Released: 19 November 2021
Leona Lewis rings in the holidays with a repackage of her fourth album ‘Christmas, With Love’.
The reissue – which marks its vinyl debut – features the original 10-track collection plus two new cuts, Kiss Me It’s Christmas and a cover of Bee Gees’ If I Can’t Have You.
A decade on, the album remains a timeless holiday staple, with modern classic One More Sleep the jewel in Leona’s festive crown.
There’s plenty to applaud; originals Your Hallelujah and Mr. Right are brilliant and Leona’s vocals stand out – particularly on the sublime Ave Maria.
However, the lack of new material on the reissue risks offsetting the excitement and leaves us lamenting what could have been.
R&B ballad Kiss Me It’s Christmas is strong, but the inconsistency between the single version (featuring Ne-Yo) and vinyl edition (with Iain James) is jarring and suggests the project was rushed to capitalise on the holidays.
Meanwhile, If I Can’t Have You – performed in Leona’s trademark ballad style – is sweet if somewhat out of place on a holiday record.
Do the new tracks add to the set? Absolutely. But whether or not they warranted a full reissue of the album is another question…
‘Christmas, with Love Always’ is available digitally and on vinyl.
