WAHEY! It’s Christmas! Where most people are cheerful, and that is very infectious. Anyway, it is no surprise that a Christmas album sits atop of the chart. Usually, Michael Bublé does. At the moment, it is Kylie with an expanded edition of her 2015 record “Christmas (Fully Wrapped)”. The new edition is Kylie stamping her style over new songs and covers. We have effortless vocals that are both warm and playful.

Let’s look at some highlights from the album. I have excluded ’Santa Baby’ and ‘Let it Snow’. I will explain my reasoning in due course:

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year:

As you will discover, most of the songs are like supernovas. Mainly the covers, because they were written in a time when radio plays were extremely short. Kylie does this justice, delivering an upbeat, polished, celebratory tone without going too cheesy.

XMAS:

I guarantee that if you have been near a radio. You would have heard this new track, as it is being played to death, and with good reason, too. Rhythmic, quintessentially Kylie, that blends her modern pop sound into a Christmas theme with ease. This one will be on a future Christmas compilation; it is that good.

Hot in December:

Another new addition, and another standout alongside the previous one. Cheeky, playful, and of course, Kylie stamped. Not your usual Christmas track. I thought the title hinted at the weather in her native Australia during this period, but the lyrics talk about being free and flirting.

At Christmas:

Time for a reflective and tender refrain. Her vocals really sell the story.

Santa Claus Is Coming to Town ft. Frank Sinatra:

I was uneasy seeing that the late Frank Sinatra was included as it can often disrespect the memory, but this felt tasteful. Of course, Kylie’s vocals were exemplary.

This Time of Year:

Another new track, warm and gentle. Another refrain from the upbeat tempo.

100 Degrees ft Dannii Minogue:

The chemistry between the sisters is a sound to behold. You might think there might be a sense of bitter rivalry, but this disco-inspired track is delightful. The sisters give the album a colourful array of fireworks. 


Office Party:

Another favourite of mine. A silly, fun, and light track. The title says it all. If you know the chaos at the office Christmas party, you will know.

White December:

Melancholic and unmistakably wintry. 


Christmas Isn’t Christmas ’Til You Get Here:

An intimate and heartfelt track. Again. Kylie’s vocals shine.


Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas:

Restrained yet elegant vocals, and that cozy feeling of being by a logfire with mulled wine.


Now, earlier I mentioned why I do not like ’Santa Baby’ and ‘Let it Snow’, and now I will explain my reasoning as to why the record works without them:

More mature

There is no novelty fatigue

Flows better

Showcases more of Kylie’s artistry

Why? Because there is a better balance between playfulness, tasteful covers, and modern originals that serve a purpose rather than overloading the album.

Encore:

What a sublime listen this was. I much prefer this to the original released ten years ago. The record doesn’t have its polished sound when it gets playful, remains stylish, and has that Christmas feel without going over the top. One of the best Christmas albums I have ever had the pleasure of listening to.

Song recommendations: ‘XMAS’, ‘Office Party’, ‘100 Degrees’

9/10