They Made a Christmas Album?- Advent 2018: Day 19

Today has 2 featured artists. Both are icons in their own right. One is actually known for singing a couple of Christmasy tunes on their own. But the two together ARE NOT known for being holiday artists. I'm talking about John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. 

Travolta and Newton-John made movie history as Danny Zuko and Sandy in the 1978 theatrical version of the musical Grease. Both sing several songs together on the film including Summer Nights which technically opens the action of the film. While the picture goes through most of a 1950s era school year, none of the tunes in the movie were set or about Christmas. I guess the duo decided to fix that with the release of their holiday duet album 2012's This Christmas.

The recording was met with either mixed or very negative reviews. Sales weren't that great either. I actually remember this album being advertised and sold on late night commercials.  But that didn't really help sales. The album debuted at #88 on the Hot200 and peaked within a week or so at number 55 on the album charts. Needless to say, This Christmas was a bomb and otherwise forgotten until now!!!

There is 13 tracks on the album. Each one is a Christmas standard in it's own right. As much as I think Baby, It's Cold Outside reflects the duo's chemistry the best, it's quite controversial this year. And I think I've posted enough controversial songs already this season. So, I'll go with their take on Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree. It features Kenny G on sax and in my opinion, that just adds to the kitsch factor of this CD...

Enjoy!