Martin Hoybye’s third studio effort ‘Building Memories’ was a collection of 11 original Christmas songs all written in the month of December 2006 and released the following year just in time for Christmas.

The CD-version sports spectacular artwork by Matthew Joseph Peak (renowned US artist who among many other projects designed the iconic poster for Nightmare in Elm Street).

You can listen to the album on Spotify while the physical album is increasingly hard to come by (printed in a limited run of 1.000 copies).

Danish press:

Building Memories er noget så usædvanligt som en juleplade udelukkende med originalt materiale. Sangskriver Martin Høybye skrev alle sangene ind under jul i 2006, og resultatet blev et nærværende julealbum, der behandler julens budskab som en del af almindelige menneskers liv. Der er sat fokus på at give og på at se værdien i de nære ting, der udgør råstoffet til de minder, vi bærer i os. Deraf titlen Building Memories.

Building Memories er indspillet og produceret i løbet af sommeren og efteråret 2007 i AabyRoad Studios af Dennis Ahlgren og Martin Høybye med assistance fra Nicolai Funchs orkester Orange Tree og sangerinden Kajsa Vala. Kombinationen af albummets vedkommende tekster og den nærmest sprudlende produktion, spreder en varm og smittende stemning omkring sig fra første til sidste skæring.

Jydske Vestkysten
“Martin Høybyes 11 nye julesange bliver nok ikke et fast del af P3’s tilbagevendende julerepertoire. Dertil er de for dybe og melankolske, men det betyder ikke, at de ikke er værd at lytte til. Det er de nemlig i høj grad.”(Steen Rasmussen, Jydske Vestkysten, 9. januar 2008)
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T3 (4 stjerner)
“Det var blot i vores september-nummer, vi gik helt i spåner over Martin Høybyes album From Here To Heaven, der absolut rangerer blandt årets bedste, hvis man er til singer/songwriter eller Americana-musik. Nu har han allerede gjort det igen, den gode Høybye, og denne gang er der tale om 11 julesange. Som altid er kvaliteten helt i top, når det gælder selve sangskrivningen, og julestemningen indfinder sig med det samme, selvom der både er bluesy og rootsy toner ombord på cd’en…” .
ANBEFALET DOWNLOADKØB: Finally It’s Christmas, This Old Year, Building Memories

Diskant (6 stjerner)
“…Således er der naturligvis tale om en juleplade, men det er først og fremmest teksterne, der gør albummet til et højtidsaktuelt et af slagsen. Musikalsk og arrangementsmæssigt er det nemlig dejligt befriet for alt for meget klokkespil og bjældeklang. Sangene har samme niveau som på From Here To Heaven og det er ikke så tosset endda. Håndværket er stadig vel udført..”(Morten Wamsler, Diskant 5. januar 2008)
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Politiken (3 stjerner)
“…Albummet er det andet fra Høybye på få måneder, men det er på ingen måde præget af hastværk. Tvært imod er der en aura over det af solidt håndværk, velspillede sange i country-rock genren… her er ideen bag pladen så klar, at den får sit eget præg. Alle sangene er nemlig skrevet i december sidste år og delvist indspillet hjemme hos Høybye. En fremragende metode til sikring af selvstændigheden i værket” (Erik Jensen, Politiken 8. december 2007) https://politiken.dk/kultur/musik/cd-beat/art5546113/Soild-dansk-singersongwriter-hylder-julen

Fyens Stiftstidende (4 stjerner)
“..Ud over singer-songwriter Martin Høybyes tekster og hans julesprøde stemme lyder sangene mere af amerikansk countrypop end danske julebjælder. Og det er egentlig dejligt forfriskende…”(Kenneth Kjæp Larsen)

The sun has come up, ten inches of snow
get on out of bed come on let's go
on top of the hill is such a great ride
remember the thrill of a world covered in white

I had a dream last night, everyone was there upon the hillside
families with sleighs, no stress, no haste upon the hillside

Finally It's Christmas
and we can get our fill
Finally It's Christmas
and I believe she loves me still
she loves me still

When the sun goes down we'll make our way home
tired from a long day and cold to the bone
We'll light up the stove, turkey dinner for all
eggnog anyone, listen to the snow fall

I had a dream last night everyone was there next to the fire place
one happy family, no stress, no haste next to the fire place

Finally It's Christmas
and we can get our fill
Finally It's Christmas
and I believe she loves me still
she loves me still

Finally it's Christmas again
and I believe every word is true
So finally it's Christmas and I
I want to spend it with you, want to spend it with you, want to spend it with you

Finally It's Christmas
and we can get our fill
Finally It's Christmas
there's snow upon our hill
Finally It's Christmas
would you believe, would you believe she loves me still
she loves me still

She loves me still

Shine on, shine on
Christmas Star
Shine on, shine on
Shed your light from afar

Today we played in the snow
Oh, how the sleigh would just go and go
I don't need much to call my own
Just don't want to go through living life alone

