Music review: Eric Clapton – ‘Happy Xmas’
With Halloween fast approaching, we all know what itĢƵ time for. New Christmas music of course!
Thanksgiving is also right around the corner, but itĢƵ never too early to set the tone for the holiday season as various artists begin to release new Christmas recordings.
Being a self-professed Christmas music junkie with well over 225 Christmas albums accumulated over the last 25 years, I still get excited when the new holiday releases start coming out in October. This yearĢƵ new Christmas release that has me feeling all warm and fuzzy is Eric ClaptonĢƵ “Happy Xmas.”
ClaptonĢƵ first-ever Christmas album contains 14 festive tracks that possess a touch of the blues through SlowhandĢƵ inspired guitar riffs and well-seasoned voice.
The 73-year-old guitar icon delivers a delightful combination of holiday standards, lesser-known covers and one original number in one entertaining package that is a perfect way to ease into the holidays.
Traditional arrangements “White Christmas” and “Away in a Manger (Once in Royal DavidĢƵ City)” kick off the album and set the holiday mood, followed by the Clapton-penned “For Love on Christmas Day.” ItĢƵ a tender heartbreaker about wishing for lost love to return to warm the heart as Clapton sings, “Snow is on the sidewalk, itĢƵ cold inside my heart.”
“Everyday Will Be Like a Holiday” and “Christmas Tears” continue the theme of holding out hope for love to return in order for things to become merry and bright once again.
Don’t fret. Things do get cheerier on tracks such as “Christmas in My Hometown,” “ItĢƵ Christmas” and “Merry Christmas Baby” with Clapton reflecting on spending Christmas in a familiar place with love ones gathered and memories being made.
Clapton closes out the celebratory set with his signature sound added to soft and soothing versions of “Silent Night” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”
ItĢƵ never too early to get in the Christmas spirit. So sit back and enjoy this comforting effort from Clapton that will put you in the mood and prepare you for those upcoming decorating, shopping, baking and visiting sessions that contribute to the making of sentimental moments that are remembered forever.
So have yourself a merry little Christmas now.
Clint Rhodes is the ĢƵ music reviewer. He can be reached at clinton43@me.com.

