Classic Christmas / Various

Ah, the classic Christmas album, a staple in every music lover's collection. VARIOUS ARTISTS' latest offering, "Classic Christmas / Various," is a festive romp through the most iconic yuletide tunes. From Bing Crosby's timeless crooning on "White Christmas" to Mariah Carey's powerhouse vocals on "All I Want for Christmas Is You," this album is a veritable smorgasbord of holiday hits. It's like a Christmas pudding with all the trimmings – sweet, satisfying, and sure to leave you feeling pleasantly stuffed. But what sets this album apart from the sea of Christmas compilations out there? It's the unexpected gems that pop up throughout the tracklist. Who knew that Wham's "Last Christmas" would sound even more heart-wrenching when sandwiched between Judy Garland's "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and Nat King Cole's "The Christmas Song"? Sure, there are some tracks that veer into cheesy territory (we're looking at you, Band Aid's "Do They Know It's Christmas?"), but overall, "Classic Christmas / Various" is a delightful soundtrack for your holiday festivities. So dust off the mulled wine, break out the mince pies, and crank up the volume on this gem of a Christmas album. It's a certified festive banger that will have you jingling all the way into the New Year. Verdict: 8.5/10 – A jolly good time for all.