Originally released in 2005 as a bonus disc to Chemistry, Girls Aloud’s holiday collection "Christmas 'Round At Ours" has officially been reissued for the first time in 2025 as a standalone album - on red vinyl, CD, and streaming.In this episode, Chris and Chantel Nicole review the full album, from festive originals like "Not Tonight Santa", "Count the Days", and "I Wanna Kiss You So (Christmas in a Nutshell)" to classic Christmas covers including "I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday" and "Jingle Bell Rock". We discuss the vocals, production, songwriting, and legacy of this fan-favorite release and whether it deserves a spot among the best pop Christmas albums.
- 0:00 - Intro
- 1:12 - Album Info
- 2:12 - Album Cover
- 4:21 - “Christmas ‘Round At Ours”
- 8:58 - “Merry Xmas Everybody”
- 12:40 - “Not Tonight Santa”
- 17:33 - “Jingle Bell Rock”
- 22:25 - “Count The Days”
- 28:03 - “I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday”
- 32:28 - “I Wanna Kiss You So (Christmas in a Nutshell)”
- 36:43 - “White Christmas”
- 40:48 - Cut or Keep
- 42:55 - Overall Thoughts & Final Rating
References:
- “Not Tonight Santa” MV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tm6lZ7pvj5M&pp=ygUdZ2lybHMgYWxvdWQgbm90IHRvbmlnaHQgc2FudGE%3D
- “Jingle Bell Rock” Live at Christmas Mania https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQFRR4Zs-m4&pp=ygUcZ2lybHMgYWxvdWQgamluZ2xlIGJlbGwgcm9ja9IHCQkVCgGHKiGM7w%3D%3D
- “I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday” Live at Christmas Mania https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwpt4Fjyjas
00:00:00 --> 00:00:28 Merry Popmas! It's time to deck the halls in the dance floor with Girls Aloud and their Christmas collection. Welcome to your favorite pop music podcast, CCTV, the non-stop pop show. We're almost at 7 subscribers and if you're a fan of pop music from all over the world, you should join us here with the CCTV crew. Yes. And if you're on a podcast platform, please give us a rating, follow, and share the episode because it really helps us grow and find other global pop
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00:00:46 --> 00:01:12 That's right. It is time for another Girls Aloud episode. And today we're discussing the Christmas collection now being released as Christmas Round at Hours in honor of its 20th anniversary. And we are both Alouders and have tons of videos about the group and even interviews with their tour dance captain. So be sure to check out our episodes in our Girls Aloud playlist on our YouTube channel if you want to get all caught up.
00:01:13 --> 00:01:32 So in December 2005, Girls Aloud released their third album, Chemistry, and the deluxe version featured a bonus disc with Christmas music. And for the album's 20th anniversary, the Christmas collection is now being released as a vinyl and CD titled Christmas Round at Ours with a rearranged tracklist, which we will honor today.
00:01:32 --> 00:02:02 And the collection includes covers and original tracks, all produced by Xenomania. And the original collection of Christmas songs was an idea pitched by Brian Higgins to capitalize on the chemistry album being released in December. And fun fact, Xenomania took on festive pseudonyms. So if you hear some strange names for the writers, it's them being festive and cheeky. So we will now discuss the production, vocals, visuals, performances, and drop our individual ratings for each song.
00:02:02 --> 00:02:15 Viewer discretion is advised. Your fave will be criticized. Well, before we get into the tracks, let's talk about the album cover. Okay, so...
00:02:16 --> 00:02:44 I will say, I remember the Christmas deluxe, the bonus CDs cover a little bit more because they look stunning. That and I like the Christmas kitchen vibe that they have going on. And I don't think I remember even seeing the Christmas tree really, but that's just me. I'm not really a Christmas girly. I'll say it a little bit later. But I didn't notice all I saw was pretty girls, pretty kitchens, pretty gorgeous gowns, beautiful gowns, you know what I'm saying? So I was like, oh, I like this a little bit more of them.
00:02:44 --> 00:03:03 the original chemistry, but I think I've grown to like the original chemistry album. But I think now that's all fully like seen with all the decorations, the presents, the Christmas tree. It's like, ah, this is indeed a Christmas album for many album K-pop fans.
00:03:03 --> 00:03:19 Yeah, I mean, it's kind of giving Desperate Housewives Christmas version a little bit. Which I think that was around the same time. So I think that aesthetic kind of makes sense. But yes, of course, this was the version of the album that I bought. Because, you know, I was going to buy the one that had the most stuff on it. So...
00:03:19 --> 00:03:35 There's also the cover that I actually associate with chemistry, maybe a bit more as well. Oh, that's the one that I have, you know? So yeah, I think it's great. There's so much going on too. Like I love Cheryl and Nicola holding the giant Christmas cracker. I love Nadine. Yeah.
00:03:35 --> 00:04:02 Honey, we are talking about this later. I think that's a British thing. Okay, we'll talk about it later. Yeah, I think Christmas crackers are a British thing. Got it, okay. Why does Nita look like the help? I hate her dress. Yeah, I agree. Oh my god. Yeah, I do love Nadine with the turkey. Mm-hmm. It's great. It's great. Her fleur. Yeah. All right, and of course Sarah in the middle looking like the ultimate housewife with the cookies. I love it. Mm-hmm.
00:04:02 --> 00:04:15 Who would you want to be? I feel like I would want to be, and not in the kitchen, so I'll be Kimberly. I'm good at wrapping a gift. I mean, Sarah's literally just eating cookies, so I'd be her. Oh, that's valid. Okay.
