Proving that it’s never too late to do something good, Cher is finally releasing her first Christmas album at age 77 this week. And the result is just like the singer: versatile, danceable and frankly fabulous.
She has done a lot in six decades of her career, this Cher. Acclaimed from the small screen to the big screen, across stages and studios around the world, the singer has left an indelible mark on the industry in which she operates.
But there was one thing missing from his bow: a Christmas album.
She is therefore remedying the situation with Christmas, which is expected on the shelves of record stores on Friday. The table is already well set for two weeks with the release of DJ Plays A Christmas Song, an entertaining first release that reflects the singer’s Believe period (read: with its vocal distortions and wild rhythms).
From Michael Bublé to… Tyga
But that was just the tip of the iceberg. For Cher casts an infinitely larger net over the 13 pieces brought together at Christmas; While her essence remains predominantly pop, the singer flirts with rock’n’roll, disco, the sounds of Motown or even country with her reinterpretations, her original songs and duets. She has surrounded herself with industry greats – Michael Bublé, Stevie Wonder and Cyndi Lauper, to name a few – to spread holiday cheer through our speakers.
However, with certain duets the quality of Christmas begins to falter. An example? Drop Top Sleigh Ride, Cher’s collaboration with rapper Tyga (yes, yes!), immediately comes to mind. The singer tries her best, but her guest undermines her with his, shall we say, uninspired rhymes. So sometimes it’s better to be alone than in bad company…
His reinterpretation of “Home” in a duet with pop singer Michael Bublé should, at least on paper, be a highlight of the album. But to the ear, the meeting of their two voices is unfortunately much less organic and fluid than expected. An exercise that, although not without pleasure, never reaches its full potential.
On the other hand, Cher’s complicity with Stevie Wonder is evident in “What Christmas Means to Me” as we enjoy Christmas (Baby Please Come Home), reimagined here with original actress Darlene Love.
Alone
But it’s undoubtedly the solo where the singer shines the most, particularly with a captivating and enveloping “Please Come Home For Christmas”, a divinely lascivious “Santa Baby” and an incredibly catchy “Angels in the Snow”. We already have a feeling disco balls will be making an appearance in our Christmas trees this year, thanks to the influence of this new offering from the American icon.
And the curmudgeons who were disappointed to learn that Cher was devoting her energy to a Christmas record rather than an album of original material can take comfort. The singer recently confirmed that she has already returned to work with a view to a possible 28th career album.
The years have clearly not diminished Cher’s enthusiasm and passion. And that’s a good thing, his fans will add.
Christmas ★★★1/2
Available from October 20th.