelt honesty, without all the fairytale gloss. From a compositional and performance standpoint, this album is nearly flawless. It’s another worthwhile record in Helen Cronin’s oeuvre. A Christmas record you need to own.

www.helenecronin.com

December 2023