New Music for the holiday season (Pt 7) Brian Fallon/Night Devine

Going for the sacred rather than the secular for spot number seven in my “12 Faves of Christmas” with a new release from Gaslight Anthem frontman Brian Fallon & his record Night Devine.

Produced and recorded by Fallon at his New Jersey home during last year’s quarantine, Night Divine comprises singular renditions of such beloved Christmas carols & hymns as “O Holy Night,” “The First Noel,” and “Silent Night,” alongside deeply personal takes on the timeless hymns and spirituals that form his earliest musical memories. The concept was inspired by his time singing in the church choir as a child and he even got an assist with background vocals on the record by his mother.

Fallon, best known perhaps for his vocal and guitar work as part of The Gaslight Anthem, delivers an intriguing record full of unique interpretations of classic hymns and carols. One may look at this track list and think, ‘well that’s been done before,’ but never like this. Take Fallon’s version of “Amazing Grace” for example, so delicate and vulnerable in its delivery, it truly takes your breath away and tugs on your heartstrings. He also adds that frailty to “O Holy Night” but its laid-back drum beat and electric guitar gives it a contemporary feel. On “Leaning on The Everlasting Arms,” we hear Fallon’s vocals at their best, that gravelly tone still ever-present gives it character. The arrangement is stripped back, an acoustic guitar and organ working together well. As the song slowly builds the subtle addition of strings is welcomed.

Fallon has knocked it out of the park with this imaginative record, a must have for the holiday season. Here’s a taste: