Cher, DJ Play A Christmas Song | Track Review

Iconic singer and actress Cher falls a wee bit short of the mark on “DJ Play A Christmas Song,” the lead single from her 2023 holiday album, Christmas.

Writing brand-new, worthwhile holiday and Christmas songs is a tall task. Novelty songs truly have to be penned just right.  That is why many new songs penned for the holidays are meh at best, or worst – sus. Cher is an icon – NOBODY will dispute or take that away from her.  However, her new Christmas original, “DJ Play A Christmas Song”, the promo single from her album, Christmas (arrives October 20, 2023) is… a bit questionable. To be fair, Cher is 77 years old, so, the expectations aren’t through the roof – she proved herself long ago. Still, there’s a very slim chance that “DJ Play A Christmas Song” becomes your favorite holiday song …

Cher has plenty of talent in her corner on “DJ Play A Christmas Song.” It was written by Leland (Brett McLaughlin), JHart, jesse saint john, Lionel Crasta, Mark Schick, and Sarah Hudson.  It was produced by Mark Taylor, who concocts a familiar,  electro pop backdrop we’ve come to associate with Cher – rhythmic synths and a pounding dance beat. Despite talented individuals collaborating with the icon, “DJ Play A Christmas Song” falls short. The vocals sound sus.  There far too many effects, and I question the quality, particularly in the verses… To her credit, Cher serves up more powerful, potent vocals in the chorus. The songwriting comes from a good place – one of the necessity for joy in the most wonderful time of the year –  but still feels a bit  flimsy. There’s an abrupt key change prior to the final chorus. It would’ve been nice to have had there been more momentum leading up to the modulation or a transitional chord. Cher is and will always be an icon.  The collaborators working with her are talented. BUT, as for me, in the case of “DJ Play A Christmas Song”, quoting the legendary Randy Jackson, it’s a NO from me dawg. Mid at best.

Cher • Christmas • Warner • 10.20.23

[: Brent Faulkner/The Musical Hype; Warner; OpenClipart-Vectors, PIRO via Pixabay]