So. #WinterIntheAir.
Where do I even begin?
Normally, I’d do a post covering my impressions of all the songs on the album.
But I have too many feelings about each song to do that, so I’m just going to talk about one at a time.
Overall though, I will say that not only do I love that David’s included fun, “deck the halls”-ish songs along with reverent, sacred carols, but also that it’s one of the few (if only) Christmas albums I know that conveys the feeling of quiet introspection that sneaks up on us during the holidays.
Those moments when you take a break from all the craziness and sit quietly alone and contemplate what Christmas really means to you…
Whether you feel sadness about regrets or loved ones who are gone, or a longing to make a change in your life. Or maybe, along with all that, you reflect on Christ’s humble beginnings, the hardships that he faced, and the love he channeled into the world. Love that comes shining through in each note of this album.
The holidays can be a tough time for many of us, and I feel an undercurrent of that on this album. Amid the joy and reverence, I also feel a tinge of melancholy… a nod to the pain that can overtake us when we’re told by all the commercials and posts and parties that it’s “The most wonderful time of the year.”
To me, this album helps us take a moment to really think about the true meaning of Christmas… about how much you’re loved and how you can be more compassionate with others… those thoughts can help us feel less alone, maybe more connected to those we’ve lost and to something bigger than ourselves.
Those kinds of feelings are rarely conveyed on Christmas albums, but I feel like David’s done that beautifully here. Definitely in the title track.
When David sung a bit of it from his car on Instagram, I literally burst into tears. Did not see that coming. It was a completely visceral reaction.
I’m hesitant to overanalyze why it happened because I don’t want to break the spell.
Just now, I played the song, and the same thing happened. In fact, I was listening to the album driving home last night and had to skip the title track, for real, because it was dark and rainy and tons of construction on my route and I needed to see where I was going… tears were not an option!
There’s just something in David’s tone right off the bat, like he’s whispering in your ear.
“Sacred stillness brought to life”… that’s exactly what it is.
The hushed quiet after it snows and the world is peaceful and perfect for a little while. You hold your breath and marvel at the otherworldly beauty of it all.
How he captures all that with his voice, I have no idea. But it pierces my heart and triggers rivers of tears. The sheer beauty of it.
The notes and what’s between the notes. That makes zero sense but I can feel that. Can you?
Foot prints in the snow
The world a shining globe
The scent of evergreen is like home
A deep breath cold and cleanThe sound of distant bells
The story they foretell
An almost silent night,
A sacred stillness brought to lifeLike music, like magic
Somehow it just happens
I could stay here forever
Nothing can compare
To this moment with you
And winter in the air
Winter in the airSparkling on the streets
Red birds, hear them sing
All is calm and bright
Underneath the stars that watch the nightLike music, like magic
Somehow it just happens
I could stay here forever
Nothing can compare
To this moment with you
And winter in the air
Winter in the airOn this snowy night,
The world is pure and rightLike music, like magic
Somehow it just happens
I could stay here forever
Nothing can compare
To this moment with you
And winter in the air
Winter in the air
p.s.
Some great news and interviews today!
Great @DavidArchie interview! “But I’ve learned to stop asking why, keep my hands open, ready to receive what’s next and be grateful.” 😍https://t.co/45hv6rYW2Q
— snowangelzz 🍁 (@TheSnowAngelz) November 5, 2018
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'Go for it': David Archuleta talks Mariah Carey advice and new album in exclusive interview https://t.co/krGmUH59xu
— Patty-Ann (@pabuckie) November 5, 2018
SnowAngelz: Canadian fans of David Archuleta 
I had the same reaction to the song, I don’t get how he is able to sing a song just make you feel you are walking outside in a light falling snow, literally can feel it.
For me, it transported me back to a happy time in my life many years ago when all my family was still alive and all together.
I agree, cannot listen in the car lol for the same reason.
Thanks for writing this. ❤️
Yes, to your thoughts on this new Christmas music. It’s just plain different in so many ways. David says ‘traditional songs’, but he’s put a whole new life into them. I bought a CD for my daughter and when I gave it to her I told her (after I had absorbed her huge smile) that I thought she would really, really like this album. I told her that it’s so completely different from other Christmas music. I simply could not describe it. But, now you’ve done it for me. Thank you.
His own songs are beautifully done. This is Christmas to David and I thank him for sharing ‘his’ Christmas with all of us. He just keeps amazing me with his talents. I should be used to it by now.
And those interviews. Too much!! He’s so stinkin’ humble and I love it!! Love it!!
I absolutely love every song on this album. I do skip over ‘Glorious’ now and then. It’s kind of worn out for me. Great song, great message, I’m just tired of it for now. This music, even the ‘upbeat’ tracks, just brings a calm to me that is completely indescribable. How does he do that!?! Like you said … do try to over analyze it. ♥♥
I can’t explain it! Never could! David looks like a teen but has a soul of a man so beyond his (almost) 28 years of age!
My family is having some struggles and it’s going to be a complicated Holiday Season. I feel David speak to my heart through this album! Gosh, I just love it!
I hope to thank him again for sharing so much with us through his music. After listening to these interviews I believe he knows the depth of what those two small words really mean.
So well explained (((TOfan))))
This album has connected straight to my heart … no joke, his music is the best in a way I can’t comprehend.
“The notes and what’s between the notes” YES!
These upcoming concerts are gonna be crazy amazing good!
“A sacred stillness…” that’s what’s between the notes.
Really beautifully said TOfan. Just love this album and the title track really is sublime! It definitely takes you to another level, so beautiful. That song could be a true classic. Of course David is so unique in his interpretation and delivery of everything he sings. He truly knows how to immerse his heart into his music and yes that tone…..that’s what grabbed me from the very beginning. I don’t try to explain it anymore, I just enjoy it thoroughly with much gratitude!
So nice to have David’s music over the holidays, no matter what one’s personal challenges may be, it’s an extra blessing to immerse yourself in and enjoy…..and Winter In The Air…..absolutely love that song!
Wonderful that David will be performing in the parade and so many great interviews! Lots happening around this amazing album!
i love this song. i wonder what it would have sounded like if he had sung the the last two choruses as he did the first, so softly and without the key change. I adore his singing-talking in the verses and the first chorus. It has a story telling quality to it, like a personal conversation.
I would love to hear him do it acoustically at some point… just him and the piano!
I thought a little bit more about what I was trying to say and I think the verses and the first chorus is what I envision D sounding like when he’s thinking. Somehow I don’t picture him thinking with his falsetto or head voice. Does that make sense? The song is like David having a convo with himself while in the presence of his beloved.
I understand you, Janey, and agree. It could be done as even more of a mood piece than it is.
yes, that’s what i was trying to say.
i would pretty much be dead but so be it.
Nice interview with David on the iHollywoodTV YouTube channel:
Still LOLing at this tbh:
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why twitter is the best invention ever.
I’m not much for snippets so I waited for the arrival of my CD. Enjoyed it so much yesterday in a solo two hour car ride. David’s Winter in the Air reminds me of Simon and Garfunkel’s poetic abilities along with beautiful melodies and voices. He paints a beautiful picture and puts you right there in it.
I am a huge fan of his new songs. Could we please talk about He is Born soon?