And just like that, another year has passed and we are slowly emerging from the dark years of covid and attempting to pretend the world is back to normal. It’s not, but we’re all just tired of living like we have been for 3 years. So we have adapted a sense of normalcy. Which means I have to sit down and get this playlist finished, even though I barely feel the holiday spirit.
This playlist also marks the third anniversary of the launch of MarkOnTheArts.com, and thank you all so much for your continuous support of my new platform! As I head into my third decade as the self-appointed king of Christmas music (if Mariah Carey can do it, why can’t I?), the website has experienced exponential growth. Having progressed during covid into a sweeping annual TV and movie reviews (with my own awards!! stay tuned for the 4th Annual Marco Awards coming in March), as well as expanding into major theatrical reviews as a formal press agent for the Kennedy Center and, as of this year, the Hippodrome, I reflect on all the changes, technical and talent, over these 20 years.
As last year. my annual Playlist is completely digital. No more hard copies of the CD. It saves a whole week of designing packaging and labels, and most folks no longer even have any devices to play them on. So follow everything on Spotify, as well as all prior Playlists from 2015 on and the double set anniversary Playlists for the 20th Anniversary. I’d also like to take this chance to thank my new partner, my daughter Hayley, for guiding me in maintaining this site, as well as designing all the graphics as I need them.
First again: the criteria. And there are some new guidelines implemented year. As ever, points are awarded more for taking a particular selection of music and making it not only entertaining and fresh but showing the artist one is famous for being in the interpretation—within the boundaries of the material. Also, while new original breakout singles are encouraged, the CD should be heavy on standards and classics. However, I’ve expanded the list of songs you won’t see any longer. Twenty years in the business and along with the atrocious “Christmas Shoes”, which will still get you banned, there are a few other songs I can no longer tolerate listening to, and they can cost points if I’m in the wrong mood:
“All I Want For Christmas Is You”—for years I tried to hate the bearer but love the message, but She Who Won’t Be Named’s behavior has become so insane the last few years I can no longer listen to anyone try to save this once beloved hit. It’s literally become the new “Christmas Shoes”.
“This Christmas”—The immortal Donnie Hathaway defined this song, but no one ever who has recorded it seems to be able to live up to his interpretation. This may just be one song that only one artist can do. So, don’t. But the only thing worse than “This Christmas” is…
“Last Christmas”—I’m sorry, but Wham! was pretty much a joke to begin with even in their 80s heyday, and they’ve aged worse than eggnog left out past its expiration date. He left you a year ago, get over it. This song is horrible. But not as horrible as…
“Wonderful Christmastime”—I mean Paul McCartney, you freaking wrote “Let It Be” and “Hey Jude”. This four-note tragedy is all you could contribute to Christmas for the ages? Epic fail.
“Mary Did You Know?” Yes! For the 147th time, she freaking knew! Stop asking already!!
“Christmastime Is Here”, or anything Vince Guaraldi composed for the Charlie Brown kids. Apparently, these songs are beyond 3D humans. It may be a good rule to extend this to any song recorded by a cartoon, because Alvin & the Chipmunks’ “Christmas Don’t Be Late” is equally distressing when attempted by human artists. So yeah, any cartoon except the Grinch. That one rocks.
I’m not even going to try and pretend it was much of a contest this year, so no mock anticipation. I have had a wish list here for years and gradually over time, many have given me what I wanted—Darren Criss, Home Free, the long awaited Hanson reunion—but at the top fo that list forever wash the album I wanted more than any other. More than One Direction. More than the casts of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend or Riverdale. More than Aaron Tveit. And this year I must have been extra good. For the first time in her 60 year recording career, Cher has released her first Christmas album, appropriately and simply entitled Christmas. Having toyed with an occasional novelty entry ages ago (an early “O Holy Night” back in the Sonny & Cher days, a sweet mashup of “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” with the unlikely but effective “One Tin Soldier” from the CBS TV show), this year she recorded a full out CD and as clichéd as it sounds, it was worth the wait. At the age of 77, Cher, who despite what detractors say, has constantly reinvented herself over and over again to stay relevant, has put out one of the best CDs since this playlist started in 2000 (arguably the best) . It’s as if I stacked the competition by creating the rules especially for this album (ok, which i would have if I needed to) . It’s full of the best of upbeat Christmas party tunes, stellar ollaborations, and a great original tune that has immediately entered the seasonal radio playlists.
