ONES TO LISTEN TO

We take a look at some of the best festive albums this year.

Michael Ball And Alfie Boe – Together At Christmas

The reliable cosiness of Michael Ball and Alfie Boe singing Christmas classics is probably just what many people need at the end of a year of unexpected challenges and stress.

Listeners get exactly what they expect as the hugely popular pairing pack their fourth duet album with Christmas classics such as O Holy Night and Silent Night as well as pop hits such as Mistletoe And Wine, White Christmas and Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.

Gregory Porter joins the duo for a gentle reworking of The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire). (Review by Beverley Rouse)

Jamie Cullum – The Pianoman At Christmas

Despite creeping into his 40s, Jamie Cullum maintains his reputation as the fresh-faced poster boy of UK jazz.

With his first Christmas album, he takes that title a little further, positioning himself as a modernday festive crooner.

His appreciation of Nat King

Cole and Frank Sinatra shines through in spacious, full-bodied compositions such as It’s Christmas, while Hang Your Lights shows off the poppier instincts that have ensured his crossover appeal.

(Review by Alex Green)

Andre Rieu – Jolly Holiday

The King Of The Waltz invites listeners to revisit his landmark Christmas concerts in his native Maastricht.

Andre Rieu performed with his Johann Strauss Orchestra across three nights to an international crowd of more than 35,000 in December last year. Accompanied by a DVD, Jolly Holiday offers a much-needed dose of Christmas cheer. (Review by Alex Green)