Roundup of Christmas albums
Looking for a special gift or hot tracks to get the party started? Here’s our pick of the festive season’s musical offerings – there’s something for everyone
The pop diva’s album of Abba covers is sure to kickstart any party! Cher says she was inspired to make the album after appearing in the movie sequel Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. “I was reminded again of what great and timeless songs Abba wrote and I started thinking, ‘Why not do an album of their music?’ ”
JOHN LEGEND A LEGENDARY CHRISTMAS
The crooner’s sixth studio release is his first Christmas album. “It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time,” he says. “I grew up in a family that loved celebrating Christmas together – every year we’d gather around the piano and sing after we’d exchanged gifts.” The album has six original tunes and eight classics. MICHAEL BUBLÉ LOVE The Canadian crooner says his first album in two years is about his new perspective on life following fiveyear-old son Noah’s cancer battle. Co-produced with the renowned David Foster, Love features new versions of the Nat King Cole classic When I Fall in Love and standards such as My Funny Valentine. MARIAH CAREY CAUTION If you’re after sexy old-school R&B vibes, look no further than Mariah’s 15th album. It features previously released singlesWith You, GTFO and A No No, as well as guest performances byTy Dolla Sign, Gunna, Slick Rick and Blood Orange.With producers such as Timbaland, DJ Mustard and Skrillex on board, Mimi says Caution marks a new chapter in her life.
JOSH GROBAN BRIDGES
The Grammy winner’s eighth album, his first since 2013’s All That Echoes, includes duets with the likes of Sarah McLachlan, Andrea Bocelli and Jennifer Nettles. In addition to English, Josh sings in French, Italian and Spanish. The album, which went to No 2 on the US Billboard 200 chart, includes the singles Granted and Symphony.
JESSIE J THIS CHRISTMAS DAY
On her first Christmas album the UK songbird puts her spin on classics such as Silent Night, Jingle Bell Rock and Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer. It features cameos such as Boyz II Men on Winter Wonder land and Baby face on The Christmas Song .“I love Christmas music,” she says .” I hope you enjoy the album with your loved ones.”
DAVID GUETTA 7
If you want to kick the party up a notch, this double album by the worldrenowned dance producer and DJ should do the trick. It features some of today’s biggest artists and includes the hit singles Don’t Leave Me Alone with Anne-Marie, Drive with SA’s own Black Coffee, Justin Bieber’s 2U and Like I Do with Martin Garrix .
ANDREA BOCELLI SÌ
The blind Italian tenor’s 16th album, his first in 14 years, includes both opera and pop. It features duets with British songbird Dua Lipa, fellow contemporary classical star Josh Groban and soprano Aida Garifullina. It also features the No 1 hit Fall on Me with his 21-yearold son Matteo Bocelli. The 60-yearold says Sì is a celebration of love, family, faith and hope.