(The following was taken from inside the album. Written by Family Force 5)
Season's greetings, everyone,
Shalom, feliz navidad, and gazuntite! It is with sincere gratitude that we thank you for giving The Family Force 5 Christmas Pageant a chance. When the idea of recording a Christmas album was presented to the 5 of us, we felt like 55 year old men auditioning for the role of the Baby Jesus at the annual cantata. However, when Soul Glow played us the unfinished, yet powerful loop for "Do You Hear What I Hear" after a Winter Jam concert, our hearts were filled with bowls of jolly and holly. We knew it was somehow possible for this eccentric, noisy band to pay homage to holiest day in history.
In the typical Family Force 5 fashion, we ran into plenty of obstacles along the way... namely, the fact that we had to write and record The Family Force 5 Christmas Pageant in the midst of a ludicrously busy tour schedule. Inspired by cinnamon spray and pumpkin-spiced lattes, this album was created in rental vans in Dallas, pancake houses in Washington, dressing rooms in the Netherlands, and airports around the World. It is very dear to us, and we hope our baby brings you a mere sprinkle of the faith, hope, and love that the other Baby (the one in swaddling clothes) invokes in all of our hearts.
From the bling on our Hulk fists, to the scratches on our gear,
We're gonna make it rain on the Baby Jesus this year!
May your days be joyful, and merry, and bright!
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!
Come celebrate the birth of our King,
FAMILY FORCE 5
Click here to add a video. Click to add lyrics if not listed.
01.
Carol of the Bells
02.
Little Drummer Boy
03.
Christmas Time Is Here
04.
My Favorite Things
05.
Angels We Have Heard On High
06.
Do You Hear What I Hear?
07.
T'was The Night Before Christmas (Feat. Lalipop)
Don't miss out on this Christmas party| Posted June 04, 2012
Family Force 5 meets Christmas. Could there possibly be a better combination? After listening to the CD a couple times I've come to the conclusion that if there is something that can top that combo, they have yet to show itself.
Only a couple songs are mediocre (T'was The Night Before Christmas, Wonderful Christmastime), but most of them stand out as true Christmas gems that will be played for years to come. The stand-out tracks include 'Carol of the Bells', 'The Baby', and 'Do You Hear What I Hear', despite being slightly repetitive.
Family Force 5 has put their mark on Christmas time. You don't want to miss their Christmas Pageant.
You're Getting Silver Hulk Hands For Christmas!| Posted December 07, 2009
It seems that every year I hear yet another person expressing their hate for Christmas music. After all, it's the same classics spelled the same different ways, by the same voices. For these people, there's a sub-genre called 'Dysfunctional Christmas,' which is home to classics such as 'Yingle Bells' & 'Christmas In Hollis.' Family Force 5 is clearly aiming for this, and for these people, because you can bet that Christmas Pageant is nothing like anything you've ever heard. You'll either love it or hate it, but there is no middle ground here. You may just stare blankly in confusion the first few times you listen to it.
Highlights Include:
Christmas Time Is Here
Angels We Have Heard On High
Do You Hear What I Hear?
Twas The Night Before Christmas
It's Christmas Day
Musically, this falls somewhere between a toned down 'Dance or Die' and a more electronic 'Party In the Back.' You'll find an assortment of electronic instruments on this album, the crunk quasi-rapping of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas,' and even a chipmunk finds its way onto here. Some songs like 'Do You Hear What I Hear' like to find itself in a canyon of weirdness only to find itself get out for the chorus, while others like 'Wonderful Christmastime,' play it pretty straight.
As for the original songs, 'It's Christmas Day' wins the award for highlight of the album with a totally laid-back pop direction that's completely new to the band. And surprisingly, they pull it off very well, appropriating the perfect mood of the chorus. It's not a new classic, but it is a very solid song. 'Baby' on the other hand is the lowlight of the album. Evoking the wrong mood, and wallowing in a sense of inappropriateness, this goes beyond the call of weirdness... the less listened to, the better.
