The Philly Specials – A Philly Special Christmas
By Emma Redden
A Philly Special Christmas – Album by The Philly Specials
The holidays just got a little bit brighter with a Philly Special Christmas. In 2022, three players for the Philadelphia Eagles, Jason Kelce, Jordan Maliata and Lane Johnson, decided to celebrate the season with their own Philly twist by forming The Philly Specials. And while many people do not associate football, or the city of Philadelphia, with Christmas music, the unlikely music group was able to deliver a true piece of Christmas joy, and all for a good cause. With all the proceeds for this album going to various children’s charities in Philadelphia, A Philly Special Christmas gives everyone a reason to listen and celebrate.
While Kelce, Maliata, and Johnson are best known for their skills on the football field, they have proven to have some impressive vocals. Each member of the specials has a signature sound to their voice, with Maliata having a voice fit for Motown, Kelce channeling his inner 1920s crooner, and Johnson’s classic southern twang that could rival Johnny Cash. Not only do their distinct vocals blend seamlessly together, but the album plays to each member’s strengths by carefully picking which player takes the lead on which tracks.
Despite not being trained musicians, The Philly Specials were able to support their impressive vocals with impressive production. Charlie Hall, best known as the drummer for the band The War on Drugs, serves as the producer and creates a sound that is clean and festive. The joyful atmosphere of the album is further supported by the instrumentals, which create a sound reminiscent of the classic Christmas songs that many of us grew up listening to.
The tracklist is admittedly short, with only seven songs. While this is understandable, being that this was an experimental album for the football players turned musicians, it does leave audiences wanting more. But while the track list runs short, it is full of Christmas classics such as “White Christmas,” “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” and “Silent Night.” The album closes on the perfect note, with a one-of-a-kind rendition of “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town.” Complete with cameos from other Eagles teammates and fun references to the history of Philadelphia, the closing track wraps up this Christmas gift of an album with a bow.
Regardless of what NFL team you cheer for, A Philly Special Christmas is guaranteed to put you in the Christmas spirit. The album truly is a celebration of everything that makes the Christmas season special: friendship, family, and giving back. It is a message not just for a Philadelphia native like myself, but for all of us.
Fun fact: The title, A Philly Special Christmas, references The Philly Special, a trick football play the Eagles used to win their first-ever Super Bowl in 2018.
