MANILA, Philippines - Cool Christmas, an album from a group of youngsters called Joyful Noyze, recalls the joys of the Yuletide season. The CD has 10 traditional Christmas carols arranged in the spirit of today’s melodic pop and rock beats.
Opening track is a reggae makeover of We Wish You A Merry Christmas featuring the exuberant voice of seven-year-old wonder kid Athan Jaime. General Sappy of Milagros Dancehall Collective reminds us of peace, love and Christmas.
Deck the Halls and Hark The Herald Angels Sing get a pop-rock treatment. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen is a hushed folk number with nimbly plucked guitars and ethereal voices.
The remake of O Little Town of Bethlehem is a tribute to boy band blues and harmonies. Joy To The World takes the Christmas fun to the street, with a head-spinning beat combining ‘70s R&B of Kung Fu Fighting and the more recent hip-hop backbeat of Beastie Boys and Planet Rock.
What Child Is This and The First Noel transport you to a time and place where adolescent worries and material concerns don’t exist. The seldom covered Angels We Have Heard on High sends you to heavenly high with catchy pop hooks.
Athan, who emerged cream of the crop among those who auditioned for Joyful Noyze, is supported by other members Sam Ayson, Erwin Marasigan with Lea Rianzares
Main arranger is Jack Rufo.