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Right on the heels of their 2002 release All The Time In The World,
power-pop group Jump5 released All The Joy In The World, their first
Christmas album. Although I don't know if you can technically label it
an "album." Totaling in at six songs with two remixes, this eight-song
release should really be labeled as an EP. Still, this poppy Christmas
album will have people moving for the holidays, definitely giving all of
us a little more cheer and bubbly brightness, which is to be expected
from Jump5.
The album opens up with "Joy To The World," but don't expect organs and
pretty flutes to accompany this holiday classic. Instead, you'll be
treated to drum loops galore, and even a few guitars thrown into the
mix. Of course Jump5 laces the track with their signature pop sound,
girls leading out, guys more in the background. Opening with "Carol
of the Bells," "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" comes next, sounding much
like something that might be found on a Jackson Five album. An
interesting rendition of the classic "Sleigh Ride" follows, a harp
riding behind the drum loops this time. Little sneaks of "Let It Snow,
Let It Snow, Let It Snow" also find their way into this pop track.
Acoustic guitar opens "Wonderful Christmastime," but don't worry,
more drum loops are in store for the Jump5 fan. A mixed medley of "Rockin' Around The
Christmas Tree" and "Jingle Bell Rock," the highlight of this Christmas
offering, will definitely make everyone want to jump up and dance around.
The only slowed moment for this record comes in
the form of Jump5's cover of the 4Him Christmas favorite, "A Strange Way
To Save The World." Jump5 gives it a nice run, making sure it comes away
with their pop sound.
The album closes with two remixes, one of "Sleigh Ride" and the
other of "Wonderful Christmastime." The remixes come off alright, but
they're nothing too memorable. It would have been better if they had
just recorded two more Christmas songs instead of copping out with
remixes, as seems to be their way of doing things (i.e. All The Time
In The World).
All in all, Jump5 gives their own version of Christmas, and will for
sure make that "tween" audience very happy with a different sound for
the holidays. Older audiences may find the sound a bit annoying, but the record isn't
directed towards that age group. But for those looking for a fresh way to sing about
Christmas, All The Joy In The World is a great option.
- Review date: 09/23/04, written by Shaun Stevenson
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