Christmas with Babyface
Studio album by
Babyface
ReleasedOctober 27, 1998
StudioBrandon's Way Recording
Ocean Way (Hollywood)
Genre
Length40:20
LabelEpic
Producer
Babyface chronology
Unplugged
(1997) 		Christmas with Babyface
(1998) 		A Collection of His Greatest Hits
(2000)

Christmas with Babyface is the fifth studio album by American singer Babyface. It was released by Epic Records on October 27, 1998, in the United States. The album is a follow-up to his first live album, MTV Unplugged NYC 1997 (1997), as well as his first Christmas album. Produced by Walter Afanasieff, Christmas with Babyface consists of ten tracks, featuring one original song, "You Were There" from the film Simon Birch, and ten cover versions of Christmas standards and carols. It peaked at number 101 on the US Billboard 200 and number 34 on the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.[1]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[2]

AllMusic editor Leo Stanley wrote that "those years he spent perfecting his style were put to good use – not only did he turn into a reliable hitmaker, but he developed an alluring, mellow sound that appealed to all generations of listeners, which is exactly what is needed for a successful holiday album. And Christmas with Babyface is exactly that – a warm, friendly, and inviting holiday record, with enough soul for younger listeners and enough style for old folks. It may not be a classic, but it is a lovely record ideal for romantic winter nights or relaxed holiday parties."[2]

Track listing

All tracks were produced by Walter Afanasieff; except "You Were There," produced by Babyface.[3]

Christmas with Babyface track listing
No.TitleLength
1."Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer"4:03
2."Winter Wonderland"3:13
3."The Christmas Song"3:13
4."White Christmas"4:37
5."The Little Drummer Boy"4:04
6."I'll Be Home for Christmas"3:58
7."It Came Upon a Midnight Clear"/"The First Noel"4:16
8."Sleigh Ride"3:32
9."Silent Night"4:33
10."You Were There"4:58

Charts

Chart (1998) Peak
position
US Billboard 200[4] 101
US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard)[1] 34

Certifications

Region Certification Certified units/sales
Japan (RIAJ)[5] Gold 100,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

References

  1. ^ a b "Babyface Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved August 28, 2020.
  2. ^ a b Stanley, Leo. Christmas with Babyface at AllMusic. Retrieved November 25, 2020.
  3. ^ Christmas with Babyface (booklet). Epic Records. 1998.
  4. ^ "Babyface Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved August 28, 2020.
  5. ^ "Japanese album certifications – ベイビーフェイス – クリスマス・ウィズ・ベイビーフェイス" (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan. Select 1998年12月 on the drop-down menu


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