It's Christmas, of Course

Released in 2007, 'It's Christmas, of Course' serves as a spiritual successor to Darlene Love's legendary contributions to the 1963 Phil Spector holiday album. Rather than attempting to recreate the Wall of Sound, producer Rob Cavallo opts for a crisp, modern soul-rock aesthetic that highlights Love's enduring vocal power. The album is notable for its repertoire, eschewing 'Jingle Bells' in favor of covers by The Pretenders, Tom Petty, and XTC. This choice positions the album as a 'cool' holiday record, appealing to fans of classic rock and deep soul. Critically, it was praised for Love's vocal preservation and the tasteful, non-gimmicky arrangements. It stands as a late-career triumph, proving that Love's association with Christmas is based on genuine artistry rather than mere nostalgia. The inclusion of 'Santa Claus Go Straight to the Ghetto' and '2000 Miles' showcases her ability to bridge the gap between 60s R&B and 80s/90s rock sensibilities.