After reaching mainstream recognition in 2012 when she served as the featured singer in David Guetta’s “Titanium,” and the release of her Billboard chart-topper “Chandelier,” Australian singer-songwriter Sia continued to wow people around the world with her enigmatic image and incredible vocals. Now, Sia is pushing the boundaries of her unique artistry with a Christmas album, “Everyday Is Christmas.” But with Christmas time approaching, does this alternative musician and vocalist have what it takes to create a commercial, holiday-themed album?
The evolution of Sia
Having been a part of the music scene since the late 1990s and early 2000s, where she served as a background vocalist and eventual songwriter for big names such as Rihanna and Christina Aguilera, Sia’s breakout as a solo artist appeared inevitable. Making a brand for herself with her signature black and white wigs and collaboration with young professional dancer, Maddie Ziegler, Sia become known as an indie-pop powerhouse. Her emotionally riveting lyrics and avant-garde music videos imprinted a deep impression on both the public and the music industry.
'Everyday Is Christmas' reception and review
The holiday-themed album released to the public on Friday, November 17 as an early Christmas gift to Sia fans everywhere.
The album, however, earned mixed reviews from critics. Slant Magazine and The Guardian were not impressed with Sia’s take on the holiday-genre, deeming the singer’s “mewling” and instrumental arrangements as child-like and alienating. Still, others held different opinions. According to Madeline Laguaite of The Red and Black, “Everyday Is Christmas” has a “vintage feel” and is a fresh alternative for those “tired of ‘Silver Bells’ and ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.’”
“Everyday Is Christmas'” opening song, “Santa’s Coming For Us” serves as the up-beat party track of the album.
Catchy and fun, it is a cool mix of Sia’s signature style and traditional holiday cheer. Following “Santa’s Coming For Us” is “Candy Cane Lane” as yet another solid Christmas anthem. The next song, “Snowman,” has a bluesy lull to it. “Snowflake” features a pretty piano accompaniment married with Sia’s voice to create a moving yuletide ballad.
Then, Sia picks up the tempo and mood again with “Ho Ho Ho,” which is a bit repetitive but not gratingly so. After “Ho Ho Ho” is “Puppies Are Forever.” Aside from being perhaps the most heart-warming track on the album, the song also features one of the best lyrics on the entire album; “Puppies are forever, not just for Christmas!”
Hopeful is probably the key word to describe the following song, “Sunshine.” The track is light-hearted and sweet. “Underneath The Mistletoe” best showcases Sia’s vocals and boasts a sultry sound. The album’s titular song, “Everyday Is Christmas” is passionate and emotionally moving. Closing the album is “Underneath The Christmas Lights.” The song allows Sia to really exhibit her crystal clear high notes and is the perfect embodiment of post-holiday blues. All in all, “Everyday Is Christmas” is a refreshing and original interpretation of yuletide cheer bound to wrap listeners in the Christmas mood.