Needing memories, memories
Well, today we built memories

Shine on, shine on
Christmas Star
Shine on, shine on
Shed your light from afar

Tonight we all gather around the fire
Sparrow peeking in from its frozen wire
We don't need much to call our own
Just don't want to go through living life alone

Needing memories, memories
Tonight we built memories

Shine on, shine on
Christmas Star
Shine on, shine on
Shed your light from afar
Shed your light
Christmas Star

Today we played in the snow
Oh, how the sleigh would just go and go

For as long as we are living
Life is a lesson in giving
Just give what you can
That's the master plan
Live and give in your time
And make live and give make
Perfect Rhyme

All the while that we are breathing
we should be taught this while we're teething
To always lend a hand
Let it ring throughout the land
Live and give in your time
Make live and give make
Perfect Rhyme

Perfect Rhyme
Just give what you can
It is always time
Let it ring throughout the land
Live and give in your time
Live and give in your time
Live and give in your time
And make live and give make
Perfect Rhyme

Seek the good, though you may take a hiding
Better men have gone down fighting
Like the son that gave his all
To save us from our fall
Taught to live and give in his time
And made live and give make
Perfect Rhyme

Ain't no reason this season
Why we shouldn't give it our best shot
Said, this season there ain't no reason
Why we shouldn't give it our best shot
Flat out giving it all we've got

Perfect Rhyme
Just give what you can
It is always time
Let it ring throughout the land
Perfect Rhyme
Just give what you can
It is always time
Let it ring throughout the land
Live and give in your time
Live and give in your time
Live and give in your time
And make live and give make
Perfect Rhyme

Live and give in your time
Live and give in your time
Live and give in your time
And make live and give make
Perfect Rhyme

Perfect Rhyme, Perfect Rhyme

It's 9 a.m. December 23rd
The alarm went off but no-one heard
So much to do
In the next day or two
Go get us a tree
Do all the shopping too

Pull out of the driveway
Head out for the mall
Turn on the radio
It's blasting "deck the hall..."
Find ourselves a spot
In the crowded parking lot
Honey, let's try not to spend
more than we've got

This is how crazy Christmas gets
So plug in and place your bets
By December 23rd
We all heard the good word
So give in and spread it out
'Cause that's what Christmas is, that's what Christmas is all about
What it's all about

Got all the shopping done
Except for a thing or two
The boot is full
Won't ever fit a tree too
Well, home ain't that far off
We can go unload the stuff
Then go get us a tree
Well, that's if we have gas enough

2.30 p.m.
Stop for fuel along the way
By 3.05 the tree is bagged
And we can call it a day
Get home at quarter past 4
Feed the kids at 6 and put them to bed on the 2nd floor
By the time we turn the tv off
It's December 24th

This is how crazy Christmas gets
So plug in and place your bets
By December 23rd
We all heard the good word
So give in and spread it out
'Cause that's what Christmas is, that's what Christmas is, that's what Christmas is all about
What it's all about

Give in and spread it out
'Cause that's what Christmas is all about

This old year went fast
Knew it wouldn't last
Still it blew by us all
Did you capture the epitome?

This old year went by
In the blink of an eye
Was there a summer at all
Autumn sneezed winter and now it puzzles me

'Cause I plain forgot to mention
It has come to my attention
That in spite of all the stuff we feared
We made it through another year
Through this old year, this old year, this old year

Let the new year come
I've got my new shoes on
I'll race it clear through next fall
And live it all with every bit of me

This new year is ours
Got some tricks and powers
There's no hitting a wall
When love can keep up with infinity

And I plain forgot to mention
that it came to my attention
How in spite of all the stuff we feared
We made it through another year
Through this old year, this old year, this old year

This old year held so much good
There's stuff I haven't yet understood
But I know there's a reason I feel lucky here
So tonight I'm just thankful for this old year

This old year, this old year, this old year

This old year went fast
Knew it wouldn't last
Still it blew by us all
Did you capture the epitome?

What is
the matter with me?
The more I look at you
The more there is to see
Won't let my loved ones
Ever go unnoticed
So in my heart I keep
You all safe with me

What is
What is it you see?
When you're just five years old
And you're looking at a Christmas tree
In my mind I'll take our picture
And I will try to capture
You and me
Indefinitely

I want a Heart Full Of Polaroids
I want a Heart Full Of Polaroids
I want a Heart Full Of Polaroids
of you and me
Locked in this chest for posterity

Goodnight
Sleep tight little one
Tomorrow is Christmas
And you shall not want
I thank heaven we are safe here
You can dream of Santa and the reindeer
And I can close my eyes a while
while you make me smile

Because I have a Heart Full Of Polaroids
I have a Heart Full Of Polaroids
I have a Heart Full Of Polaroids
of you and me, of you and me -

