Jump5, "All The Joy in the World" Review

JFH Staff Review

Jump5
All The Joy in the World

Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 8 tracks
Street Date: 2002

Right on the heels of their 2002 release All The Time In The World, power-pop group Jump5 released All The Joy In The World, their first Christmas album. Although I don't know if you can technically label it an "album." Totaling in at six songs with two remixes, this eight-song release should really be labeled as an EP. Still, this poppy Christmas album will have people moving for the holidays, definitely giving all of us a little more cheer and bubbly brightness, which is to be expected from Jump5.

The album opens up with "Joy To The World," but don't expect organs and pretty flutes to accompany this holiday classic. Instead, you'll be treated to drum loops galore, and even a few guitars thrown into the mix. Of course Jump5 laces the track with their signature pop sound, girls leading out, guys more in the background. Opening with "Carol of the Bells," "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" comes next, sounding much like something that might be found on a Jackson Five album. An interesting rendition of the classic "Sleigh Ride" follows, a harp riding behind the drum loops this time. Little sneaks of "Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow" also find their way into this pop track.

Acoustic guitar opens "Wonderful Christmastime," but don't worry, more drum loops are in store for the Jump5 fan. A mixed medley of "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree" and "Jingle Bell Rock," the highlight of this Christmas offering, will definitely make everyone want to jump up and dance around. The only slowed moment for this record comes in the form of Jump5's cover of the 4Him Christmas favorite, "A Strange Way To Save The World." Jump5 gives it a nice run, making sure it comes away with their pop sound.

The album closes with two remixes, one of "Sleigh Ride" and the other of "Wonderful Christmastime." The remixes come off alright, but they're nothing too memorable. It would have been better if they had just recorded two more Christmas songs instead of copping out with remixes, as seems to be their way of doing things (i.e. All The Time In The World).

All in all, Jump5 gives their own version of Christmas, and will for sure make that "tween" audience very happy with a different sound for the holidays. Older audiences may find the sound a bit annoying, but the record isn't directed towards that age group. But for those looking for a fresh way to sing about Christmas, All The Joy In The World is a great option.

- Review date: 09/23/04, written by Shaun Stevenson