Recorded July 27th and 28th, 1962, The 25th Day of December remained out of print for years. Each spiritual classic reveals the true power of the Staple Singers who were best known for their STAX hits like “Respect Yourself”, “I’ll Take You There” and “If You’re Ready”. The 25th Day of December finds Roebuck, Mavis, Yvonne and Pervis Staples at a glorious zenith. Pop Staples played his guitar, Maceo Wood handled organ, and Al Duncan kept the beat.
“Last Month of the Year” sounds like a jubilant Sunday morning sermon. In fact, every song on this album sends you to church. “The Virgin Mary Had One Son” contains Mavis singing the line, “A pretty little baby…” that will ring true as long as people listen to music. “Go Tell It on the Mountain”, a traditional arrangement, causes one to remember passages from old scripture foretelling obstacles in words of ancient wisdom. The rendering of “Joy to the World”—complete with lighthearted organ notes—forces a wide grin and a tap of the toe for the holiday season.
Roebuck Staples’ original composition, “Holy unto the Lord”, sounds like an old hymnbook anthem that fits with these Christmas songs. Tom Dorsey’s “The Savior Is Born” conjures scenes of swaying pilgrims behind wooden pews with a scent of Christmas tree sap on their hands. “There Was a Star” mixes an R&B feel with instrumental colors and changes which remind one of those green and red flashing lights.
The final track on the album, “Silent Night” remains the most enduring. The 25th Day of December never strays from matters of the soul.