00:04:15 --> 00:04:40 ballad okay guys so we're gonna get right into the track by track review starting with christmas round at hours and this was done by s clause holly bush henry mistletoe beth lahem and festive gifts which are pretty sure corresponds to brian higgins veranda cooper nick kohler lisa cowling and sean lee of xenomania but we will honor those pseudonyms for the rest of the album okay
00:04:42 --> 00:05:10 I love it. It's so silly. You can tell we were just having so much fun. Like, I feel like Brian was just like, I want to write silly Christmas songs. So this is the perfect opportunity to make Girls Aloud record them. Right. I'm in the mood and so are you guys. Exactly. Exactly. Anyway, I love this song. I think this is one of the better of the original ones, actually. Yeah.
00:05:10 --> 00:05:32 Because the production is just so classic Christmas. I love the guitars in it. But the lyrics are really the star here, right? It's giving bratty teenager stuff at home. And you can almost feel some of the chaos that they're speaking of. You know, that everyone experiences when your house is too full. Too many people are over. Yeah.
00:05:32 --> 00:06:00 you know and they're taking over the bathroom and you have to listen to them all talk and it's just a lot and it's just very funny i will say cheryl's execution is just perfect because she really does do the kind of like annoyed but not too that don't care too much essentially i'm annoyed but i don't care too much that's like the tone that she has and it's just so perfect for the song when she's singing about the uncle and everything oh my gosh and i love nadine singing we don't want
00:06:00 --> 00:06:29 Mama can't cook. Surely. There's no other pop song that has a line about sprouts. No, I'm sure. Yeah. But I just think this is so funny. And I think this... If I had to choose between the four originals of which to kind of push, I would probably choose this one, actually. Oh, yes. Totally. This one's good. I think it has, like... First of all, it's so Christmassy. I don't know how these cores were chosen for Christmas. Like, these...
00:06:30 --> 00:06:59 oh, the chords are going to sink and it's going to remind everyone of Christmas. Considering how Christmas was like, Christmas music was very like, I guess the peak of Christmas music was like 1940s, 1950s. So you're thinking like, you know, jazz, maybe a little soft rock moment, you know what I'm saying? But like, it wasn't, it wasn't this, but somehow we've created a sound. I'm going to do that the way, I'm not going to lie. I am not a sonic Christmas girly. I'm a bit of a Grinch when it comes to the sonics of it. I cannot. Yeah.
00:06:59 --> 00:07:06 Oh, my God. When I tell y'all I cannot stand the way Christmas sounds, but I like the way it looks. I mean, unfortunately for me, it's like...
00:07:08 --> 00:07:38 For me, it's like, unless it's Temptation singing Silent Night, Whitney singing Joy to the World, or Destiny's Child, or TLC Originals, I'm not really enthused. But again, visually, I do enjoy Christmas. And I think this song encapsulates my feeling about it. Like, Uncle Benny's a perv. I don't know why I'm sitting on his man's lap. Sydney's taking up the shower, whoever Sydney is. Grandma's eating all the candies. And Mommy can't cook. And then Dad's warning me about this naughty list. And I'm like, man, I don't care about no damn naughty list. I know you're buying the presents.
00:07:38 --> 00:07:57 interesting tracks that isn't so like christmas is amazing christmas is beautiful christmas is snowy christmas is like oh my god so this one i think has a different kind of approach which is a little bit more cynical if not even cynical it's more realistic it's it's a lot christmas is a lot um
00:07:57 --> 00:08:26 Um, but you know, the line about Chris is being boring because they're not kids anymore. They want to kiss under the mistletoe. It's fun. I caught myself giggling at points. Um, honestly, like my final note would be like, this would be a great Hallmark movie. This whole story here in the song would make a great Hallmark movie. All the characters are there and this would make the perfect theme. So, you know, shout out to the writing and the way the whole picture and story is created in this song. I think that's like a highlight. Would have loved the music video over see the day.
00:08:26 --> 00:08:45 oh I know I know you're right actually if they actually just went straight for a Christmas song to release that would have been I mean I get it may have been felt risky at the time you're right maybe they should have just gone full Christmas and been like we're gonna attempt this yeah full send it full send it it would have been really cute yeah okay so what do you rate it?
00:08:46 --> 00:09:15 Um, hmm. I'm trying to let my bitterness about Christmas music expect my grade. Um, let me see. Do I like this one? I like this one. I'll give it an 8.5. I like it. Nice. I'll do a 9. Next up is Merry Christmas, Everybody. Written by Jim Lee and Naughty Holder. And, of course, produced by Brian Egan's Zenimania. And this is a cover of Slade. A classic. Okay. So here it is. Merry Christmas, Everybody.
00:09:15 --> 00:09:31 I will say, though, I feel like this is one of those classics that feels like it's way bigger in the UK than it is in the US. Oh, super valid. Super valid. Yeah, because Steps covered this, and I think that was the first time I ever heard this song. Get out of here. And I don't feel like it's normally included as much as some of the other classics.
00:09:32 --> 00:10:01 Oh, interesting. You know what? Over here at least. That's what I was going to say. I feel like that's one of those things where you're right. Yeah. It's just like, we don't know what this is. Go off, go. I will say this old rock dudes making Christmas songs always makes me think a little bit because they're always singing with sustained notes and raspy tones. Like, oh, Christmas. That's not the melody. But y'all know what I'm talking about. Ah.
