Mariah Carey launch 2nd Christmas album: Merry Christmas II You is Mariah's second Christmas album (thirteenth studio album overall) 'following on' from her 1994 album 'Merry Christmas' which gave us 'All I Want For Christmas is You'. The album is a mix of all-time Christmas classics like “The First Noel,” “Little Drummer Boy,” “O Little Town of Bethlehem” and “O Come All Ye Faithful” as well as four original songs including the new single, “Oh Santa”. There is also a gently re-worked version of that 1994 Christmas hit “All I Want for Christmas Is You”.
Although Mariah's pop career is a little stagnated over here, she certainly is the First Lady of Christmas. This album again perfectly captures the blend of festive tradition and a more modern R n B twist. The music ranges from pop to gospel, with Mariah's multi-range often on show (sometimes within the backing vocals at slightly strange points she adds a wail or two). Mum helps her on out on 'O Come All Ye Faithful” / “Hallelujah Chorus' with some operatic vocals.
New single 'Oh Santa' is also on here; it's not as immediate (or long lasting?) as 'All I Want For Christmas is You' but it is still a strong Christmas single. Where Mariah really does shine though is on the re-workings. Tracks like 'O Little Town of Bethlehem' and 'The First Noel' really sound great with Mariah's vocals and a subtle yet modern musical accompaniment.
This is a strong Christmas album mixing modern with traditional.
1. “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” (Intro)
2. “Oh Santa!”
3. “O Little Town of Bethlehem” / “Little Drummer Boy” (Medley)
4. “Christmas Time Is in the Air Again”
5. “The First Noel” / “Born is the King”
6. “When Christmas Comes”
7. “Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)” / “Housetop Celebration”
8. “Charlie Brown Christmas”
9. “O Come All Ye Faithful” / “Hallelujah Chorus” (featuring Patricia Carey)
10. “O Holy Night” (Live)
11. “One Child”
12. “All I Want for Christmas Is You” (Extra Festive)
13. “Auld Lang Syne”