Christmas – Elna Romberg 

The best way to spread Christmas cheer is by singing loud for all to hear.
“Elf” – Will Ferrell

While ELF is not my favourite Christmas movie, The Grinch gets that honour – this line resonates. Besides the presents, lights, and decorations, Christmas music undoubtedly sets the seasonal mood. And while some may tire of classics on repeat in stores, hotels, and radio since September, I have to concede to enjoy the tingling sensations the songs bring. No matter how many times you’ve heard them many are quite simply timeless.

Here in Sweden, the country’s winter landscape is the picturesque snowy backdrop synonymous with Christmas, seemingly illuminating Elna Romberg’s album as she revisits the classics on her album Christmas.

Recorded during the pandemic, Elna Romberg serves six tracks in English and Swedish of pure festive heart and uplifting Christmas gospel. Elna sings with enough warming vocal characteristics to fuse these songs with charm and twinkle to satisfy all listeners.

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas has a soulful arrangement to create a stirring opening. Elna conveys the sentiments with soulful ease without overemphasis. There’s an understanding of the lyrics and a humble, skilled conviction. A personal favourite, O Holy Night! hears Elna’s accompanied by the soul-stirring voices of His Master’s Noise Gospel Choir and Romberg Vocal Group (Elna’s family vocal ensemble); her vocal power and control underline her ability. It’s a beautiful rendition.

Lauri Schreck joins Elna on the Swedish classic Jul, Jul, Strålande Jul on kantele – a traditional Finnish string instrument, and as with all tracks on this album, it has a room-filling scale and acoustic depth.

While the album doesn’t rip up the traditional song arrangements, the empathic and empowering love throughout touches the coldest of festive hearts – as Christmas music should.