Australian pop singer-songwriter extraordinaire Sia delivers an enjoyable album of original Christmas songs on ‘Everday is Christmas.’  

Sia has accomplished a lot throughout her career.  While her own music has been impactful, particularly the likes of “Chandelier,” “Alive,” and “Cheap Thrills,” she’s also written great music for others.  Right now, she’s sitting pretty. What better for the accomplished pop singer-songwriter to do than write a Christmas album? Despite the fact that Everday is Christmas ended up being an accidental album, it’s an enjoyable, spirited original Christmas album.

“Santa’s Coming for Us” 

Sia kicks off Everyday is Christmas enjoyably with groovy original “Santa’s Coming for Us.”  The production work is bright and energetic.  Matching the production work, Sia delivers her usual brand of distinct, energetic vocals, intact with her signature vocal cracks.  Her tone always stands out.  This carries over to the vintage pop-soul sound of “Candy Cane Lane.” Like the opener, there’s a sentiment of ‘tongue-n-cheek.’  This goes with the territory of holiday music, particularly original, pop-holiday music.

“Snowman”

“Snowman” slackens the pace and contrasts the groove of the previous duo.  Even more than “Santa’s Coming for Us” or “Candy Cane Lane,” Sia is able to show off her marvelous instrument.  Furthermore, the songwriting gets an upgrade. Fittingly, “Snowflake” follows (see the connection), keeping the tempo on the slow side of the metronome.  The difference is that “Snowman” is a bit more energetic, more interesting, and better-rounded.

“Ho Ho Ho” expectedly infuses more energy, fun, and ‘tongue-n-cheek’ sensibility into Everyday is Christmas.  As its title suggests, it’s silly.  Beyond the lyrics, the production is gimmicky as well.  Perhaps it’s not the next great Christmas classic, but definitely spirited.  Speaking of tongue-n-cheek, “Puppies are Forever” is incredibly novel.  As the title suggests, Sia sings about the greatness of puppies…  To her credit, it’s over rock-solid, vintage pop production.  Furthermore, puppies are pretty great.

“Underneath the Mistletoe”

“Sunshine” keeps things sunny – cheery to the nth degree.  It’s respectable, but not necessarily the crème de la crème of Everyday is Christmas.  That said, follow-up “Underneath the Mistletoe” is a strong contender as the crowning achievement – the tour de force. Think of everything that makes a great Sia song, and “Underneath the Mistletoe” possesses that magic, holiday cut or not.  Vocally, she sounds absolutely superb.

Title track “Everyday is Christmas” continues the pleasantry that is Everyday is Christmas, not to mention the holiday itself.  It’s not a game changer, but again, spirited.  “Underneath the Christmas Lights” concludes the 35-minute effort slowly and lovingly.

Final Thoughts 

All in all, Everyday is Christmas checks off the boxes for a holiday album.  As an album of originals, it’s a bit of a tougher sale because of the lack of familiarity.  Even so, Sia has her fair share of moments.  The likes of “Snowman” and “Underneath the Mistletoe” are surefire gems.

Gems: “Santa’s Coming for Us,” “Snowman” & “Underneath the Mistletoe”

Sia • Everday is Christmas • RCA • Release: 11.17.17

Photo Credit: RCA