Let’s start with the duets—a fun original number, “Put a Little Holiday in your Heart”, with longtime friend and opening act Cyndi Lauper, a smooth “Home” with new age Bing Crosby Michael Bublé—and she even got the masters to return to duet on their Christmas masterpieces. Stevie Wonder harmonizes and even supplies harmonica on his classic “What Christmas Means to Me”. She even gets the real Queen of Christmas Darlene Love, friends since they recorded together at the old Phil Spector Dekka records studio sessions as members of the classic girlgroups, on Love’s iconic Christmas megahit “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)”. And dare I say that the pairings top the originals.
In other tracks, she turns in a superlative bluesy “Please Come Home for Christmas” and when she V-A-M-Ps her way through Eartha Kitt’s “Santa Baby”, one can practically see her shimmying atop an upright piano in the infamous red dress of yesteryear.
On top of that, her lead off track “DJ Play a Christmas Song” has done the seemingly impossible. Not only the first track to get automatic airplay since Kelly Clarkson’s “Underneath the Tree”, but it also toppled that imposter self-appointed “Queen of Christmas” from the top of the charts, replacing her ubiquitous “All I Want for Christmas” with a fresh new #1 contemporary Christmas song. This album is literally a dream come true for a lifelong fan.
This is it. This is everything I have ever wished for. The only reason I don’t shut down the competition forever is that she left off the single track that would have made this perfect album pluperfect: Brenda Lee’s “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”. But that’s what Deluxe editions are for in 2024 or 25. I admit I kind of pre-ordained her the winner the day she announced this project, but sometimes you just have faith and know. A very special bonus on this labor of love is that an old friend of mine, Doug Krantz, was her principal photographer for her album and proceeded to document all her performances from Macy’s to Rockefeller Center and beyond. With no further ado, as if any was necessary, the Best CD of 2023 (maybe of ever?) is Christmas by Cher. Download it and enjoy it Grade A+++, 150%
And here’s the others…
Stephanie J. Block, Merry Christmas, Darling
Literally any other year Block, the reigning Queen of American Musical Theatre, would have walked off with this award as Cher did. She gives us a beautiful, albeit more conventional, collection of Christmas songs. I’ve loved her since I saw her in The Boy from Oz playing Liza Minelli opposite Hugh Jackman’s Peter Allen. She won my heart as Judy Bernly in the stage version of 9 to 5, which she comically ripped out with her showstopper “I’m Breaking Down” in Falsettos. She earned her title at the Kennedy Center last February becoming America’s quintessential Norma Desmond in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s masterpiece Sunset Boulevard. And, ironically, she won her only Tony award for playing—Cher. The Cher Show, starring the amazing Block in a star-making role in a show that traces my lifelong idol’s life through her own music, on my birthday with my daughter Hayley is and forever will be the single best theatrical experience I will ever have.
Oddly, another answered prayer form my wishlist, Block’s album is a warm valentine to all things Christmas. Lush arrangements that she wraps her unique voice around them. On her title track, she actually conjures up a loving tribute to the legendary Karen Carpenter who first recorded the classic. An equally beautiful take on standard “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” gives an equally loving salute to even bigger legend Judy Garland. And Block apparently believes that Christmas is about family because she includes two duets, “When You Hold Me in Your Arms (It’s Christmas) with husband Sebastian Arcelus (her costar in last season’s Broadway and touring success Into the Woods) and ‘The Little Drummer Girl “with daughter Vivienne Arcelus. Anyone who knows me knows that I feel Block can do no wrong. And no one could possibly beat the star who played my lifelong favorite legend in the story of her life told with the music she made famous wearing the costumes which made her an icon. Except my lifelong favorite legend herself. I’m sure Miss Block will understand. I may have to create some kind of honorary award for an album that only Cher could beat.
