SOUND JUDGEMENT

The latest album releases reviewed

CHRISTMAS Cher

Cher’s first album to feature original material in 10 years coincides with her debut venture into Christmas music.

Opening track, DJ Play A Christmas Song employs Believe-esque autotune effects. Elsewhere, traditionalists will be pleased by exuberant duets such as What Christmas Means To Me, with Stevie Wonder, and Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home) with Darlene Love.

Cher’s take on rock and roll classic Run Rudolph Run is also pretty impressive.

Home with Michael Bublé seems an odd inclusion, festive production helps the pair get away with it.

Santa Baby and the folksy This Will Be Our Year – Cher’s Fairytale Of New York – wrap things up nicely.

BING CROSBY’S CHRISTMAS GEMS Bing crosby

Christmas crooner Bing Crosby first established himself as the king of the season with White Christmas in 1942, which appeared in hit film Holiday Inn and remains the best-selling single of all time.

So we’re in good hands with this collection of 14 festive tunes, which bring together unheard recordings alongside timeless favourites including Let It Snow and Crosby’s beloved duet of Peace On Earth/Little Drummer Boy with David Bowie.

Ella Fitzgerald and Crosby’s wife, Kathryn also appear, but throughout, Crosby’s velvety vocals do the heavy-lifting on a perfect soundtrack to cosy winter nights around the tree.

HOME FOR CHRISTMAS (SOUNDTRACK ALBUM) Hannah Waddingham

You may know her best from the hit drama series Ted Lasso, but Hannah Waddingham’s talent was fostered on the stage.

This Christmas album features eight songs which she performed live during her dazzling Home For Christmas concert for Apple TV.

Waddingham’s powerful vocals handle the force of the band with ease as she duets with the likes of Leslie Odom Jr, Sam Ryder and Luke Evans.

It is truly hard to deny the razzle-dazzle on offer. It’s the perfect pick-me-up when Christmas spirit starts to flag.