00:10:02 --> 00:10:20 You know, things like that. It's just... No. You know what I'm talking about there, right? I do. But I will say, the sussane notes, the raspy tones, it makes Christmas feel a little cooler because they're not trying to sound super like...
00:10:20 --> 00:10:48 kitchkey they're like we're gonna just play these chords that sound christmasy and sing about christmas enjoy um and because of that i feel like this song is uh was bearable in its original form um but yeah i think in its new iteration with the girls the sing-along christmas caroling is just fine and dandy and it was like granny told you that the old songs are best is like one of the
00:10:48 --> 00:11:15 I think I would have liked more of the old styling of the original version. Like the chorus could have been the sing song moment like this. But I will say this, this feels fun and easy for the girls. Like, you know, like it feels like karaoke. Like we all know this song. So let's all sing it together in unison. I can appreciate like the whole like Gabba together and let's sing. Let's do it y'all. I don't know what it was like a Southern and. Yeah.
00:11:16 --> 00:11:39 But yeah, I mean, like, unfortunately, because they are singing in so much unison, I didn't say captivate. Like, there was nothing to really give it pizzazz and hold my attention. But yeah, I don't think they really had time to, like, record this. But it's okay. I am grateful for any X-Ray Girls allowed vocals. The production, by the way, is crispy. And I like crispy crisps. So this is very crispy crisp.
00:11:40 --> 00:12:02 Yeah. I know the steps version, as I mentioned, pretty well. There is better, I would say. But yeah, I agree with you with the kind of gang vocal, the sing-along caroling kind of vocal. It's fine. And Sarah is kind of louder than everyone else. She sounds, I would say here. Yeah. But it does kind of get old.
00:12:02 --> 00:12:30 You know, so after once you hit the second version, you're kind of like, OK, I kind of get this. But I get that it's trying to also just encourage the listener to also just kind of join in, I guess. Oh, yeah. Nicola does do that little bridge, you know. Only if she has a moment. Yeah, which was great. You know, as you mentioned in other reviews we did of Girls Aloud, Brian loved that kind of innocent tone that she does. And it really works here. So I'm kind of here for that. Yeah, this is not my favorite version of this song.
00:12:30 --> 00:12:57 that's valid so I'll give it a 7 ooh I'll give it a sorry y'all I'll give it a 6.5 moving right along to Not Tonight Santa and this was done by S. Claus, Holly Bush, Henry Mistletoe, Bethlehem and Festive Gifts I was just going to say Xenomania but this is so fun to read these names it's so silly hang on hang on hang on wait what would your Christmas name be ooh ooh
00:12:58 --> 00:13:14 Oh, God, I'm not spontaneous or creative enough to come up with something on the spot. Me either. Let's take a pot and a little. Oh, my God. You mean Chris Mask, honey? Chris Mask. You're like Puerto Rican Chris. Chris Mask. More Chris. Oh, okay. Chris Mask. What are you? Um...
00:13:17 --> 00:13:39 the magic that i have for you i just don't have okay people come up with more fun um christmas pseudonyms for for names yes yes and if you have one of your own please let us know you want to if you want to put your real name you know first name and then like whatever your christmas name i guess these don't fully align with their real names right like holly bush is veranda cooper so it could be a full something else
00:13:39 --> 00:13:54 This is very true. Okay, I feel like I'll come up with mine later. It feels like a Christmas drag moment, honey. Yes. Chris Moss has his Chris Moss. You're not mad at the Chris Moss. Come on, Chris Moss. Oh, man.
00:13:54 --> 00:14:23 right so okay so not tonight santa this is the one that has a ton of streams and it does get included like on all the christmas playlists like globally so this has way more streams than any other song craziness album um like right now on spotify it has nine million what which is pretty great um almost 10 actually almost 10 which is awesome and i think that's why they chose this one to then remix for this new uh collection as well
00:14:23 --> 00:14:49 Yeah. But yeah, I'm here for that. Any extra attention for Girls Aloud? Yes. Yeah, this one's fun. I will say, I think the whole concept of, you know, I told Santa that I don't need him this year because I want you. I kind of love that as a concept. That's just very funny. And again, the lyrics are giving, you know, cheeky, rebellious teenager. You know, it's like, I love the pre-chorus of like the...
00:14:49 --> 00:15:03 You know, I'm sure you're hiding something hot you want to give to me and not another pair of socks from underneath the tree. Maybe not teenagers. Let's give it like college age. Come home for Christmas. Okay, sure. College age. Yeah. Because the song is a little smexy, I feel like. Yeah.
00:15:04 --> 00:15:20 That's valid. It is giving like almost kind of bratty. Yes. But I think, I think once you hit us, I don't know when it happens, but there's a certain age I think people get to, maybe not everyone, maybe just my, my old Grinchy, but, but there's an age that we all get to. We're just like, grr.
00:15:20 --> 00:15:42 give me something because this whole like snow is annoying because your drive especially if you drive snow is not giving like it's cute in concept you know what I'm saying the ice skating is fun you know the Christmas tree lighting is cute you know things like that but then you go shopping and everyone their mother is around you like you know it's one of those things where I'm like you know what Santa I don't need that
00:15:42 --> 00:16:05 Bring that man or whoever the heck you're interested in. And unfortunately for Santa, he is catching the strays. Poor Mr. Kringle. I mean, Adeem brings it back in the bridge. She's like, Santa, don't worry. I haven't fully forgotten about you. Yes, that made me laugh. But I need Cupid this year, not you. Right. That made me laugh so hard. I was like, girl, I told you. She said, listen.
