Anyone who knows a little about Bobby Darin expects the unexpected.  Bobby’s Christmas album, recorded in August of 1960, is a gem and an original take on what can be expected from a popular singer’s Christmas album.  There are no missing two front teeth, no watching out for Santa, nor any jingle bells.  Instead of commercial Christmas pop, Bobby Darin, then at the height of his popularity, presented a series of hymns and spirituals sung with reverential devotion.

The tradition of singing Christmas hymns goes back to the 13th century when groups of people gathered to sing them, usually before the Christmas holiday.  Hymns were not meant for the voice of the solo artist.  Anyone who knows more than a little about Bobby Darin would expect Bobby to be aware of this tradition. When talking to Bobby Scott, arranger for this album, it must have seemed very appropriate for them to include a beautifully arranged chorus to sing along with and behind Darin’s lead.  O, Come All Ye Faithful, with its beautiful ending, is a perfect example of this heritage.

Darin’s plan for the album also included the idea of sharing lesser known songs that came out of the African-Amercian tradition of spirituals - songs that expressed faith and provided comfort for an enslaved people.  Through these spirituals, Bobby brought us into the excitement of the southern gospel culture.  Poor Little Jesus brings us a very effective Bobby Darin at his edgy, soulful best, singing about the birth of Jesus and the pity of His being born in a manger with no cradle. 

The 25th Day of December is a very special album that contains a number of highllights.  A beautifully arranged hymn Holy, Holy, Holy is a gorgeous Darin vocal whose voice is especially full and well supported here.  French horns lend a lovely, authentic touch.  Mary, Where Is Your Baby? is a fabulous foot-stomping, seat shaking, hand clapping gospel song that is sung with zest and enthusiasm by Bobby.  His rendition of Ave Maria is one of the great heartfelt versions of this gorgeous Gounod-Bach melody.  Darin’s Latin is perfection. His diction is impeccable and all beautifully phrased.  Breathtaking.  It is said that Bobby’s singing of Christmas Auld Lang Syne was Elvis’ favorite and that he listened to it over and over.  Once you hear Darin’s beautiful, baritone pipes, you will do the same. This recording should have been as big a hit as White Christmas.

Don’t miss this holiday present from Bobby Darin to all of his fans.

Happy holidays to all darin fans now and to come.

Dona nobis pacem.

                                            

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