Album Review: Neil Diamond - Acoustic Christmas

Let's quash a myth. Michael Buble's bad (w)rap for Christmas album overkill is based on just one festive longplayer.

Evergreen crooner Neil Diamond has had five (this is his third since 2009 alone). Shockingly, most of this laid back collection of standards is actually quite palatable despite folding festive chintz with country music. The faithful are well served by the album's first half of countrified hymns, while Santa's first appearance is saved for the more upbeat latter section. Diamond's cosy presence might actually last into the New Year, though his Christmas Medley does beg for a cheesy TV special.