00:16:05 --> 00:16:12 I don't hate you. I just can't date you. You feel me? So that's what the vibe was. I appreciate it. Like that chemistry B-side.
00:16:12 --> 00:16:38 Oh my God, yes! You know what? Okay. TTT. Oh, by the way, guys, listen. We did the chemistry album review. Watch that, okay? It's only like two weeks ago. You have time. Go check out our playlist. But yeah, I think it's so funny. It's giving, like, I don't want no old man down my chimney, but I'll let you peep inside my stocking if you show me yours. Like, it's so, so fun. I love that. And the production feels like the 80s, and I feel like this would have been so...
00:16:39 --> 00:17:02 so scandalous if like Tiffany or Debbie Gibson or even like a Belinda Carlisle would have released it and I think that's what's fun about it as well I would have loved to have seen this in one of those John Hugh film John Hughes films like if you made like a Christmas special for the Breakfast Club or anything with Molly Ringwald this would have been like so good to hear yeah you know I'm saying um because she's like I'm grown up now like with 16 cam you know things like that yeah
00:17:02 --> 00:17:26 I get what you're saying. I get why you're saying teenage. Like older teen. Older high school teen. Yeah, older teen. Where it's like, I'm too old for that. I know Christmas Santa doesn't exist. I want to kiss under the mistletoe. Yes, exactly. Yeah, I love that this is the one that somehow has just broken through, you know, onto all these Christmas playlists. So be interesting to see with the new remakes and everything if it gets more attention. But yeah, I'll give this one an 8.5. I do like Christmas Rounded R's better, I think.
00:17:26 --> 00:17:52 I like both of them. So I'm going to get an 8.5 as well. It's the same, same, same feel. Okay. Next up is Jingle Bell Rock, done by Jim Booth and Joe Beal and produced by Brian, or I guess S-Clause of Xenomania. And this is, of course, the cover of Jingle Bell Rock by Bobby Helms and the Tiny Boppers. And the girls did record the song because of the popularity of the Mean Girls film at the time.
00:17:52 --> 00:18:12 Yes. Oh my gosh. I mean, hello. Iron is hot. Strike it. Now please welcome everyone's favorite Christmas crackers. I was like, what is happening? They were being revealed in a Christmas cracker, yes.
00:18:12 --> 00:18:35 Listen, y'all. Listen, y'all. Here in America, especially to my people, this, I was like, like, hot firecracker? Or like a cookie? But then I saw it was a giant candy, and I was like, explain, explain, explain. So when I think of this song— It's not a candy, though. It's a cookie? You pull it. So basically, you each hold one end, you pull it, and then stuff comes out of it. Like, not a firecracker, but like a confetti popper.
00:18:36 --> 00:19:05 I mean, kind of. It's just like very specific for Christmas, but it is a British thing. That is so fun. I'm going to go on Wikipedia. Hold. We need a little cultural moment or something. Sorry to all the British people, because I'm assuming most people listening to this are British. We're sorry. It's totally fine. We do not really use Christmas crackers. I know they use them in Canada, but they're also a Commonwealth country, so that makes sense.
00:19:06 --> 00:19:28 Okay. You know, I appreciate you educating. It looks like a giant candy. Okay. But it's made of cardboard. Okay. And you pull it apart by two people. Cute. And then one person gets the bigger side with the thing in it. Oh, hence what Cheryl and Niccolo are holding. Why it's so big. Okay.
00:19:28 --> 00:19:50 Or is that like too big? Oh, that one was pretty big. They're normally like more like a toilet roll, maybe size. At least the ones that I've seen, like theirs is big. Oh my God. Okay. That's so fun. All right. Cool. Like I said, I just, every time I think about this song, I think about that performance at Christmas mania. And I was like, huh? What? So again, I'm you. And that is our lesson on the Christmas cracker.
00:19:50 --> 00:20:02 cultural pop culture moments like you know i needed we needed a pop culture moment um but yeah this one makes the show so great because it's like i'm learning you're teaching we're both learning and also i had to go wikipedia
00:20:04 --> 00:20:24 He reads, okay? Don't try to read us. Speaking of reading and lines and stuff like that, I think the line distribution in this song is good. I appreciate that everyone sang on this one. Sure. So, yeah, I mean, this is like a classic. I think everyone knows Jingle Bell Rock, right? It is from the Americas, right, I want to say? It's from America? I think so. I think so.
00:20:24 --> 00:20:52 Okay, good. We can claim this one. So I always think it's so interesting that, like, America's greatest export will always be, like, people and music. I don't know how we became, like, we have song. You listen to song. It's your song now. Like, I don't know how that happened for us, but I think it's interesting that Jingle Bell Rock has transcended time and ages. And apparently overseas likes it, too. But, yeah, shout-out to the Mean Girls soundtrack and that crazy, scandalous dance for the high schoolers to do it. That was hilarious. And...
00:20:52 --> 00:21:06 I would say, unfortunately, the plastics outdanced the girls that are in a forfeit. They did. I like the little shimmy. That dance routine was a little rough.
00:21:06 --> 00:21:28 You know, it was giving like in between promotions, you know, which is kind of what was happening. But yeah, for sure. Thanks for the time. But no, I like their version. It's quite true to the original. Like it almost feels like it could have been made in a way to like if the plastics needed, you know, a girl version to dance to, you could kind of easily switch it out and make it this one. Yes.
