Alt-soul band Phony Ppl has dropped “Christmastime Is Here,” a faithful rendition of a classic carol first heard in the 1965 film A Charlie Brown Christmas.
Predominantly relaxed and rather warmly colored, the reimagined version hears vocalist Elbee Thrie adding his signature utterance with an enhanced depth of old-school soul and dreamy jazz.
“Christmastime Is Here” is Phony Ppl’s first song release since their 2022 album, Euphonyus.
Released on 300 Entertainment, the band’s third album includes hit singles such as “Nowhere But Up” and “Fkn Around” with Megan Thee Stallion.
Of the two aforementioned singles, the catchier one is the song produced by Ivan Barias.
“Nowhere But Up” became Phony Ppl’s second top 10 hit on R&B radio and Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart, reaching the No. 2 spot on both charts.
Discussing the inspiration of the track, Thrie said, “‘Nowhere But Up’ is exactly where Phony Ppl’s is headed; and for the song…this colorful demonstration of a sexy sweat seductive chase, forces your body to move and groove sooo good, that you might have to run-it-back when it ends.”
As noted above, Euphonyus was released last November. Later that year, Rated R&B featured it at No. 12 on its 30 Best R&B Albums of 2022 list.
“Euphonyus is as sweet-sounding as its title and is as color as it cover art. It’s Phony Ppl’s most thrilling and daring project to date,” wrote Rated R&B’s Keithan Samuels.
Phony Ppl extensively toured Euphonyus this year, including October dates in Australia and New Zealand.
In recent news, Phony Ppl was nominated for Best Group at the 2023 Soul Train Awards.
Usher, SZA, and Summer Walker lead the nominations for the event, which will be broadcast on Sunday, Nov. 26, at 8 p.m. ET on BET and BET Her.
Stream Phony Ppl’s version of “Christmastime Is Here” below.
