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Article RatingPatti LaBelle, “Miss Patti’s Christmas” (Def Soul)
When it comes to Christmas music, Patti LaBelle is almost as experienced as the jolly fat man himself.
The high-octave diva has filled three previous holiday albums with her full-bodied vocals, including “Christmas Classics” and “Our Christmas Songbook.” This year, LaBelle is back in the Yuletide spirit with “Miss Patti’s Christmas,” an R&B assortment of both contemporary and traditional holiday tunes that are as smooth as a glass of eggnog.
The warmest chestnuts here are the groovy gospel original “Nativity,” a funktastic remake of the Emotions’ 1978 ditty
“What Do the Lonely Do At Christmas?” and a bold but unnecessary rendition of “Away in a Manager.”
Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis produced the album’s 10 tracks and co-wrote the four original songs, including the catchy tree-decorating anthem “Christmas Jam.” The powerhouse musicmakers have infused “Miss Patti’s Christmas” with more soulful ivory tickling than spirited sleigh bells ringing, leaving these Christmas songs feeling surprisingly unconventional.
Beware: The cozy arrangements and LaBelle’s silky sounds may put you in the mood for making love rather than making a gingerbread house. For a more well-rounded holiday soundtrack featuring LaBelle, ask Santa Claus for a copy of Miss Patti’s synthy 1990 holiday compilation “This Christmas” instead.
— Derrik J. Lang
Toby Keith, “A Classic Christmas” (Show Dog Nashville)
On “A Classic Christmas,” Toby Keith’s second foray into singing songs associated with Christmas, the country artist breaks no new ground, preferring instead to hold the line with the favorites that have been played in stores and living rooms from Maine to California.
Just about everything is on the two-disc set, from “Let It Snow” to “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” The songs have a nice twang, a lively beat and are reminiscent of a country and western two-step, and that’s just fine.
Christmas songs don’t need to break new ground because what’s familiar is better. It helps stir up the old memories of waiting and waiting and waiting for Christmas morning.
The only real complaint is the decision to make this a two-disc set: There’s no need for that. The 20 tracks come in at just about an hour in length, a span that would fit easily on just one compact disc.
Otherwise, the album is a solid effort, mixing Keith’s reputation for free and easy spirited singing and good country sounds into a homey holiday mix.
— Matt Moore
