REVIEW: “A Philly Special Christmas” brings the holiday cheer you need
| I always thought to myself, “Jenn, when are you going to get to use your years of music theory experience again?” I have four years of music theory experience, played two instruments, was in the choir and got a four on my AP Music Theory exam.
Therefore, this makes me pretty qualified as a sports journalist to give an honest review of the hit single off of “A Philly Special Christmas” by none other than Jason Kelce, Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata.
Two of the guys have a musical background, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that they could belt a few tunes. Kelce played baritone saxophone in high school in the symphonic and jazz bands. Mailata, known for his singing ability, competed in Season 7 of “The Masked Singer.”
The album has seven tracks, five of which are sung by the Eagles trio including favorites “White Christmas” and “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.”
For almost four minutes, you’re taken on a journey with a classic reading of “The Night Before Christmas” by legendary Eagles radio broadcaster, Merrill Reese. The Silver Ages are featured on the album with a slow, beautiful a cappella rendition of “Silent Night.”
You’ll find yourself singing along to the soulful voices of these guys as they sing each holiday song. The guys bring energy, not just on-the-field-sprinting-at-the-quarterback-energy, but clear singing energy.
Not only that, but with this Eagles trio, you feel like part of the party when they sing each song. I won’t bore a bunch of football fans with singing terminology, but I will say, they check the boxes of what it means to be a fantastic singer – especially for football players.
The album kicks off with the teased favorite, “White Christmas,” by the trio. Johnson sings first, then Kelce and Mailata. Mailata’s riff in the song is exactly what you needed this holiday season.
Johnson and Kelce bring the Elvis vibes with the slow, smooth version of “Blue Christmas.” They bring full, rich vowels in this song while delivering the Philly energy.
If you’re looking for an upbeat blues love song, Mailata delivers in a duet with Lady Alma in “Merry Christmas Baby.” The trio rejoin for “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” a beautiful masterpiece that brings a big sound loud enough to echo Lincoln Financial Field.
The album caps off with a large performance of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” by the whole Philadelphia Eagles choir (team). The main three sing and a few Eagles join the song to spread Christmas cheer and say what they want for Christmas during the musical break. They even wish their upcoming rival, Dallas Cowboys, a Merry Christmas.
For Jalen Hurts? His Christmas wishlist is short: Super Bowl.
Who knew a center and two offensive tackles had such wonderful voices? The Philadelphia Eagles put on quite a show on the field this season, but off the field, they really delivered an album worthy of dethroning Mariah Carey.
The Verdict: ★★★★★
You can stream the album on all major streaming platforms, like Apple Music and Spotify.
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