00:21:28 --> 00:21:37 Yeah. And, you know, it makes sense. The fans, I think, overlap with Mean Girls. I think Mean Girls was released maybe the year before this, so still quite relevant at the time.
00:21:38 --> 00:22:00 But yeah, I also said the same thing on vocal distribution. I think Kimberly was kind of shafted here. I think she really only gets like one line maybe. But Sarah and Nadine sound great. Yeah. You know, they kind of got that soulfulness that really works in a song like this. They don't get to use as much in Girls Aloud's stuff. So it's nice to hear that. Yeah, I also just think of this performance and how...
00:22:00 --> 00:22:27 let's think of the dance routine and how oh how kind of silly it is i'm walking like side to side yeah and the twirling yeah anyway i get something this one and eight okay i can you know i can match you i don't dislike i mean i like i think i actually like this one christmas oh yeah oh next is count the days
00:22:28 --> 00:22:48 Sorry, I don't know why. What accent was that? Listen, feel free to drag me in the comments. I'm terrible at a British accent. I don't know why. That was supposed to be a British accent? Feel free to drag me. I know I was wrong. Okay, anyone who can guess what regional accent do you think Chantel was trying to impersonate, please put down in the comments.
00:22:49 --> 00:23:12 Also hype us up. By the way, YouTube has this new feature called Hype Points. Yeah. Y'all hype us up. Hype me up. I can get better if I have some Hype Points. I'm joking. I'm joking. I'm joking. I'm not joking though. Feel free to go some hikes. Give us some likes. We're like halfway through this little project, which is crazy because I want more from them because I think they're so camp and fun. If there's any more like hidden Christmas tracks, I wish there were like any special ones. I wish they would just release it.
00:23:12 --> 00:23:22 But yeah, so right on to count the days. We have S. Claus, Holly Bush, Henry Mistletoe, Bethlehem, and Festive Gifts. So Chris Mass, can you kick us off?
00:23:29 --> 00:23:51 I love Count the Days. Yeah. So I actually do love kind of a more sentimental, sad Christmas moment, which is why I love Kelly Clarkson's Christmas stuff so much. She has like really like heart wrenching Christmas songs. And it's good to switch it up a little bit, you know, give us a little bit more of a slower one.
00:23:51 --> 00:24:15 Yes, variety. Yeah, I think this is great. And they all sound really good. I will say I think the verses are stronger than the chorus. Yes, I would say too. But the verses are so strong that I think it's actually fine. Because every single melody is so good. Like Nadine sounds so good on that first verse. I love, you know, Chamola having their little kind of alternating lines at the end of the first verse.
00:24:15 --> 00:24:40 Kimberly actually gets a lot here and sounds great with her little back and forth with Nadine. And then Sarah gets this kind of conversational, kind of internalized kind of moment that she just executes super well. So I love this one. I get why maybe this is the most underrated or I guess the one that's kind of looked over the most. Because the other three originals are just so fun.
00:24:40 --> 00:25:06 Yeah. But I think this one is so good. I do listen to this one every holiday. Oh, really? That's so sweet. Yeah. Okay, listen. We are here for the emotion. That makes sense. But yes, I think having Nadine kick it off was perfection. We love a yearning queen. Yearn, honey, yearn. Make us snow in the summer. Yeah.
00:25:07 --> 00:25:16 That's not the melody, but I just have to say that because I'm like, make it snow under summer. The way she sings is either sounds super country or super soulful. And I love that. It's lovely.
00:25:17 --> 00:25:45 And I love that, like, that, like, hang on, what are you going to give me-ness of her voice? Nicola sounds wistful, and I think that's what you need. Not everything has to sound like, oh, I'm about to take this to church or take it to, I guess, to the backyard, depending on the dean's tone. You know, that's what this was kind of giving. It felt like the story was like, you know, back in the day when, you know, the wives would wait for their men to come home from the military. Yeah.
00:25:45 --> 00:25:56 Oh, you know, that's very sweet. Because me, I was like, I'll be waiting by the phone, telling my baby to come up. Where is this man? How dare you break up with me before the holidays? If you're broke, just say that damn fool. I have a much more cinematic thought.
00:26:00 --> 00:26:25 excuse me excuse me why why you know what chris you're so much you're somewhat yeah i i could i can accept that i know when to yield my brain was just like how dare you where are you does my thought idea make sense i think it does in the lyrics i think they're like soon we'll be back together right that's how they kind of end the chorus yeah no no you're still right me y'all let me tell you something right now it's on christmas telling christmas i mean i wasn't wrong i was on christmas
00:26:27 --> 00:26:44 Is that just my name for the month? No. Sorry, Chris. I was telling Chris, I was like, I'm tired of swiping. So I'm in a little bit of a romantically cynical mood. I can admit that. Yeah.
00:26:46 --> 00:26:58 I'm not bitter. I'm joking. I'm totally joking. But I just think it's so funny because I just heard, like, I'm waiting by the phone till my baby comes home. I'm like, dang, where'd he go? But it makes sense. If somebody has gone away...
00:27:01 --> 00:27:23 I'm so sorry, y'all. I'm not. I'm not taking it back. But Chris, valid points, 10 out of 10. So Zenomania really captured the solemn truth of some people's Christmas. Not everyone has someone to celebrate with or their distance keeps them from being able to properly really enjoy the holiday if your family is super far away or if your loved one is far away.
