Music Review: Annie Lennox — A Christmas Cornucopia
You don’t have to be Christian to be moved by the story of the birth of one that many believe to be the chosen one. Annie Lennox, who is not Christian, has recorded a Christmas album with the hopes of restoring “the hymnal heart and soulful sentiment” of the selected songs. In the biography on her website, she states her hope that these covers will “appeal to listeners of all faiths, creeds and cultures.”
Working with Mike Stevens (who had worked with her on her 2007 album, Songs of Mass Destruction) Lennox selected sacred, secular and traditional pieces (German, French and English) along with an original composition of her own for this cornucopia.
One of particular significance to her is “Lullay Lullay” (also known as the “Coventry Carol“), a dark lullaby about King Herod’s murder of first-born boys in an effort to kill Jesus. For Lennox, it is brought to life in present day Africa with children soldiers. This cover is close to the traditional a cappella performance with only a string instrument and a drum which add an African flavor. Additionally, several selections (particularly “The Holly and The Ivy”) include the voices of the African Children’s Choir from Cape Town.
Lennox’s composition, “Universal Child” borrows from Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind” to include children from around the world that have been and continue to be victims of man’s inhumanity to man. Her lyrics depict the world’s problems through the eyes of these children and she (apparently speaking for those who care) pledges “shelter from the storm”, a way to “keep you safe from harm” and her assistance to “spread your wings” and learn to fly. “Universal Child” ends with a clue to Lennox’s spiritually, a belief in some supreme being: “I wish to God that kids like you could be like everyone.”
Lennox has a strong commitment to help children in need around the world and royalties from the sale of Christmas Cornucopia will go the The Annie Lennox Foundation for that purpose. The album ends with an upbeat “Winter Wonderland”, the lyrics of which no doubt are a double entendre for the artist and her goal:
“To face unafraid,
The plans that we’ve made.”
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