Bob Dylan would be releasing a holiday album titled “Christmas in the Heart” on the 13th October. In the true spirit of Christmas, the album is about a giving heart; and not only through the songs. Bob Dylan has made this album as a charity album. That is, all of the royalties in the album that he derives in America will go to Feeding America, an organisation that provides food to the needy people. This is not an album of his original songs but a compilation of Christmas classics such as “Must Be Santa”, “Little Drummer Boy”, “Winter Wonderland” and “Here Comes Santa Claus”. There are totally 15 tracks on the album. Similarly, the international charities will go to similar international organisations. It is expected that a donation equivalent to 4 million meals will be given to Feeding America.
A preview of the album was available on the net since September 17th. This album is in continuance with Dylan’s shift from serious, political albums to humorous, playful music. The arrangements of the song are quite similar to a traditional Christmas song; however, Dylan’s rusty voice adds a different style to it. The instruments are also pleasant and include Christmas bells, accordions, violins, synthesizers and acoustic guitars.
Holiday albums have previously been released by a number of artists such as James Brown, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Jethro Tull and Beach Boys. Still, making a Christmas album was an unexpected step from an artist like Bob Dylan. However considering the popularity of Bob Dylan and the fact that it is being done for a noble cause, the album will definitely sell like hot cakes during the holiday season.
“It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air.”
