If youlook at the discography of this British singer – songwriter you will find that this is his 28th studio album. The singer who gave us Some Guys have all the luck, Downtown Train, and other such toppers, brings on his first ever Christmas album. If you know how Rod Stewart sounds, and are aware of these songs’ traditional arrangements, then you already know what Merry Christmas, Baby has in store.

Featuring tracks like Santa Claus is coming to town, Blue Christmas and White Christmas; Rod Stewart uses his famous husky tones to interpret these classic Christmas tunes. With age, Stewart’s voice has that crackling feel, similar to fireside cracking sounds, and though he brings in a few guests artists on the album, we find that even without them, he fares well.

The David Foster produced this album, sounds great. That said, many of the arrangements which are beautiful, are a wee bit mellow. Where the album really shines is the more upbeat tracks, such as the title track Merry Christmas, Baby with Cee-Lo Green and Red-Suited Super Man, a must hear. These two songs allow Rod to let loose and show off his soulful side. The 68 year old goes a bit weak with Winter Wonderland even though Michael Buble' pays a hand on it. Don’t also miss out on the slow and steady pace of We Three Kings a duet with the soulful R & B biggie Mary J. Blige. But the highlight of all this would surely be his virtual duet with Ella Fitzgerald on What are you doing New Year’s Eve? Don’t also miss out on Silent Night that has a beautiful children's choir to liven things up and the album’s last track Auld Lang Syne that has impressive bagpipes.

Even though he has taken decades to release a Christmas album, this offering is worth the wait. Tune in even though it’s the end of Christmas.

Rating: ****

Reviewed by Verus Ferreira