By Vai Thomas & Staff
Why do people all over the world love Christmas music so much? Is it because it brings back nostalgic and heartwarming memories? Is it because it's spiritually uplifting with its traditional and moral themes? Is it because it tells the story of hope that has kept the world together for over two millennia? The answer is yes to all of the above. It's no easy task to create holiday-themed music that embodies all these qualities, but singer-songwriter and church choir director Phil Silva has managed to do just that with his upbeat song "Waiting For Christmas."
"Waiting For Christmas," written in the key of D Major, is a collaboration between Silva and his daughter Alyssa. This song combines the elements you'd expect from a traditional holiday anthem with a contemporary pop twist that touches on themes of romance and longing. Alyssa's lyrics strike the right balance of humility, longing, and excitement, making the song relatable with lines like "If you're here with me now as the snow falls down, I'll be holding you close tonight, but I'm waiting on you" and "The lights of the tree bring back sweet memories, Love's in the air, and it seems so..." Phil Silva's vocals and instrument arrangement, which he performed and produced, infuse soul into the lyrics without the need for complex metaphors or music theory. Instead, he relies on his sparkling falsetto register to create a song that captures the spirit of both September and "Hark The Herald."
The jingling bells, a staple sound in the song's instrumentation, add a festive touch without feeling cliché. Other instruments like bass and acoustic guitars, keys, and drums complement the lyrics seamlessly, resulting in an airy mix. What makes this song stand out is its ability to get the audience clapping and singing along right from the start, especially during the chorus, which is festive and anthemic in its straightforward simplicity. A key factor contributing to this is the song's memorable and attention-grabbing melody, which perfectly conveys the joy and innocence portrayed in the lyrics.
About Phil Silva Phil Silva is a singer-songwriter who plays most of the instruments in his songs and also directs a church choir while pursuing a professional music career. The song "Waiting on Christmas" is a special collaboration with his daughter, Alyssa. She penned the lyrics, while Phil handled the music and recording, marking his first co-writing experience. The song is a lighthearted Christmas tune centered around the anticipation of reuniting with loved ones during the holiday season. It's worth noting for the reviewer that this song has become a cherished tradition at Phil's church and in the local community. It never fails to elicit a fantastic response and enthusiastic audience participation, particularly during the clapping section in the chorus. Phil is incredibly proud of his daughter, Alyssa, who has defied the odds by living a full life despite being born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a rare and debilitating condition. Doctors initially gave her a very limited life expectancy, but she has not only surpassed those expectations but has also become a prolific writer and artist. She's an inspiration to us all, as she creates her art using just one finger for typing. Truly remarkable indeed.
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