It's November, so you know what means! I can now listen to Christmas music without looking like a total nutter! With it being so close to the festive period, it's no shocker that some of our Divas have Yuletide albums out for us to stuff the stockings with. So let's take a listen and see what's on offer!
First up, we have Mary J Blige's jazzy version of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, taken from her A Mary Christmas (lol) LP. It's a laid back and easy listening extravaganza, with a simple arrangement for the most part. It does kick it up a notch at the bridge, but it's nothing that'll shock you into spilling your eggnog. You may even find yourself coming back to this after the peppier offerings below.
Next up is Kelly Clarkson's Underneath the Tree, which is taken from her album Wrapped in Red. It does sound suspiciously similar to another Christmas classic- I'll leave it to you to guess which- but it's suitably fun and festive. The song was co-written by Clarkson, and though I want it to do well (because I love her), I don't see it becoming a staple on most people's Christmas playlist due to it lack of a certain something- originality, perhaps?
And finally, Leona Lewis is back! Throwing off the darkness of last album Glassheart, Leona has turned back to the light with her first Christmas LP, Christmas, With Love. One More Sleep is the album's lead single, and is a Motown-inspired original that has the singer counting down the days until her significant other returns (or until she can abduct Santa).
I can't say I'm that fond of this one- there's something clunky about the lyrics. However the album has the a cover of a favourite of mine- Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)- so look out for a battle post between Mariah Carey (who also covered it) and Leona Lewis when that song gets released!
Thoughts?
