Re-teaming with Don Was and Jacknife Lee, the pair who produced his 2014 album Melody Road, Neil Diamond cut Acoustic Christmas, his fourth holiday album and first since 2009's A Cherry Cherry Christmas. The title Acoustic Christmas suggests that this 2016 LP will be sparse, but it's hazy and open, consisting of much more than a man and a guitar. Usually he's supported by a full band -- a rhythm section, another guitarist, a keyboardist, and backing vocalists -- and that gives Acoustic Christmas some spunk, which is enough to keep things lively. If Diamond isn't always original -- his version of "Children Go Where I Send Thee" follows the contours of Nick Lowe's 2013 version exactly -- he nevertheless performs with gusto, particularly on the closing "Christmas Medley." That showmanship is ultimately what gives Acoustic Christmas its personality and is the reason to return to the record: it may not align with the spirit of the season, but it's charming nonetheless. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine
- Format: Vinyl
- Genre: Christmas, Pop
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Track Listing:
A1 O Holy Night
A2 Christmas Prayers
A3 Do You Hear What I Hear
A4 Mary's Boy Child
A5 Silent Night
B1 Hark The Herald Angels Sing
B2 Go Tell It On The Mountain
B3 Children Go Where I Send Thee
B4 Christmas In Killarney
B5 Christmas Medley: It's Almost Day / Make A Happy Song / We Wish You A Merry Christmas