00:27:23 --> 00:27:49 all jokes aside though that's what i do have in my notes y'all so i did come back to earth and i was like you know what this is a truth for some people it's like i can't get to you or like maybe your loved one is really far away and can't you know you can't see them or you know something you know something happened we don't know but it's you know it's not all jingle bells and batman smells sometimes it's like you know robin laid the rotten egg and this is the rotten egg but it's a beautiful rotten egg and i enjoy it and kimberly i finally hear you girl
00:27:49 --> 00:28:18 Finally. Finally. Welcome to the party. Welcome to the Christmas party. Yes. So I'll give this one a nine. Oh. I was about to say nine. Nice. Yeah, that's fun too. Next up is I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day. Chantel does not. This one was done by Roy Wood and produced by S-Clause. And this is, of course, the cover of the song by glam rock band Wizard.
00:28:24 --> 00:28:44 You know, I wish it was Halloween every day. Or Valentine's Day. In my defense, I like Halloween and Valentine's Day. Ooh, not the face. I like Halloween and Valentine's Day. Yes, I am that girly. The candy, the colors, the costume, the spooky-dookiness of it all. Give me that. And maybe Easter because of the rabbits. Yeah.
00:28:44 --> 00:29:12 Um, but yes, Nadine sounds like a country singer on this one. And I'm not mad. I'm not mad. Um, it is giving soulful, but I just love her tone. I think you just, it helps break up that pop monotony that is a little bit present in the general sound of like pop girl groups. And I think it's good to have her as like a, um, I guess a quote, quote, lead vocalist. I hate using that word. Not saying that the other girls can't sing, but it's something that you kind of, uh,
00:29:12 --> 00:29:16 It catches your attention. I think it's good to have it.
00:29:16 --> 00:29:44 I think that the line distribution is a redeemer in this case. Like, it's nice to hear them relay the song the way I wanted to hear before, before coming into that unison caroler vibe. Like, before it was just like, we're all going to sing in unison. We're all going to sit there and sing together. I'm like, oh, my God, this is killing me. But Christmas Everybody, I guess, just needed that to happen so that this—
00:29:44 --> 00:30:10 could be a little bit more exciting so which would be christmas every day has a little bit more of a zhuzh for me i'm like yes i like the dance break moment um it was cute i don't dislike this one i do like the original one as well i think i'm just i'm i'm i like old rock music because of my dad so i do like the older version not better but i do like it um and this one is it's cool it's cool and the performance is is cool
00:30:12 --> 00:30:28 I was more tickled by the people that show up. They're like, I was Liz from Atomic Kitten and I was Lee from Blue. And it's like, oh my God, all those groups had broken up by then. They're all attempting solo careers. Which is a very interesting time in British pop. So that was pretty funny. Um...
00:30:29 --> 00:30:57 Yeah, I do like this one. I think this song's a fun one. This is another one that I think you're right. Like, for some reason, the American Christmas songs have kind of just transcended all global lines, I guess. But then some of these British ones, they don't really make it over here as much. Yeah. Which is interesting. I do remember the last version of the song that I had heard when they did the big reunion, you know, with Atomic Kitten and Blue and Bewitched and everyone. Yeah.
00:30:57 --> 00:31:22 released a version of this with all of them on it yeah so i do remember that um it sounds like a cluster duck it sounds like a lot of people i believe that it was oh we are the world but you know what i actually do think the song is fun it's yeah like i mentioned the melody is very fun to sing along to um and it's very joyful and i like christmas so i'm kind of here for that okay
00:31:22 --> 00:31:49 I agree with you about what you're saying about Nadine. Like, she does get quite a lot here. I do wish she got some ad-libs at the end. Oh, yeah. At least we get that little run at the end. You know, I'm here for that. And she lip-synced it very well at Christmas Mania as well. I don't know if you saw. She did that whole little moment very well. She's a great lip-syncer. Sometimes. Not cool. Yeah. You know, when you're a great singer, it's kind of hard to go...
00:31:49 --> 00:32:11 You know what? Lip syncing is actually an art form, though. It is. I suck at it. You gotta match your breaths, and you gotta match exactly how wide your mouth would be if you were singing. And that's where a lot of people struggle. Yeah. Hello, me. I suck at lip syncing. Y'all will know. I like their version. I...
00:32:11 --> 00:32:37 Yeah, I think the original is actually quite good, so I don't know if this brings anything that new to it. And I like their original stuff more. So I think in the grand scheme of things, I'll give it a 7.5, but I don't not like it. Okay, I will give it a 7. Okay. Up next is I Want to Kiss You So, Christmas in a Nutshell. And this was done by S. Claus, Holly Bush, Henry Mistletoe, Bethlehem, and Festive Gifts. Mm-hmm.
00:32:44 --> 00:32:53 I don't know how more dramatic I could have made that. But that's why I think, like, I want to kiss you so, you know? Chris in a nutshell. That's it.
00:32:54 --> 00:33:21 Basically, this is what the song is about. This is such a random subtitle. Yeah. This one's super fun. This is another one. I feel like all four of their originals could really be pushed onto these playlists. Because I think all four are really, really good, actually. I do. And yeah, I will say, though, I think this is another one where maybe the verses are stronger than the chorus, though. But I do like the kind of sweetness of the sentiment of, you know, wanting the kiss under the mistletoe. But I feel like the verses are just funny.
