I may prefer my Christmas music of the distinctively secular kind, and I may generally find the overly reverent standards to be more funereal than celebratory, but I know a solid holiday album when I hear one. Mariah Careyâs pop-friendly R&B-lite has never directly appealed to me, but like any good gay boy worth his wait in diva worship Iâve appreciated a few songs over the years. One of them would be the justifiably famous original she launched into the canon of yuletide classics, where itâs always sounded perfectly at home since its debut.
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It doesnât hurt that Carey keeps the guest rappers, the displays of trend-chasing, and the strange need to function as a distracted disco chanteuse away throughout. She merely plants her feet squarely on the ground, surrounds herself with live instrumentation and a healthy dose of gospel choir backing, and belts towards the heavens. If this isnât her best collection of vocal performances, then Iâm sure one of her lambs would agree that itâs towards the top of the list.
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Well, for the most part.
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(Screaming) Mimi canât help herself when it comes to âJoy to the World.â She marries the traditional to the Three Dog Night beat, throws in a bit of club swagger, and over sings like itâs last call at the drag bar and the tips are running low. Then thereâs the way that her original songs, you know the ones not named âAll I Want for Christmas Is You,â just limp along as ballads whose sole existence to buckle under the weight of Careyâs octave-scaling and vocal tics. âJesus Born on This Dayâ even throws in a childrenâs choir for extra treacle and sogginess. Itâs the kind of holiday music that makes an Scrooge out of you.
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Sheâs much better ripping arrangements and material from Phil Spectorâs holiday playbook. Not only does she cover Darlene Loveâs immortal âChristmas (Baby Please Come Home),â but takes a spin on the Crystalsâ version of âSanta Claus is Cominâ to Town.â She sounds positively buoyant and confident on these songs. âSanta Claus,â in particular, features some playful vocal choices that are quite fetching.
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Itâs when Carey plays it old school that the album soars. Think of how the cover places her as a chaste pinup, and then listen to âAll I Want for Christmas Is You.â That one wouldnât sound out of place on A Christmas Gift for You From Phil Spector. In fact, one of her music videos for it had her playing Ronnie Spector, and one can easily imagine Ronnieâs voice belting the lovelorn lyrics with gusto. Itâs no surprise this song has become a staple as it sounds like it was plopped out of the glut of Christmas songs from the 50s/60s.
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When Carey focuses on playing gospel belter or girl group pop princess that Merry Christmas soars. Sure, thereâs too many ballads and the Christian material gets a little bit much after a while, but thereâs still plenty to recommend here. Itâs a reminder of what a gift Careyâs voice once was. Time and overuse may have weakened some of its power, but listen to her tame âSilent Nightâ or âJesus Oh What a Wonderful Childâ and bow before a titan. Her love for the material shines through, but Merry Christmas remains a testament to the religious power and mystery of Careyâs golden throat. Â
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DOWNLOAD: âAll I Want for Christmas Is Youâ