Overall, it's not what I was expecting from the band, but if it's one thing you can expect with FF5, it's that you'll get the unexpected. So, if you're one to burn Andrea Bocelli's Christmas album when you get it in Secret Santa, or you're just a fan of the band, then by all means, at least give it a try. If however you're rocking out to David Archuleta's Christmas album, then by all means, stay far away. FF5 will scare the Frankincense and Myrrh right out of you.
Christmas now?| Posted September 27, 2011
Okay,so I'm one of those that can not stand christmas to a certain extent. Sometimes they just over do it&by the time Christmas actually gets here the songs are dead and make you insane. BUT...I absolutely love this CD(: I listen to it all the time...yes,even in the middle of the summer. Great job(:
Best Christmas Album of the Year!!| Posted December 30, 2009
Sorry Chris Tomlin, 33 Miles, and Big Daddy Weave but Family Force Five has hit a home run with their Christmas Album! Their creativity and energy bring out the best of them on their Christmas album. The CD starts with Carol of the Bells and it is classic Family Force Five. Then their version of Little Drummer Boy is so creative. Come hear me play my drum machine- watch me play this thing! Awesome. However the best track on the the CD is The Baby! This is what your family needs to play as you drive thru any live nativities this year! Because Christmas is all about the Baby!!!
my favorite Christmas songs!| Posted December 09, 2009
I love these songs. They are totally upbeat and help you to get in the Christmas mood at the same time. Who wants opera when you can have some more bass? The beats in these songs definitely get you in the mood while at the same time sticking with the classics. Very well done.
I love it| Posted November 04, 2009
The guys if Family Force 5 did it again. I was kind of surprised that they were going to do a Christmas album. I had wanted them to do one but I never thought they would. I love all the song on the album and I like how they made them their own. They are not too funky but they still have that FF5 sound we know and love. I know I will be listing to this album for many Christmases to come. This album will give you a kick and get you into the Christmas spirit early (it did it for me because I don't listen to Christmas music until after Thanksgivings but I was listening to it before Halloween).
Dash Away, Dash Away All... And Go Get It!| Posted October 21, 2009
Christmas is usually too early in October, but with this CD you'll want it every day of the year. Putting a new "force"ful spin on old Christmas carols and adding some of their own, this will NOT be a one day album. Just like Christmas, Soul Glow has made this a family affair. Bringing in his dad, wife and son on the record makes it feel "homey". With this CD, it's begining to feel a lot like Christmas.
The Greatest Christmas Album I Have Ever Heard| Posted October 21, 2009
When I first heard that Family Force 5 was going to crunk out Christmas my first thought was "this was gonna be epic," and epic it sure is. Mixing a plethora of different styles into it's rather short length, Family Force 5 has proven that they can do pretty much anything they want. A couple tracks have the hip hop vibe, one track has a Backstreet Boys-esque vibe... it's all done so well. I can't find anything wrong with this album. Add this album to your Christmas music collection immediately.
LOVE IT :D| Posted October 15, 2009
i was hesitant of it when i heard they were coming out with but i can't stop listening to it <33333333 i love it.i think myy favorite song would have to be carol of the bells and my favorite things haaha i loveeeeeeee it i am soo happy they did come out with it.haha its not even christmas an i can't stop listening to it i lovee FF5 :D
The Most Unusual Yet Incredible Christmas Album| Posted October 13, 2009
When I heard that Family Force 5 was making a Christmas album, I was both shocked and excited. Family Force 5 has been making a name for themselves, and they have certainly become a force to be reckoned with. This album is a definite 180 twist on the Christmas spirit; and yet, it works almost perfectly. Amongst the crazy hip hop beats and the auto-tuned vocals you'll find a Christmas spirit like you've never seen and heard. Every song is fun and well done, and it's a good break from the traditional styles. Go get it!!
Incredible.| Posted October 07, 2009
Okay, so it basically made my life to see that FF5 has a new Christmas album out, and I listened to the whole thing (even though it is October) I was happily satisfied. I'm pretty sure that nothing bad can come from FF5 and this album goes right along with that theory.
I'd suggest it to anyone. I can't wait to buy it myself :)