Happy Christmas, Boney M (Ariola)

This reggae-tinged Europop group was one of the biggest acts in Britain and Europe during the late 70s and early 80s, and they managed to notch one top 40 hit in the U.S., their cover of the Melodians' "Rivers of Babylon." The act was created by German record producer Frank Farian when he needed a group for live performances of a minor hit called "Baby Do You Wanna Bump." Farian is better known, or more notorious if you prefer, for creating Milli Vanilli. Anyway, they had a European hit with "Mary's Boy Child/Oh My Lord," paving the way for this 1981 album. The hit is the best thing here, although you might enjoy the "Ob-La-Di" flavored version of "Feliz Navidad," the synthpop "First Noel," or a reggae take on "White Christmas." A possible follow-up could be their own original "Zion's Daughter," riding on a rock/calypso lilt, or their Europop original "I'll Be Home For Christmas," not to be confused with the popular one. Like the version of "Little Drummer Boy" that opens the CD, however, the rest of the album is a mix of classic tunes and originals in undistinguished arrangements. My budget German reissue of it is almost worth having just for the promotion page inside the CD booklet for other albums you might like, including one by "David Hassel Hoff."