Music review: Let It Be So

Let It Be So, music album by Kirby Kaple. Reviewed by Adrienne Funk, EMC Communications Assistant.

Kirby Kaple, member of the Atlanta-based band Housefires, released an independent Christmas album on November 5, 2021. It includes songs that seem to have received less recognition than they may deserve. This talented songwriter and worship leader has worked with some better-known artists such as Pat Barrett (“Build My Life”) and Maverick City Music (“You Keep On Getting Better”). Her album Let It Be So includes the titles “Emmanuel Has Come,” “What a Surprise,” “Hush,” “Advent Song,” as well as its title track. With piano as the primary accompaniment, but with options for additional instrumentation, several of these songs could be utilized as features for a church Christmas presentation.

The story behind the song “Hush” was a desire to address the experience of a Christmas when people may be spending it in isolation, more able to make room for a Saviour during what is typically a busy and chaotic season. The simple and stark piano accompaniment leaves mental space for contemplation of connecting with Christ in your home during Christmas. The instrumentation builds with ethereal sounds right before the bridge, as the song grows in triumph to reflect the joy that comes in our acknowledgement of the one and only Saviour.

“Advent Song” tells the story of the Saviour’s birth from the imagined perspective of the shepherds (Luke 2:8–20). The piano is supported by a keyboard playing choral-like accompaniment and a guitar playing delicate riffs. The song builds with percussion into a joyous chorus. This selection could fittingly be used in a nativity pageant.

Piano players will thoroughly enjoy the lilting accompaniment to her song “What a Surprise” which focuses on the unexpected birth of a Saviour in a manger, a far cry from the conquering Messiah the world expected. You may enjoy the tight vocal harmonies that are closely connected to the flowing melody. The bridge of this song breaks its rhythmic pattern with a descending scale-like pattern that creates a feeling of expectancy as it bursts in adoration.

“Emmanuel Has Come” contains some simple but pretty guitar motifs that decorate the melody in a pleasant way. Once again, the piano is the instrumental star and features a unique ostinato pattern that sounds showy yet seems simple and enjoyable to play. As the title implies, the song focuses on the marvel of the arrival of the Saviour and touches on his glorious attributes.