A Lighter Look at the Writer's Life, Support

Christmas Creativity by Carlton Hughes

December 6, 2017
lighter look at a writer's life

We all have things that inspire us. Some may marvel at a glorious sunset; others may find inspiration in a painting or in (gulp) reading a good book.
Those things are fine, but one of the main things that inspires me is music. When I am down and feeling “blah,” many times I will find what I need in a song. I often have church in my car during a commute . . . I sometimes wonder what the people who pass me think . . . and writing ideas flow. I love to sing along in my vehicle, but I will refrain from doing that in public (unless you need me to clear a room).

I love Christmas music, though my flea-sized attention span is challenged when I hear artists singing the same songs with the same arrangements. Imagine my delight when I recently downloaded the new release Decade the Halls by Christian music group Tenth Avenue North. It is the most creative, off-the-wall, funny, clever Christmas album (or regular album) I have ever heard.

Yes, hyperbole is one of my spiritual gifts. But it really is THAT good.

The guys in the group took ten Christmas songs—mostly traditional with a few originals thrown in—and performed each one in the musical style of a different decade. Starting with 1920s-era Good King Wenceslas and running through a poppy 2010s version of God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman, it is a delight, full of surprises and treats for your ears.

I laughed out loud several times on first listen and marveled at the creativity that brought this project to fruition. For me, favorites are an ‘80s-tinged rendition of Go Tell it on the Mountain, which sounds like a forgotten track from Huey Lewis and the News; The First Christmas, a ‘50s rockabilly throwdown with Zach Williams (of Chain Breaker fame); and Mistletoe (The Christmas Sweater Song), a hilarious riff on 2000s-era alt-rock.

I watched an interview with the lead singer Mike Donehey, who said the group wanted to create an experience that wouldn’t bore listeners. Boy, did they deliver.  Do yourself a favor and pick it up now.

By now, you probably feel like you’re reading the music review section of CCM Magazine, but there is a point for writers. This album has inspired me in my creative work. If Tenth Avenue North can take the time to craft such a unique piece, I should be able to do the same. I am not going to produce anything musical anytime soon (you’re welcome), but I am going to work on my blog posts, devotions, and other projects with that same spirit of creativity.

Now, I am going to give Decade the Halls a spin for the 100th time (apologies to my family, who would probably like to listen to something else by now).

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4 Comments

  • Reply Jean Hall December 6, 2017 at 10:22 am

    Clever, as always, Carlton.

  • Reply Holland Webb December 6, 2017 at 10:56 am

    Love that wit! I have never heard of Tenth Avenue North and generally dislike Christmas music, but your review makes me want to grab one of their songs. And thanks for the encouragement to be relentlessly creative.

  • Reply Cynthia December 7, 2017 at 3:50 pm

    It sounds like something Dwayne would love : )
    And yes to the reminder that we need to move in that spirit of creativity in our writing.

  • Reply Cherrilynn Bisbano - Associate Editor A3 December 10, 2017 at 11:44 am

    Carlton, I always have church in my car. I don’t care who’s watching. I do keep one hand on the steering wheel at all times. Thank you for sharing the Christmas music. I’m going to go listen now. Merry Christmas.

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