Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings: It’s a Holiday Soul Party

Dec 16, 2015 Web Exclusive By Joshua M. Miller

When it comes to holiday albums, it seems like we’ve heard a thousand versions of the same classics. Some are so paint-by-the-numbers that it feels like a retread, with little to no adventure or creativity. Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings’ new holiday album It’s a Holiday Soul Party is not one of those albums. It’s a lively, celebratory album full of soul and funk, with powerfully stirring originals as well as fresh takes on some of the well-loved holiday standards. For example, the group’s rendition of “White Christmas” is full of energy and replaces the reflective nature of past versions with a galloping sleigh ride. “Silent Night” features Jones howling into the night with raw emotion. With holiday music being played increasingly earlier each year, the genre seems to have lost some of the relevance it once bore. But albums like this one give some hope of redemption. Jones and her band command your attention from start to finish with sugary swagger and spice. Ears will be grateful for these 11 soul and funk holiday gifts. (www.sharonjonesandthedapkings.com)

Read Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings album review at Under the Radar