James Brown - Hey America It's Christmas
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James Brown – Hey America (It's Christmas) (1970)
The Godfather of Soul puts his unmistakable funk stamp on the festive season with this wonderfully unconventional Christmas album. Originally released on King Records in December 1970, Hey America is James Brown's third Christmas collection and finds him mixing hard-hitting funk, gospel influences and orchestral soul with a distinctly seasonal message.
The title track sets the tone, with a driving, heavily arranged groove, punchy horns and Brown delivering one of his characteristic spoken-word performances. "Go Power At Christmas Time" brings plenty of rhythmic energy, while "Santa Claus Is Definitely Here To Stay" is a particularly funky highlight. Elsewhere, "Christmas Is Love" takes a more soulful approach, and "A Lonely Little Boy Around One Little Christmas Toy" provides a more sentimental moment.
Interestingly, the album's eight tracks were written by Nat Jones, the saxophonist and organist who worked closely with Brown. Recorded at King Studios in Cincinnati in October 1970, the sessions feature contributions from members of Brown's changing backing band, with Bobby Byrd and Nat Jones on organ and David Matthews on piano.
A slightly overlooked entry in Brown's catalogue, Hey America is a fascinating alternative to conventional Christmas albums, delivering festive cheer with plenty of deep funk, soulful grooves and the unmistakable attitude of James Brown.