Oh, I have a Heart Full Of Polaroids
I have a Heart Full Of Polaroids
I have a Heart Full Of Polaroids
of you and me

Locked in this chest for posterity

Grandma running a hand through her graying hair
Grandpa dreaming away in the rocking chair
the children working to unwrap the gifts
while we stand idly by
and Christmas works its wonders
in you and I, in you and I, in you and I

This house has been blessed with health and happy days
This house is where I want to be there's no other place
There's no other place that would suit me right
and it's easy to see why
when Christmas works its wonders
in you and I, in you and I, in you and I

When Christmas Works Its Wonders
when Christmas Works Its Wonders
when Christmas Works Its Wonders
in you and I, in you and I, in you and I

A lifetime is only so long when you look at it
but as a guide line you can always try to walk where the path is lit
shelter the light no matter who wants
to tell you not to try
trust that it will work its magic
in you and I, in you and I, in you and I

Like Christmas Works Its Wonders
Oh, like Christmas Works Its Wonders
like Christmas Works Its Wonders
in you and I, in you and I, in you and I

in you and I, in you and I, in you and I
in you and I, in you and I

in you and I...

When the night falls in December
In the northern hemisphere
I recall - I remember
the blessings of the year

On the verge of a new beginning
I wrap up the year with thanks
to be one who lives life singing
to hold fortunes not found in banks

n' You hold the light within these eyes
and on this milky way
through all the days and all the nights
clear through Christmas Day

When the night falls at the year's end
it is only four o'clock around here
But darkness can be a godsend
knowing you have nothing to fear

On the verge of another new year
as the old one comes to its close
I have no regrets - I don't feel blue, dear
because any way the old wind blows

I know you hold the light within these eyes
and on this milky way
through all the days and all the nights
clear through Christmas Day

You hold the light within these eyes
and on this milky way
through all the days and all the nights
clear through Christmas Day
clear through Christmas Day
clear through Christmas Day

When the night falls at the year's end
it is only four o'clock around here
But darkness can be a godsend
knowing you have nothing to fear

Snow falls gently to the ground
Lights up the sky as it comes down
Sleigh bells coming through the pines
The sound tells its tales of ancient times

This Year For Christmas
I want nothing more
Than tales of what came before

The town hall's old clock strikes half past two
Got snowballs, heads up, here's one for you
Did you see the village pond is solid ice
I swear I saw Santa's sleigh across the sky

This Year For Christmas
I want nothing more
Than tales of what came before
This Year For Christmas
I want nothing more
Don't want anything more

In a manger, in the house of a stranger
The Christmas spirit was born
Don't fear any longer, the message is stronger
Let the word ring out of Christmas morn'

This Year For Christmas
I need nothing more
Than tales of what came before
This Year For Christmas
I need nothing more
Don't need anything more

This Year For Christmas
I want nothing more
Than tales of what came before
This Year For Christmas
I want nothing more
Don't want anything more

Don't want anything more
Don't want anything more

This year for Christmas
This year for Christmas

Are they angels that came before us
those generations of souls that bore us
are they gathering round to look down upon us
are we doing right by the hopes they had for us

Are they angels on nights like these
minding the steps that no-one else sees
are they guiding the pathways, are they turning the keys
I like to think they're angels bringing us peace

Are They Angels
Are They Angels
Are They Angels
are they angels one and all

Are they angels like those of yore
like the angels that came before
the shepherds on the night that Christ was born
he who the star of Bethlehem was shining for

Are they angels on nights like these
sharing in the joy around these Christmas trees
across all borders and the seven seas
I like to think they're angels bringing us peace

Are They Angels
Are They Angels
Are They Angels
are they angels one and all

Are They Angels
Are They Angels
are they angels one and all

Are they angels that came before us
those generations of souls that bore us
are they gathering round to look down upon us
are we doing right by the hopes they had for us

Are They Angels
Are They Angels
Are They Angels

Could I have one wish it would be that you
Will always find joy in the things you do
And no matter what this old world is coming to
May Wishes Still Come True

Could I have one say I'd keep your skies blue
Keep the laces tied upon your shoes
Could I have one thing in exchange for all I knew
It'd be that Wishes Still Come True

And if this is the season for love and affection
I wish that for all in need of direction
And I get on my knees when I'm all alone
I say, won't you please keep blessing this home

Because every second I breathe and still have you
I know wishes come true
Wishes Still Come True

One thing I know, though I have no clue
There are many folks that want this, too
Could I make us all wish just once for something new
It'd be that Wishes Still Come True

And if this is the season for love and affection
I wish that for all in need of direction
Tonight I lay down in bed, I'm rid of all my doubts
I say, I want to thank you for blessing this house

Because every second I sleep, in every dream that I dream
With every breath that I breathe and still have you

I know wishes come true
Wishes Still Come True

I know wishes come true
Wishes Still Come True

Wishes Still Come True