photo by Muriel Delepont; image courtesy of Leighton Media

I wasn’t planning to write a Christmas review this year – in part because I’m so backlogged that by the time Christmas songs began to appear in my inbox, I was already booked until February. But I’m feeling a bit of Christmas spirit at the last minute this year – it happens some years, but not every year – and there’s a song that hit my inbox this December that you really should hear and will certainly enjoy. So, without further ado…

Single Review of Elliott Murphy: “This Christmas I Want Less”

Critically-acclaimed singer-songwriter Elliott Murphy checks into this year’s holiday sweepstakes with “This Christmas I Want Less,” a Christmas song about not wanting more stuff in this crazy world. Then again, Murphy recants a bit during the song’s bridge with the pivot “‘Cause I’m clearly at an age where I can really say I’ve had enough. Give it a rest on Christmas Day. Well maybe there’s a few things you could do for me…” and asks Santa if he might have the gift of optimism in his overstuffed bag of presents. (Psst, Elliott, if Santa delivers on nixing the apocalyptic visions, I’d appreciate it if you could direct the jolly old elf my way next.)

Murphy’s voice is deep and convincing, almost Burl Ives-ish, if you need a Christmas reference, but deeper and more coolly rock ‘n roll. I guarantee you took the time to check out this song, with its worthy message and cool strum-and-spoken/sung delivery. I bet it’ll become an annual Christmas favorite.

More Elliott Murphy Info

Murphy’s most recent full-length release, Wonder, dropped in 2022. He also has several shows booked in Europe in 2024. Check out the “Tour” page of his website for dates and locations, plus more performances as they’re added.