John Legend's new Christmas album got all the buzz in the entertainment press, but we must give it up for Aloe Blacc, who also joined the Christmas party in 2018 with a full album of holiday tunes, all but two written by him. And this album is excellent, solid modern R'nB with a light sprinkling of hip-hop touches. In terms of accurate advertising, you can take this album's title to the bank. Album opener "Tell Your Mama" gets the funk rolling, "I Got Your Christmas Right Here" takes the gospel approach, "I Can't Wait For Christmas" is a holiday "beef" song in which the singer calls out a lover, "The Mrs Saved Christmas" is a rap tribute to Santa's wife, "All I Have is Love" is a ballad about lack of money for Christmas gifts, "At Christmas" has a light Caribbean rhythm, "Love Comes Home" is a holiday love ballad, and I'm sure you can figure out what "Funky Ass Christmas" is all about. Blacc also gives Wham's "Last Christmas" a soulful reading and puts a bit of slow jam into Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas." If you opt for this over Legend's album, I'll definitely understand, it's that good.
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