Janet Devlin’s ‘Little Lights’ Reviewed by DaveCromwell Writes

Little Lights‘, a creative new take on Christmas by Irish singer-songwriter Janet Devlin, was recently reviewed by DaveCromwell WritesThe review highlights it’s less overt approach of the holiday season as the self-defining characteristic of this brilliantly crafted 6-track EP. Check it out here:

Perhaps the records title implying a less overt side to the holidays (as opposed to big, blazing grandiose lights) might serve as an early clue to what’s inside. However in the tradition of George Winston’s gentle piano driven holiday season music, opening track “Wake Up It’s Christmas” becomes a tender pep-talk to those without (or recently separated) from a special someone on that day.

Already well-known for reinterpreting a wide range of covers from across the decades, Ms. Devlin takes on the biggest UK Christmas hit of all time in Slade’s “Merry Xmas Everybody.” However the songs original effusive party atmosphere is replaced with a starkly intimate approach that renders the track almost unrecognizable from the original. One of the most compelling aspects of Janet’s vocals is her uniquely expressive phrasing and pronunciation of certain words. It’s addictively charming to hear “stocking,” “wall,” “ball” and “everybody” stretched out with seemingly extra vowels. Or how her voice rises in pitch in the middle of the word “Merry” (before “Christmas”), displaying both craft and emotion in one single intuitive moment. In addition to adding her trademark ukulele on subsequent verses, inspired use of a double string quartet arrangement on the center bridge, reshapes that passage in the sonic footprint of The Beatles“Eleanor Rigby.”

Another heart-tugging original is the beautifully written “Merry Christmas Mum and Dad.” As the melody is introduced on electric piano, tinkling bell notes follow like falling snow. Its central theme pivots on the initial wonder parents provide their children at Christmastime, and the innocence of not knowing who to thank for it all. Now grown up, the author understands how they were given “all you had – even when the times were tough,” and how “we always had more than enough.” A gorgeous sentiment sung with that inimitable Devlin phrasing (the word “deserve” being particularly delightful) that serves as the sincerest “thank you.” There’s even another “Eleanor Rigby-like” moment with the quickened pace string accompaniment behind the second “I don’t forget to say thank you” bridge. Celestial bells return for a tender open space expression of gratitude.

For the full review check out DaveCromwell Writes post HERE.

Janet Devlin’s ‘Little Lights’ is a perfect stocking stuffer and has something special for everyone on your list this Holiday Season. The EP is available for digital purchase on iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, and Bandcamp. The EP is available for streaming on Spotify. It is also available for physical purchase at music retailers nationwide. ‘Little Lights,’ as well as ‘December Daze,’ is available in the OK!Good Records Shop. Exclusive merchandise is available through Pledge Music.

Janet Devlin’s single ‘Outernet Song’ is available for digital purchase on iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, and Bandcamp. It is also available for physical purchase in Janet’s online shop, where you can also purchase exclusive ‘Outernet Song’ merchandise. Stream the single on Spotify.



1 comment

  1. Dave Cromwell - December 8, 2016 3:47 pm

    Thanks for the repost, OK!Good. You (and Janet) are the best!!!

    Reply

Have your say

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Copyright 2010 - 2016 OK!Good Records - Privacy Policy