Merry Christmas... Have a Nice Life!, Cyndi Lauper (Epic)

Cyndi already had a bit of history with Christmas, having previously recorded "Early Christmas Morning" and "Feels Like Christmas." Both of these are here on this 1998 collection, along with several other co-written or written by herself. Of the originals, "Early" is one of the better holiday rockers to incorporate a children's choir, and the most party fun will be had by those who cue up "Christmas Conga" and "Minnie and Santa," the former self-explanatory and the latter a great bit about a woman who sets out to seduce the jolly elf. And succeeds; no wonder The Bobs changed Mack Rice's tune to "Mrs. Claus Wants Some Lovin'." There are some covers too, including "Three Ships," "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" and "Silent Night." Overall, Cyndi strikes a fair balance between party fun and holiday balladry on this album, though I personally prefer the former. There's a budget version of this album called Feels Like Christmas that leaves off several songs, including "Early Christmas Morning," and substitutes a couple non-holiday items.