Grade: A+ (and Honorary Award for Outstanding CD in a year when Cher records first)
Seth McFarlane & Liz Gillies, We Wish You the Merriest
McFarlane, best known as the driving force behind Family Guy and Gillies (Victorious, Dynasty), with whom according to his publicist he “shares a strong bond of friendship”, give us this fun, entertaining throwback album, providing a great evening for those who are loyal to the Time Life Classics. McFarlane’s surprisingly velvety voice and Gillies well-trained belt are perfect for the arrangements. Grade: A
Katharine McPhee & David Foster , Christmas Songs
McPhee (American Idol runner-up, star of TV’s Smash and Broadway’s Waitress) splits the distance between Block and McFarlane/Gillies, with a smooth, beautiful voice as her husband, Canadian composer/producer Foster accompanies her on piano. All the standards are here and they’re all pleasant listening. Nothing too exciting but nothing too worrisome either. A nice safe holiday collection for the easy listening stations. Grade: A
There were a few others, but did it really matter? CHER released a Christmas album! Period.
MOST DISAPPOINTING CD
Did I mention Cher recorded her first ever Christmas album and it’s amazing? I’m in a generous mood. Nothing disappointed because I probably never paid much attention to anything else.
BEST CD
It’s Cher.
WE NEED A LITTLE CHRISTMAS: Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree 2023
Let’s be honest, the real playlist is just to listen to Cher on loop, maybe popping Block in every 5th or 6th cycle if you wanna shake it up a little. But for variety’s sake I attempted to put together a legit playlist as I have for the last 22 years.
1. DJ PLAY A CHRISTMAS SONG, Cher
Cher’s first crack at a Christmas song for the ages that immediately tops the Billboard charts as #1. This accomplishment makes her the only artist to have a #1 Billboard hit in seven straight decades! What else would I lead off with this year? It’s also going on the Best of the Best for the upcoming 25th Anniversary Playlist
2. SANTA CAN YOU HEAR ME, Kelly Clarkson & Ariana Grande
Kelly Clarkson continues to provide a steady stream of good cheer through the holidays as she drops fun singles and collaborations in between album releases. Clarkson is becoming the Spirit of Christmas Present
3. SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN. Katharine McPhee & David Forster
Foster comes up with a semi-big band, semi-pop version of the song that shows off both their talents best.
4. I WISH IT COULD BE CHRISTMAS EVERY DAY, Leona Lewis
From last year’s deluxe edition, something big and splashy for the clean-up position.
6. CHRISTMAS (BABY PLEASE COME HOME), Cher & Darlene Love
Cher teaming up with old friend Love from the Phil Spector Dekka Records studio days on her iconic song just makes for the best arrangement of it since Love introduced it 60 years ago. It also has earned its spot for best version of the song ever on the upcoming 25th Anniversary compilation.
5. RIVER, Darren Criss
It’s taken me 4 years for Criss’ take on the Joni Mitchell classic to grow on me, but suddenly this year the oddly upbeat arrangement gives the song a massively different feel and I appreciate the effort
7. CHRISTMAS VACATION, Jarrod Spector, Jessica Keenan Wynn, & the cast of Beautiful
Having just come off one of the most rewarding theatrical experiences of my recent life playing Don Kirschner in a flawless production of Beautiful, this song written by Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil performed by the actors who portrayed them on Broadway was a natural fit.
8. IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS, Levi Kreis
Kreis, the 2018 winner of the best CD, gives us a free release this holiday of a favorite song of mine. Still without the counter melody of Pine Cones & Holly Berries, but that remains on the dream list. Maybe this is a harbinger of a Deluxe edition of his winning album to come?
9. DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR, Belinda Carlisle
I spent the summer in Annapolis directing an amazing production of Head Over Heels, a musuical utilizing the music of the Go-go’s, so Carlisle was a natural fit to remember ‘23
10. MERRY CHRISTMAS, DARLING, Stephanie J. Block
The title track of her first holiday album is bittersweet, it pays homage to the classic version from the incomparable Karen Carpenter, but also reminds us how much her tragic passing has made us miss her.
11. ROCKIN’ AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE, Gavin DeGraw
The previous mandatory title song gets a little Bill Hailey & the Comets throwback treatment and results in a fun guy’s arrangement, which I’m always open to in case I need on some day.
12. JINGLE BELL ROCK, Kelly Clarkson
Another great track from last year’s follow-up album
13. THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS, Meg Donnelly
CW actress and former Disney kid Donnelly adds a surprisingly upbeat and fun version of the standard on an old Disney Channel compilation. The sampling of “Mr. Sandman” didn’t hurt.
