Here’s a Christmassy song that’s too late for Christmas. At least this year, thanks to my ineptitude and despite this song having been released at the end of November.
‘The Leading Star Is Shining Bright’ comes from Danish collective The Ceilings and was written by Maria Elizabeth. Vocals are provided by a young singer, Maria Lærke.
The fundamental tenet of the song is that everything will be alright in the end, as of course it will be. Doomsayers are not welcome in 2025.
I rarely disagree with press releases – after all we reviewers would be sunk without them providing all the stuff we would otherwise have to research ourselves.
But in this case the PR mentions the emotions that the song invokes, such as the melancholy that is supposed to be evident here. The Scandinavians are known for the melancholy that appears in their songwriting, for sure.
But I don’t hear that, even though it is mentioned in the first verse and appears again via periodical reference to those that spend Christmas alone. (I was one of them, try it sometime, it ain’t as bad as you think).
No, it’s upbeat, snappy, hopeful and optimistic. Almost Christmas Carol-like indeed.
So get it marked up ready for next year.
In the meantime I’m going back to the mulled wine. See ya.
The Ceilings are:
Maria Lærke: Vocals
Maria Elizabeth: Ukulele, backing vocals
Rune Braager: Guitar
Mikkel Riber: Bass
Soma Allpass: Cello
Andreas Tophøj: Violin
Produced by Rune Braager.
