The Christmas Album in Bloomington, MN

After three consecutive Top Five Pop albums in 1970 alone, it was somewhat of a no-brainer that
Motown
would want to include a holiday long-player to that list. The
Jackson 5
's
Christmas Album
(1970) combines classic favorites as well as a handful of compositions penned by
the Corporation
. This all-star team of
staffers and musicians boasted composer
Bobby Taylor
,
Deke Richards
(guitar),
Freddie Perren
(keyboard),
Fonce Mizell
(keyboards), and label co-founder
Berry Gordy
. As they had done for each of the
's previous platters, they carefully crafted and significantly modernized familiar seasonal selections. Leading off the effort is an unusual (for a pop act, anyway) two-part interpretation of
"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,"
commencing with a fairly rote reading before kicking into high gear during a fittingly R&B-inspired coda. They follow with an undeniably soulful update of
"Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town"
and the fun and funky
"Up on the Rooftop,"
which also adds instrumental elements of their hit
"The Love You Save"
with a few bars of
"Here Comes Santa Claus"
likewise worked into the mix.
"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer"
is another standard that has been infused with a fresh spirit, once again yielding a well-chosen and adeptly executed revision. Although not as drastically overhauled,
"Frosty the Snowman"
and
"I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus"
are none the less thoroughly enjoyable. In terms of originals, the lovely
"Give Love at Christmas"
informed covers by fellow
staples
the Temptations
-- who used the tune as the title track for their 1980 Christmas entry --
Johnny Gill
, and even a reggae version by
the Tamlins
.
The Jacksons
similarly shared the brisk and upbeat
"Someday at Christmas"
with
Stevie Wonder
, as well as
Diana Ross
, whose take is one of the highlights of her
Very Special Season
(1998) outing. ~ Lindsay Planer