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Michael Ball
Christmas
Hip-O
Even if you didn't know Michael Ball was a musical star of London's West End, appearing in productions of Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera, a quick perusal of this 1999 album would soon school you as to the nature of this tousle-haired, apple-cheeked performer's appeal. He's fond of white suits. He's grateful "to the artists and writers whose original works have given me the inspiration for this collection of beautiful songs." ("Fool If You Think It's Over" singer Chris Rea, who wrote the jazzy "Driving Home for Christmas," will be grateful.) And he knows Elaine Page, his duet partner on "As Long as There's Christmas," is "a very special lady." Fortunately, the swot can sing. His tenor finds each money note within the comfy arrangements with the ruthlessness of a rug rat searching for presents under the Christmas tree, and the inspirational nature of "From a Distance" and "When a Child Is Born" serves him well. Inoffensive enough to make it past U.S. customs, this album will absolutely be adored by your grandmother.
C. Bottomley
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