Merry Christmas... Have a Nice Life!

by

Cyndi Lauper

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Some people seem to be inspired when recording Christmas albums, rising above their previous performances to record the best album of their career. I knew Cyndi was good at what she did, but had never bought any of her music until I bought this after reading some reviews. I sensed, even without hearing any tracks, that this might be one of the best Christmas albums in the history of recorded music, and I was right.

Cyndi clearly enjoys Christmas - it shows in these songs. Who could resist Cyndi's invitation to Do the Christmas conga? I also enjoyed the amusing Minnie and Santa, but all the new songs are brilliant, including Early Christmas morning, which comes complete with children's choir, used effectively and well.

Cyndi has also covered a few old chestnuts - her version of Rockin' around the Christmas tree and other classics breathes new life into them, while paying respect to the originals. Although I could have done without yet another version of Silent night, Cyndi proves here that she has the skill to do the serious stuff just as well as the fun songs. Among the other serious songs, it is particularly pleasing to see that she covered In the bleak midwinter. This is a Christmas standard in Britain, but it's rare to hear it sung by an American. Her version of this song is pure magic - as good as any version I've come across.

This album is truly one of the finest Christmas albums I have ever come across in any genre of music, and you can enjoy it either as background music, or in peace and quiet giving it undivided attention. I have since bought (and enjoyed) some of Cyndi's other music, but this is something special.

You do not need to be a Cyndi fan to enjoy this, but you might become a Cyndi fan after hearing it.