I am amazed by James Robert Webb’s music.
It is not because it is groundbreaking. There’s no remaking the songwriting wheel with his new single “I Just Wanna Be Your Santa Claus”. I’m amazed that Webb can produce such high-quality musical fare and build a music career with dedication while sustaining a thriving practice as a renowned musculoskeletal radiologist in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area. It seems like there aren’t enough hours in the day. Webb, however, makes it work and continues to do so. His new single can stand alongside the best work of full-time songwriters/musicians in country music and not suffer the comparison.
URL: https://www.jamesrobertwebb.com/
I think, however, that you will not want to compare. “I Just Wanna Be Your Santa Claus” can stand on its own. It has something that too few modern songs, regardless of genre, can claim – an identifiable sense of character. Webb inhabits every line of this song like he means it, rather than giving us a by-the-numbers vocal that could be interchangeable with any other singer. I hear it as an indelible statement rather than a throwaway, despite the positive emotions present in the tune, and the underlying instrumental performance buttresses the track’s value without ever overshadowing its message.
The guitar, in particular. I didn’t expect a solo but, by god, there’s some really ace country electric guitar playing during the second half. That doesn’t diminish the fine job that it does during the verses as well. I’m likewise a big fan of the transitions that are built into the song and how seamlessly it changes direction without ever leaving listeners behind. This is a song whose construction is virtually flawless, and it gets under your skin the first time you play it.
It inspires you to play it more as well. It isn’t uncommon for songs of this ilk to exhaust their likability after a single listen with each later pass downsizing its appeal. Not so here. Webb’s exuberance is contagious without ever coming off as cheesy and provides a near-instant lift to your emotions when you hear it. I know it does for me and suspect it will have the same, or similar, effect on others.
The high point for me, except for the guitar solo, is the chorus. He showed with “Gentlemen Start Your Weekends” that it is a strong part of his skillset, crafting memorable choruses, and the trend continues with this song. His capacity for focusing and self-editing his own work sets him apart too. “I Just Wanna Be Your Santa Claus” never bites off any more than it can chew.
It is what it is and doesn’t pretend to be anything else – a fun, loving tune with a Christmas theme. The real subject, in the end, is love. Anyone who has felt that flush of excitement will relate to this track and anyone who appreciates superb musicianship will have a great time hearing Webb and his creative partners absolutely knock this one out of the park. I know I did.
Chadwick Easton