Comfort & Joy is the first extended play and Christmas album by American singer Tinashe. It was released independently through her own label Tinashe Music Inc. on November 21, 2019. The EP consists of seven tracks and an introductory piece, all of which are reinterpretations of traditional Christmas carols. Tinashe co-produced the record with her younger brother, Quiet Child.
Comfort & Joy incorporates elements of contemporary R&B and trap-pop. It also features arrangements such as a piano-based rendition of Nat King Cole's "The Christmas Song", a trap-pop–influenced version of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen", a reinterpretation of Wham!'s "Last Christmas", and a version of "O Holy Night" with an electric guitar solo. The cover artwork depicts Tinashe smiling against a red backdrop with matching lipstick and gloves, and it marks her first cover appearance featuring a smile.
Background and release
Following her departure from RCA Records after what she described as a restrictive contract period, Tinashe began releasing music independently, starting with her 2019 album Songs for You.[1] She then announced the EP on her social meidas, referring to it as "a cute lil Christmas EP" and stating that she felt listeners "could use some comfort and joy this year".[2][3] On November 25, 2020, she released the EP as a surprise.[1]Comfort & Joy became available in streaming medias, such as Spotify and Apple Music.[4]
Composition
Comfort & Joy consists of seven tracks and an introductory piece, featureing reinterpretations of traditional Christmas carols[5] and no original compositions.[1] The EP was co-produced by Tinashe with her younger brother, Quiet Child.[1] According to Rated R&B, the project incorporates contemporary R&B and trap-pop production elements. It also includes a reinterpretation of Wham!'s "Last Christmas" and a piano-based arrangement of Nat King Cole's "The Christmas Song", which features processed vocal effects and background crowd-noise elements. Additionally, Comfort & Joy contains Tinashe's version of "O Holy Night", arranged with an electric guitar solo. Her recording of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" presents a trap-pop–influenced production approach.[5]
Artwork
The cover artwork features Tinashe set against a red background, wearing red lipstick and matching gloves. The image depicts her smiling, which she noted on social media as her first cover to do so. Fellow artist Kehlani publicly commented on the artwork, describing it as "beautiful".[2]
Critical reception
Euphoria noted that while the fusion of R&B and Christmas music has been explored by artists such as Mariah Carey, Destiny's Child, and Smino, Comfort & Joy represents a polished addition to the tradition and a suitable fit for non-traditional holiday playlists.[6]
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