Now That's What I Call Xmas [2010]

Not content with dominating the chart hits market, the Now That's What I Call Music brand returns with an updated version of its hugely successful Christmas compilation. The 64-track collection features a similar track list to its predecessor, albeit in a slightly different order, with Kate Bush's "Home for Christmas" and Michael Ball's "Driving Home for Christmas" (now replaced by Chris Rea's original version) the only omissions. Five other new tracks have also been added, three of which are stone-cold festive classics that have surprisingly never been included before. The Darkness' glam rock throwback "Christmas Time (Don't Let the Bells End)," the Pretenders' wintry "2000 Miles," and East 17's sleigh bell-led "Stay Another Day," all ubiquitous seasonal staples, are joined by angular guitar pop trio the Wombats' attempt to muscle in on the yuletide market, "Is This Christmas?," and legendary boogie rockers Status Quo's "It's Christmas Time." Alongside Christmas number ones from Band Aid, featured here in both its 1984 and 2004 versions, Cliff Richard, and Slade, there are iconic tracks from the Pogues and Kirsty MacColl, John Lennon and Yoko Ono, and Wizzard; seasonal old-school standards from Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, and Matt Monro; and lesser-known tracks from contemporary pop acts like Girls Aloud, Stacie Orrico, and Patrizio Buanne. Highlights include Sinéad O'Connor's beautiful rendition of "Silent Night," Gabriella Cilmi's rendition of Connie Francis' "Warm This Winter," and Tom Jones and Cerys Matthews' playful duet on "Baby, It's Cold Outside." However, Wham!'s "Last Christmas" and Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You," two of the best modern festive songs of the last 30 years, are notable by their absence, although karaoke cover versions by State of the Heart and Samantha Mumba do unnecessarily appear in their place, while Frankie Goes to Hollywood's "The Power of Love" and Dina Carroll's "The Perfect Year" are here more for their original end-of-year release date than any particular association with Christmas. But with such an extensive track list and with most of the heavy-hitters on display, the Now That's What I Call Xmas compilation still remains one of the most essential festive albums. ~ Jon O'Brien