It's that time of year again so here's the first of this years round-ups of new Christmassy releases...
Christmas - Cher
This one was never going to rate high with me, I haven’t really been a fan of Cher’s output since the early 80’s. Guests include the Cyndi Lauper, Stevie Wonder and Michael Bublé.
A Cher Christmas album from 30 to 50 years ago would have been awesome, but this does nothing for me. That said, if you’re a fan you’ll probably love it.
The Greatest Christmas Hits - Pentatonix
If Pentatonix had the restraint to keep their Christmas releases down to one every six or seven years or so, I’d probably feel a lot less disdain for them.
This release combines 23 of their “Holiday Classics” with 8 more new tunes. Which is which? Don’t know, don’t care. I can take the odd Pentatonix track on the radio or playing in a store while I Christmas shop but I can’t imagine putting myself through 31 straight songs.
As always I’ll add the disclaimer that this is just my personal opinion and if you like this stuff then that’s awesome and I’m honestly happy for you, I'm just not a fan.
Dear Santa - One Republic
Decent pop tune, nothing groundbreaking. Honestly, if I hadn’t known this was from a massively popular and well established group I might have thought it was a better than average Hallmark Movie title track by some relatively unknown performer. There’s also a piano version of the song that’s pretty good.
Not bad and definitely the best thing I’ve heard today.
Like a Child - Blessing Offor
Well that didn’t last long. Sorry One Republic, this three track single from Blessing Offor , especially "Like a Child", has risen to the top of today’s chart. The only blemish is the egregious use of autotune in Little Drummer Boy, it’s time producers let that affectation go. Offor even manages to make a decent job of covering "Wonderful Christmastime”
Everything You Want - Matt Rogers + Muna
Not a Christmas song, just a mediocre pop song that references Christmas.
A Classic Christmas - Gavin DeGraw
Decent collection of a half dozen holiday standards. You won’t want to throw out your old LPs but as neo-crooners go this is pretty good.
Let it Snow - Various Bocellis
Single from forthcoming Deluxe version of last years' family affair. Meh.
We Wish You the Merriest - Seth MacFarlane + Liz Gilles
Brian from Family Guy releases a solid holiday track. Nice arrangement , nice vocals, can’t complain (and I do love to complain!).
Christmas Time is Here - Johnny Mathis
I’ve saved the best for last. An expanded version of the E.P. the legend released last year. Sure he’s not the singer was , umm, 50+ years ago but ⅔ Johnny Mathis is twice as good as the vast majority of releases you’ll listen to this year. Kristin Chenoweth guests on "Santa Claus is Coming to Town".