00:33:21 --> 00:33:39 You know, like Sarah's, especially with her bum getting cold. Her bum. Her bum. She loves singing about her bum. Her bum. Yeah. And Cheryl, like, wanting to go out party on Christmas Eve. Yes, let's go. Not wanting to help, you know. Kimberly, yet again, shafted, though. Yeah. Yeah.
00:33:39 --> 00:34:01 Yeah. Which is crazy. I do remember at the time when this came out, everyone loved the fish bash bong at the end. Oh, yeah. The on-mata-pea. That sounds like Dr. Seuss. Sounds like Dr. Seuss. Yeah. I really like this one. I would say, though, I think this might be my least favorite of the four originals, but I still like it a lot.
00:34:01 --> 00:34:17 Yes, I know what you mean. But listen, I hear that, I hear that, well, I gotta help. You know, if Santa needs a helper, why gotta be me? I didn't sign up for this. No offense. No offense, I don't like physical labor.
00:34:17 --> 00:34:33 Like, I sound so lazy, but I work really hard. And then if I have to sit here and work on a holiday as well, I'm supposed to be, oh, I, nope. Like, nope. I'm a very much like, here, here's the gift. Like, you've got a first hand.
00:34:34 --> 00:34:48 Or I put in a gift bag. I'm more about a gift bag as opposed to, like, the wrapping. But I... Yeah, I sell... That, and I'm saving the trees, folks. I save my gift bags. Do you? Do you? I save my wrapping paper. Do you? Right. So, don't...
00:34:49 --> 00:35:11 No one says it. No one says it. I try to open my gift wrapping very nicely. If someone gives me a nice gift bag, sometimes I save it so that I can use it again next year. That's what I do. But the wrapping paper, no. Okay. Yeah, that makes sense. But I try to like, you know, just nicely open it, you know. Not that I reuse it for the same size, but if I need like a smaller square, just, you know, you know.
00:35:11 --> 00:35:26 But not everyone does that. I get it. Or like using reusable wrapping paper. My mom started doing that and I was like, brilliant, brilliant. Please stop wasting the trees. Not trying to shame anyone. I'm just, I'm not a wrappy girly. But yes, this one is a little bit more optimistic. Finally.
00:35:27 --> 00:35:54 I mean, it feels... I feel like all these songs are pretty optimistic, no? No, it was like... I mean, the first one was like, oh my God, my family is annoying me. Uncles were catching Fade's grandmas. The other one was like, Santa, get this step in. I'm trying to get it. I'm trying to get this mick in a box. You feel me? Okay, sure, sure. This one's more just like, oh my gosh. It's still kind of like, kiss me only. Only kiss me underneath the mistletoe, which I appreciate.
00:35:55 --> 00:36:17 This one feels age appropriate for a teen. I just try to see my boo or whatever. But yeah, I think the course is a little meh, I would say. But I do appreciate the sentiment. The bridge into the last course is the most fun, I feel. And the outro, like I said, it's giving. And they were wazoodling their wazugles. And it was giving very, like, Dr. Seuss.
00:36:17 --> 00:36:38 And Whoville. I feel like the Who's would have enjoyed this. Like Cindy Lou Who. You know. When she grows up a little bit. And kisses only. Kisses under the mistletoe. So yeah. I don't dislike this one. My heart grew about two sizes bigger. Okay. With this one. So it's cute. But 7.5 I'd say. Okay. I'll do an 8. 8.
00:36:39 --> 00:36:50 And the last song on Christmas Rounded R's is White Christmas. Done by Irving Berlin. And of course, this version produced by S-Claws of Zanimania.
00:36:56 --> 00:37:26 So what do you think of this synthy version of White Christmas? Not the synthy version. You know, the production makes the song sound cool and cold. It feels like neon lights in a club night the weekend before Christmas. But I wish the song would have just gone on full. Like, give me like, I'm, you know, I'm dreaming of a white Christmas. You're imagining a beat. Christmas. Yeah, I wanted. I wanted. And I got.
00:37:26 --> 00:37:48 you did not get that I didn't get oonz at all where's my U-N-T-Z where's my oonz oonz you got twinkly synths instead right no boots and cats and boots and cats I didn't get none of that no boots no cats no nothing um but yeah I'm like I need some pulse I need some more bounds like the song is already dry oh I'm dreaming of a white Christmas like I can't
00:37:49 --> 00:38:14 it makes me tired already the song like originally doesn't mean it wasn't beautiful so shout out to irving berlin for being like one of the best composers ever i totally get that i first went i understand but i agree with you just for the record i actually hate white christmas it's one of my least favorite christmas songs maybe ever yeah
00:38:14 --> 00:38:24 Understandably so. I mean, at least in the second verse, we got some guitars, strings, and Sarah. Yes. Sarah saves that. Thank God.
00:38:24 --> 00:38:54 Kimberly sounds like a theater singer on it, which makes sense. Like I'm here for her, you know, cause she, she's very wide when she sings her parts. And what I would say is like certain like syllables. I don't care for. Yeah. But nothing crazy. Like something vowel sounds. I'm like, Oh, could have maybe close there. I mean, like, you know, E as opposed to the, uh, sounds, but like nothing crazy. That's just me like nitpicking. But I think Kimberly should have gotten a lot more throughout because her voice eventually became a theater voice.
