Releasing a Christmas album seems to be a rite of passage for all artists wanting to cement their place in the hearts of the people as a star (or even just to stay relevant…), yet some have accomplished this more successfully than others.
This year it’s Robbie Williams who tries his hand at musical festive cheer: the end result is The Christmas Present, a soothing double album full of classic Christmas covers as well as a large serving of original songs (such as Coco’s Lullaby, dedicated to his daughter), guaranteed to get anyone in the holiday spirit.
Robbie Williams | Merry Xmas Everybody ft. Jamie Cullum (Official Video)
Robbie WilliamsIn keeping with the genre, this Christmas album starts out featuring sultry strings and a smooth brass section to effectively bring relaxing, jazzy tones to the music, a departure for Robbie Williams who cut his teeth on chart-topping pop music. Indeed, Jamie Cullum features on the second track, a cover of Slade’s kitsch-but-classic Merry Xmas Everybody, this strong start signalling more great things to come over this hour-and-a-half of feel-good Christmas music.
Robbie Williams | Santa Baby ft. Helene Fischer (Studio Video)
Robbie WilliamsWilliams has more help, from German singer Helene Fischer on a seductive cover of Santa Baby, and from the legendary Rod Stewart on Fairytales and Bryan Adams on Christmas (Baby Please Come Home).
Robbie Williams | Bad Sharon ft. Tyson Fury (Official Lyric Video)
Robbie WilliamsHowever the most surprising feature comes from British champion heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury on Bad Sharon, a lighthearted song praising all the cheerful mischief to be had at Christmas time.
Towards the end of The Christmas Present, the sound falls more into the pop category, but the festive cheer never falters. A fun album where the original songs are as inventive and refreshing as the covers are timeless and comforting.
