Editor’s note: The following article is an op-ed, and the views expressed are the author’s own. Read more opinions on theGrio.
Let’s start with the elephant in the room: It is the beginning of October in the year of our lord two thousand and twenty-three. As of this writing, we are exactly 81 days away from Christmas Day — it could be fewer for you depending on when you read this. You may ask, since we’re over two and a half months away from Jesus’ alleged birthday, why are you writing about a Christmas album, Panama?
I’m glad you asked. I’m writing about Boyz II Men’s iconic Christmas album, “Christmas Interpretations” because it was released on Tuesday, Oct. 5, 1993 — exactly 30 years ago today, which, according to my calculations, was then also 81 days away from Christmas day. This realization that this album, which is a classic and sounds like it could be released today, was dropped in October 1993 got me thinking about when holiday music was released in general. But let’s get back to that, mmkay? First, let’s discuss just how good Boyz II Men’s album is.
My goodness.
“Christmas Interpretations” is an 11-song, 41-minute album of straight heat. Of course, the shining star is their a cappella rendition of “Silent Night,” which I’m sure you could toss on the end of your DJ set in December right after playing “Melodies from Heaven” by Kirk Franklin ‘nem if you’ve decided to go rogue and not use Maze featuring Frankie Beverly’s “Before I Let Go” to end the night. Boyz II Men’s version is that good (as is their a cappella version of New Edition’s “Can You Stand the Rain”). But every song on this album — written and produced by members of Boyz II Men and Brian McKnight, save for “Silent Night”—is amazing. This album…
Read the full article here
