Steve Perry, the iconic voice of Journey, continues to embrace the spirit of Christmas with the expanded release of his holiday album, “The Season 3.” Building upon the warmth and nostalgia of his previous Yuletide offerings, Perry adds six new tracks to the collection, inviting listeners to gather around the metaphorical fireplace and bask in the glow of timeless holiday classics. Among the additions is a heartwarming rendition of “What a Wonderful World,” a perfect encapsulation of the album’s overall sentiment.
Revisiting Christmas Classics with Steve Perry
Perry’s journey into the heart of holiday music began in 2019 with the “Silver Bells” EP, a precursor to the full-length album “The Season” in 2021. This marked Perry’s first new LP since his 2018 comeback album, “Traces,” a highly anticipated return after a nearly 25-year hiatus from recording new material. A deluxe edition of “The Season,” featuring ten additional tracks, followed in 2022, including Perry’s first original holiday song, “Maybe This Year.” “The Season 3,” set for release on November 8th via Dark Horse Records, adds another layer of festive cheer to Perry’s growing repertoire of holiday music.
New Additions to “The Season 3”
The expanded album features a mix of beloved holiday standards, each imbued with Perry’s signature vocal warmth and emotional resonance. Among the new additions are “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Let It Snow,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” and the timeless classic “Call Me Irresponsible.” These carefully curated selections join previously released tracks like “Silver Bells,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” creating a rich and diverse tapestry of holiday sounds.
The Inspiration Behind “The Season”
Perry’s initial foray into holiday music was inspired by a desire to recapture the Christmas spirit amidst the challenges of the pandemic. He sought to revisit songs that held deep personal meaning, evoking cherished childhood memories and the essence of Christmas magic. In an interview, Perry described his selection process as focusing on songs that “touched me most when I was a child, that emotionally meant the most to me and conjured up the spirit of Christmas.”
Creating a Warm and Intimate Atmosphere
Perry envisioned “The Season” as an intimate and comforting experience, akin to sitting by a crackling fireplace with a warm beverage, free from the distractions of the outside world. He aimed to create a sonic landscape that would transport listeners to a place of peace and tranquility, where they could fully embrace the warmth and joy of the holiday season.
The Making of “The Season 3”
“The Season 3” continues the creative partnership between Perry and producer Thom Flowers, who also collaborated on “Traces.” The album features contributions from multi-instrumentalist Dallas Kruse and renowned drummer Vinnie Colaiuta. The animated video for “What a Wonderful World,” created by Magdalene Kennedy, incorporates archival family photos, adding a personal touch to the visual presentation of the song.
A Lifelong Love of Holiday Music
In a news release for “The Season 3,” Perry shared his lifelong affection for holiday music, tracing it back to his childhood memories of listening to festive tunes in his grandmother’s kitchen. He describes holiday music as “a very emotional gift,” capable of transporting us back to cherished moments and reigniting the magic of Christmas.
Conclusion: A Timeless Gift for the Holidays
“The Season 3” stands as a testament to Steve Perry’s enduring artistry and his ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level. By revisiting cherished holiday classics and imbuing them with his unique vocal style, Perry has created a timeless collection that will resonate with listeners for years to come. This expanded edition offers a richer and more diverse listening experience, inviting fans both old and new to embrace the warmth and joy of the holiday season. So, gather your loved ones, light the fire, and let the magic of Steve Perry’s “The Season 3” fill your home with the spirit of Christmas. Pre-orders for the album are available now.
FAQs about “The Season 3”
Q: When is “The Season 3” being released?
A: “The Season 3” is scheduled for release on November 8th.
Q: What new songs are included on “The Season 3”?
A: “The Season 3” features six new tracks, including “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Let It Snow,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” “Call Me Irresponsible,” and “What a Wonderful World.”
Q: Where can I pre-order the album?
A: You can pre-order “The Season 3” from various online retailers and the Dark Horse Records website.
Q: Who produced “The Season 3”?
A: The album was co-produced by Thom Flowers, who also worked with Perry on “Traces.”
Do you have any other burning questions about Steve Perry’s holiday album? Share them in the comments below! We encourage you to share this article with fellow Steve Perry and Journey fans and spread the holiday cheer.