00:38:54 --> 00:39:18 a developed theater voice so she would have been great it would have given the camp that it needed for sure yeah i i mean this version is unique you know it's not as drab as some of the other ones that exist in the world um so it does make it a little less boring so i will say of all the versions of white christmas this one is one of the better ones for me uh
00:39:18 --> 00:39:46 And yeah, I will also, at least you have five voices that are quite different. So having them constantly switch the lines and switch it up the second time it comes around as well, you know, again, keeps it, keeps to be interested at least. So if I have to listen to White Christmas, I would, this would be a version I would consider for sure. And yeah, I also shouted out, I think Kimberly, Nicola and Sarah all killed this. Yes. Yeah. All killed this for sure. So yeah. Mm-hmm.
00:39:46 --> 00:40:14 For their version, I'll give it a seven. Okay, I respect that. I was just thinking about Nadine. Oh, I'm dreaming of a white Christmas. Not you, Adam. Come on, tell me I wouldn't do that. Oh, I'm dreaming of a white Christmas.
00:40:14 --> 00:40:41 Not making fun of her. I just think that she just has such a great voice. Yeah. I would have loved that. Sorry to the listeners. That's more what current Nadine would do. Oh, you're right. Yeah. I'm dreaming. Hang on. Of a white Christmas. I'm never going to be. Is that better? Is it softer? Sure. It's hard. I have live version of Nadine in my head. Makes sense.
00:40:43 --> 00:41:07 Don't waste your time. All right, guys. So I don't want to waste any more of your time, guys. So I will give this a, I want to say a 6.5, but it's leaning toward a 7, I'd say. Okay. All right. So that concludes Christmas Round at R. So we're at our Cut or Keep section. So if you had to cut a song off this little collection, what would you cut and why?
00:41:08 --> 00:41:24 If I had to cut a song from this, I think it's pretty obvious. It has the lowest score for me. It'd be White Christmas. It just doesn't do anything. And I think to fill up the quota, I guess it's better than Silent Night. Or like, oh, my God, I hate Silent Night.
00:41:24 --> 00:41:47 That may be my absolute least favorite Christmas song. That song sucks. I'm sorry. Oh, Jesus. Have you heard the Temptations one? In my mind. I think so. That one makes us black households across America. We all go in my mind. Because why did he add that part? Silent night. Isn't their version like eight minutes long or something?
00:41:48 --> 00:42:08 Yeah, but like Eddie sings, Blue sings. It's funny because everybody gets a part. Okay. Shae for Squaite. Yeah. Okay, anyway. White Christmas can go. Bye. Sorry, guys. Yeah, I agree. White Christmas can leave. Uh-huh. Mm-hmm.
00:42:08 --> 00:42:32 uh if i had to keep a song oh so hard is it um let me see i would probably keep the title track christmas rounded ours i think it's a great christmas song dang it okay um i guess i would keep um it would not be count the days because i don't like the sad like you know i don't mind sad but just not for christmas too much uh wait till we review kelly's christmas album
00:42:34 --> 00:43:04 Oh, no. I'm already a sad girl. It's so good. I bet it is. I don't need to be crying. I don't know. Oh, goodness. Let's see. I'm going to pick not tonight, Santa. Not today, Satan. That's what it's giving. Okay, so overall thoughts. You never heard this before. No. So what did you think? You know, when I was sitting on the train and I was listening to this, I rolled my eyes
00:43:04 --> 00:43:34 two of the eight times that I had to listen to the song. So that's not bad. Right? So it's eight tracks. I rolled my eyes twice. And I think I've made it obvious which songs I rolled my eyes for. And so not bad. Not bad. The percentages are in your favor. I think I do hear Zinomania. I do enjoy the girls' cheekiness. And I think that's what saves this album is that I can hear them in it. And it didn't feel too much like, you know,
00:43:34 --> 00:43:57 Let me do a bunch of covers and make them synthy. And so I appreciate that. So thank you to the Christmas team. Yeah, I really like this little project that they did. It was, first off, very creative idea. And I do wonder if it did push sales as well to have this kind of whole separate thing going. Yeah.
00:43:57 --> 00:44:19 And yeah, Xenomania and their quirkiness, like some Christmas songs are just so boring sometimes with the lyrics. You know, sometimes even with the melodies are really fun. Like they all just kind of talk about the exact same thing. And so having this is just very refreshing. Like when it shows up in a Christmas playlist, like they stand out in such a good way. Yeah, totally. You know?
00:44:19 --> 00:44:40 So I'm glad they're also giving it so much love as well that they did kind of give it its own release and kind of giving it its own moment right now after the chemistry release. So, yeah, I'm here for it. I'll give it an eight as a project. Hmm. I know I gave some low scores, but I'm trying to think.
00:44:40 --> 00:45:07 If I think about the whole thing with chemistry and then putting this on there, I think it's a great idea. So I will match you. I'll give it an 8. I don't want to give it too low of a score because I think it's not fair. So I'll give it an 8 as well. Alouda! What do you think of the Christmas Round at Hours album? Let us know in the comments below. Celebrate Popmas with us, okay? Let us know your favorite Christmas song as well. Help me help turn this Grinch into a...
00:45:07 --> 00:45:30 Less of a Grinch. So don't forget you can hang out with us and the crew on Patreon, including Lily, Emily, George, Jonathan, Jasmine, Julianne, Darius, Ren, Hillary, Ellie, Nick, and Luke. And don't forget you can follow us on social media at CCTV Pops on everything. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and turn on those notifications for your YouTube channel. For our YouTube channel.
00:45:32 --> 00:45:44 If you're enjoying the show on a podcast platform, please give us a follow, rating, and a review. Until next time, that's Chris. That's Chantel. Caroling off from CCTV, the nonstop pop show.