14. WHAT CHRISTMAS MEANS TO ME, Cher & Stevie Wonder
When Cher asks you to join her on a duet of a classic song you added to the cannon 50 years ago, you don’t just say “yes”, you say “can I play harmonica?” Stevie did.
15. EVERYBODY LOVES CHRISTMAS, Chord Overstreet
The former Glee alum drops a single from the soundtrack of last year’s Falling for Christmas, Netflix’s foray into Hallmark movie territory starring Lindsay Lohan as a hotel heiress with amnesia and Overstreet as the handsome, down-on-his-luck owner of a local lodge who cares for her while her corporate father is trying to buy and raize his livelihood.
16. ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU, Jordan Mailata and the Philly Specials
Yes I broke my own most recent rule, dammit, but don’t blame me, blame Football. When requesting leads for the Christmas review, I got a ton of “The Eagles put out a Christmas album”. My immediate response was, “How? 2/3 of the band have been dead for years.” The Philadelphia Eagles. How was I to know? Honestly Mailata and his teammates do a surprisingly great arrangement of the song, making it slightly more palatable. But in the wake of apparently their second go-round in the studios, all I have to say is get it together, Baltimore, if you’re as amazing as all your fans tell me. #Philly1Balto0 #ItsAlwaysSunnyInPhiladelphia
17. COOL YULE, Brett Eldredge
The country singer puts away his fake twang for another great swing version form his second album
18. SILVER BELLS, Belinda Carlisle
A second salute for the Go-go’s
19. SANTA BABY, Cher
It’s an unprecidented 4th track from one album but it’s Cher. I couldn’t help including Cher’s fantastic take that both honors Eartha Kitt and feels contemporary at the same time. Guess that’s what comes from all those years of being a V-A-M-P. I also just wanted to make one last “Vamp” reference.
20. BRINGING BACK CHRISTMAS, Ryan Reynolds & the cast of Spirited
Reynolds can do no wrong, as he proved when he sang, danced, and tapped his way through last year’s updated Christmas Carol. This one rings true with all the emphasis placed on the commercialism and capitalistic marketing of the holiday today.
21. SPARKLE-JOLLY-TWINKLE-JINGLEY, Sebastian Arcelus and the cast of Elf
Having spent my entire pre-Christmas season directing a big-stage production of the Will Farrell classic for the movie’s 20th Anniversary, here’s a holiday number by Broadway’s Buddy the Elf Arcelus, a/k/a Mr. Stephanie J. Block
22. EVERY DAY WILL BE LIKE A HOLIDAY, Carole King
Following the logic of Beautiful, it seemed timely to pull up another track from the legendary King herself’s 2011 A Holiday Carole
23. WINTER WONDERLAND, Girl Named Tom
Another jaunty arrangement from last year’s winner.
24. WHEN CHILDREN RULE THE WORLD, Kids Aloud
The 70-child Welsh chorus sings the gentle Andrew Lloyd-Webber song from Whistle Down the Wind. A sweet song about the joys of Christmas day, in context of the show it has surprisingly much darker connotations.
25. GOD REST YE MERRY GENTLEMEN, Ashleigh Murray, Casey Cott, & the cast of Riverdale
In honor of the series finale of the landmark CW series, Josie (of the Pussycats) and Kevin Keller give us a farewell salute from the gang. Merry Christmas, Archie, Betty, Veronica, Reggie, and Jughead, and the happiest new year. God bless Riverdale. Good knows they need it.
26. HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS, Seth McFarlane & Liz Gillies
The best approximation of an old-time TV Christmas special starring Perry Como and Judy Garland we could have to day. Both are in fine, old-fashioned voice
27. O HOLY NIGHT, Stephanie J. Block
The most gorgeous track on her lovely CD, Block is the natural voice to handle the ultimate Christmas closer.
28. I’LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS, Katharine McPhee & David Foster
Perfect to bring the playlist to a smooth, tranquil finish.
follow the Playlist on Spotify here. Enjoy!
I leave you all with great thanks for your faith and trust in my reviews and the success of MarkOnTheArts.com over the past 3 years. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year 2024! May it be better for us all!