Sarah Reeves is a Nashville, USA-based singer songwriter who first came to our attention in September thanks to her vulnerable exploration of her mental health journey Get Back Your Fight. She’s followed it up with something a little different but perfect for the season – a Christmas album. It’s called More The Merrier (Deluxe Edition).
By Graeme Smith
Feature photo by Tish Carlson
Of course, the words “deluxe edition” implies an earlier release and this is indeed a reworking of Sarah’s 2022 Christmas effort of the same name. There are four new tracks added to the list this year, with Sarah’s unique takes on some perineal classics.
The collection opens with its title track. It’s a bright and joyous start, and Sarah’s silken vocals are instantly gripping. The lyrics, while nodding to the all the Christmas hallmarks, give us something new for the seasonal songbook, and the jazz and swing instrumentals are perfect for getting us in the mood.
Holly Jolly Christmas sees Sarah bring a retro modern twist to the holiday classic with plodding bass, licks of electric guitar and lively orchestration. On Winter Wonderland, Sarah is joined by Clark Beckham and the pair bring to life its timeless tale. Sentimental reintroduces us to Sarah’s song writing chops while she tells a delicate and intimate winter story. It’s a highlight.
My Favorite Things sees Sarah give us a jazzy version of the Sound of Music staple while Go Tell It On The Mountain is a bouncy, gospel take on the seasonal hymn. Snow Globe slows things down a little with a soulful, romantic number that will have you lost in nostalgia. It’s another highlight.
The Greatest Gift is stripped-back and sentimental before arriving at a powerful crescendo. It’s followed by a dreamy yet upbeat take on It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas and Sarah’s own track Christmas Feels Different This Year. The latter is another highlight thanks to its heartfelt singing and descriptive, wistful lyrics that meditate on grief.
The album closes with covers of two pop legends, Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas Is You and Wham’s Last Christmas, with Sarah putting a Big Band stamp on the both.
More The Merrier (Deluxe Edition) is out now via Curb Records and you can give it a listen below.