To kick off the holiday season, Tinashe surprised her fans with a Christmas EP. Her announcement via Twitter on Nov. 24 described Comfort & Joy as a “cute lil Christmas EP” for all of her fans to enjoy. Prior to the release of the festive EP, the singer celebrated the one-year anniversary of her independently released album, Songs For You. The new seven-track EP features her upbeat, urban spins on Christmas classics like “God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman,” “Last Christmas,” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”
“Comfort & Joy (intro)” is the first track of the EP, which plays a clip of young children talking to their father on Christmas day. It’s under assumption that this heartwarming audio is derived from Tinashe herself. “God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman” is the next track that adds a R&B flavor to the traditional yuletide. She adds a touch of bedroom-pop and R&B in “Angels We Have Heard on High” and “Last Christmas.” Hearing the singer/songwriter’s voice in the traditional songs gives a personal feel, as if she is serenading you herself.
As a delightful addition to the EP, Quiet Child, Tinashe’s younger brother, co-produced “The Christmas song.” The cover incorporates the sounds of piano chords to visually place you by an open fire near a Christmas tree. The EP concludes with the angelic vocals of “O Holy Night” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” Tinashe’s description of Comfort & Joy is spot on. It’s a “cute lil Christmas EP” that is perfect for festive events and winter evenings with a cup of hot cocoa.
The combination of the R&B genre and Christmas isn’t new. Plenty of artists have released special albums, EPs, and tracks for the holiday season, such as Mariah Carey, Destiny’s Child, and Smino. Comfort & Joy is a quality addition to the genre and non-traditional Christmas playlists.
You can stream Comfort & Joy on all streaming platforms.