Imagine your all-time favorite iconic duo dropping a Christmas album, just when you thought holiday music couldn't get any more exciting. That's precisely what happened when John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, who dazzled us with their chemistry in Grease, reunited to produce a Christmas album that's like a warm cup of joy. Released on November 13, 2012, This Christmas aimed to rekindle those festive feelings, wrapping us in a cozy, melodic hug amid the winter chills.
This spirited album was recorded in the United States and features an array of classic Christmas songs. Collaboration with other celebrated artists adds a special sparkle. Barbra Streisand, Cliff Richard, and Tony Bennett are some of the stars who joined them to create a festive musical experience. Adding to the appeal, the album sales supported causes close to Travolta and Newton-John’s hearts. Dedicated proceeds went to the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Center and the Jett Travolta Foundation, named in memory of Travolta's son.
This Christmas is not just an album; it’s a homage to festive traditions and past camaraderies. Some might argue that celebrity-driven holiday albums are more about nostalgia and less about musical innovation—an understandable perspective. However, Travolta and Newton-John’s blend of charming familiarity and heartfelt intention invites a deeper appreciation.
Their rendition of classics harmoniously balances Travolta's velvety tones with Newton-John's angelic voice. The choice to stay true to traditional melodies might be met with mixed reactions. Purists may celebrate the respect for original compositions, while others could wish for bolder ventures into remixing and modernizing tunes for a youthful audience.
A standout track in the album is "Baby, It's Cold Outside," which has always sparked debates. While its historically flirtatious lyrics have caused some modern listeners to question its place in the holiday repertoire, Travolta and Newton-John’s playful interaction provides a fresh layer of innocence to the track, reminding us of its classic charm.
Holiday music, at its core, is about celebrating togetherness and warmth in winter months. This Christmas channels this essence effectively, even for a generation like Gen Z that’s caught between tradition and modernity. For those who rightly advocate pushing the envelope in artistic expression, this album might feel like a revisit to things already heard. But sometimes, particularly around the holidays, we gather around familiar tunes to create lasting memories.
In considering what makes This Christmas resonate, it’s impossible not to touch on the sense of time-traveling nostalgia it invokes. Travolta and Newton-John's collaboration is a portal back to a time where entertainment was full of optimism. This album reinforces the magic of holiday music as a time capsule of sorts, holding memories spanning generations together, and possibly introducing younger listeners to the timeless charm these artists bring.
Critics might call into question the musical risks—or lack thereof. But with music, especially holiday music, not everything needs to be a reinvention. A certain simplicity and straightforwardness are central to the allure of holiday classics. Travolta and Newton-John remind us of that gentle, grounding truth.
The philanthropic angle of This Christmas cannot be understated—it adds value beyond melody. In a world where art and activism increasingly go hand-in-hand, using a platform to spotlight causes such as cancer research and remembrance holds significant weight.
Between the jingle bells and vocal harmonies, there lies a reflection of friendship and legacy. This album captures the continuing journey of two stars orbiting around a shared past and a hopeful future. While progressiveness in art is invaluable, there’s a space within holiday music preserved for gentler waves of tradition as well.
Embracing diversity in holiday playlists can mean adding a twist to what we listen to or rediscovering joy in what has always been there. In the broader picture, holiday music like This Christmas provides a festive pause—an opportunity to reflect, find connection, and wrap the season’s warmth around us, like a favorite festive sweater straight from the Grease era.