Merry Xmas Darling

Various Artists have come together this holiday season to bring us "Merry Xmas Darling", a collection of festive tunes that will either have you dancing around the Christmas tree or sobbing into your eggnog. The album kicks off with a spirited rendition of "All I Want for Christmas is You" by Mariah Carey, which is guaranteed to get even the most stoic Scrooge in the holiday spirit. However, things take a turn for the worse with William Shatner's spoken word version of "Jingle Bells", which may have you questioning if this whole Christmas thing is actually a good idea. The standout track on the album is a jazzy cover of "Let It Snow" by the incomparable Ella Fitzgerald. Her smooth vocals and sultry tones will have you reaching for the mistletoe faster than you can say "ho ho ho". Unfortunately, this track is followed by a truly cringe-worthy rap remix of "Santa Baby" featuring Lil Pump, which should come with a warning label for those with delicate ears. Overall, "Merry Xmas Darling" is a mixed bag of holiday hits and misses. While there are definitely some gems to be found, there are also a fair share of lump-of-coal-worthy tracks. Approach with caution, and remember: it's all in the spirit of Christmas...right?