Review of Camille Nelson’s New Album: Acoustic Christmas

My first sip of Camille’s music was with her previous album “Lead me Home,” a couple of years ago, and it would not be wrong that I admired her virtuosity a lot. Between that album and the present one (there was another one in between these two called Sacred Lullabies), she has seen big changes in her life, and a bundle of joy in the form of her new-born son. Being a mother now, I am sure she has gained a totally new perspective of life, though she already had achieved a lot as an individual.

As clear from the name of the album, two things stand-out in this album–acoustic guitar and Christmas-themed songs. So, if you like the raw beauty of the acoustic guitar, this is something you can enjoy this holiday season. I have been mighty fortunate to be part of an international Christmas Choir, though I am a ‘no singer’, and I could recognize some of the classic songs that we also sang and a new take on them, coming out of Camille’s ever-flowing musical cabinet.

Five of the songs have guest artists adding vocals to enhance the beauty and bring a richness of culture and variety to this short yet beautiful album.

Album Name: Acoustic Christmas

Artist Name: Camille Nelson

Total Time: 38:01

Like a celebratory clarion call, the album starts with the classic heralding of “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” and soon takes us on the ride with another classical song: “Joy to the World.”

Yahosh Bonner, the only male voice on the album, has lent vocals to the peppy delivery of “Little Drummer Boy.” You will hear the percussion sounds for the first time on this album in this song. The song has a lot of freshness, and you can’t miss admiring Yahosh’s voice and its subtleties.

“Wexford Caron,” the Irish original, is a stand-out song…I loved the ambiance created with the instruments giving you a hinting glimpse of the Irish countryside. Definitely, my favorite; very poignantly done!

“Still, Still, Still” is a very nicely-rendered song with beautiful vocals and words, creating an effect of stillness and calm. Because the album is majorly acoustic and every single note can be heard clearly, the impact of every vocal sound of Kimberly Knighton, Britney Holman, and Cardin
Mckinney is enhanced, and you will feel it quite palpably in this song.

The whole album has a very smooth tempo, but you will notice the passion and spirit of joy in “All Creatures of Our God and King”. Marj Desius’ powerful voice and drums give you an ample dose of the festivities and celebration.

One of my favorite among various Christmas songs is “O Holy Night” and is performed with such passion and precision here. I felt like losing myself in the words because I still remember what expressions we had when we sang it–ah, it is such a disarming beauty, allowing you to fall on your knees in surrender!

The album closes with melodious “Silent Night,” slowly allowing us to place ourselves in the sleep’s arms and unburden ourselves.

It is a sweet compilation of songs that gives you a unique blend of styles and renditions. Camille likes to keep it simple yet effective, and I like this kind of approach because it gives you the time and space to enjoy every detail of various songs.

As the Christmas approaches us, it is the perfect pick for you!

Listen to the Acoustic Christmas on Spotify: