Album Review: Lindsey Stirling – Warmer in the Winter
2 min read
YouTube sensation, America’s Got Talent quarter-finalist, one of Forbe’s 30 under 30 musicians as well as a very successful start on the latest season of Dancing with the Stars, it seems like violinist Lindsey Stirling can do it all. And now she’s taken it one step further with her fourth studio album, Warmer in the Winter. Taking on the great tradition of many artists, Stirling has arrived with her own Christmas album putting her own unique spin on 10 classic Christmas songs, as well as 3 originals tracks.
This album has a very strong opener with Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy one of the best tracks of the entire album. Stirling’s violin performance is, as always, incredible. She’s a decorated artist for good reason. Listening to this immediately makes you question why it took this long for a Stirling Christmas album to hit the scene. It’s mighty festive, but distinctly Stirling. It has a lot of competition out there, but she’s managed to make her mark.
Multiple collaborartions mean this isn’t just a soundtrack, it’s a versatile collection. You’re a Mean One, Mr Grinch feels cinematic with an R’n’B element at times throughout the track. It might not leave it feeling the most Christmassy, but that isn’t a pre-requisite of a Christmas album anymore. If you’re after pure Christmas, you can listen to Mariah’s classic. Though don’t worry, Stirling has literally got that covered here too. Her version of All I Want For Christmas is daring, as any cover of such an iconic track is, and a complete success.
Sadly Christmas C’mon, featuring Becky G, is quite forgetable in comparison to the rest of the effort. Time to Fall in Love feels like a very American Christmas track, it’s an interesting track for sure, but not necessarily one of the best. Stirling shines best when she is front and centre on the piece.
The album finishes on what could be the standout track, Stirling’s version of Silent Night is incredibly beautiful. Layers of choir over her fantastic as always violin make for a compelling and emotional end to an overall beautiful album.
It might not have created any new cult Christmas classics, but Stirling hits the mark with this festive outing. It’ll get you feeling festive even pre-Halloween.
