Lauren Talley / A Lauren Talley Christmas

With the help of acclaimed producer (and father) Roger Talley, Lauren’s collection balances the familiar and the fresh in material — the latter includes the new “Love Reaches Round the World,” as well as Carrie Underwood’s “Stretchy Pants”and “Who Would Imagine a King,” first recorded by Whitney Houston — with an equally tasteful variety of arrangements. As befits the magnitude of the season and its messages of faith and hope, there are moments replete with the grandeur of strings, while at other times, the festive spirit of the holiday finds reflection in bold percussion, ringing guitars and spirited keyboard flourishes. Still, from start to finish, the musical spotlight is on Talley’s distinctive, expressive voice, as she digs deep into the essence of each song.

Amid the holiday celebration and the invocation of family joys that comprise the bulk of A Lauren Talley Christmas, there’s a special element in the project’s focus track — itself a gift of sorts. “I’m especially excited to have The Inspirations lend their powerhouse vocals to ‘The Son Came Down,’ a song I’ve loved since they recorded it 15 years ago,” Talley shares. “It takes on a new life with a powerful narration performed by my mom, Debra Talley, and I know it’s going to be a favorite.”

“I’ve also recreated the old Talleys arrangement of ‘Sleigh Ride’ from 1988,” she continues. “We laugh on ‘Stretchy Pants,’ while ‘Go Tell It On The Mountain’ and the ‘Rejoice! Medley’ provide some Christmas soul! My hope is that A Lauren Talley Christmas is an explosion of joy!”

Song List

Go Tell It On The Mountain

Rejoice! Medley (O Come O Come Emmanuel / Come Thou Long Expected Jesus / How Great Our Joy / Joy To The World)

Sleigh Ride

The Son Came Down (feat. The Inspirations)

Love Reaches Round The World

Stretchy Pants

Who Would Imagine A King

Release Date: November 8, 2024