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‘Audition prince’ releases first album

Shayne

“The Gift”

(Sony Music) 

The 19-year-old singer’s angelic voice and imperfect pronunciation might satisfy females who can’t resist younger men with a cute voice, but general music fans may be in for some disappointment with Shayne Orok’s first album.

The third prize winner of MBC’s “Star Audition: Season 1” has unveiled five songs that include one composed by Yoo Hae-joon, widely known for his participation in the original soundtracks of popular TV dramas including “Winter Sonata” and “Lovers of Prague.”

In the title “First Love,” Shayne sings softly about a boy becoming a man after suffering heartbreak ― which seems very much like the singer’s own story.

Shayne also expresses gratitude to his “Star Audition” mentor Shin Seung-hun by remaking Shin’s song “Temperature.”

Released in time for the holiday season, Shayne has also included Christmas classic “Last Christmas” in his debut album. The young singer from Canada appears to feel most at home singing the carol in his mother tongue.

(hayney@heraldcorp.com)


Compilation of 85 years repertoire

Tony Bennett

“The Classic Christmas Album”

(Columbia)

When you have been around as long as Tony Bennett, you do not release an album of Christmas favorites; you put out a collection of the best Christmas songs you have recorded throughout your career.

This greatest hits album compiles holiday tunes from the 85-year-old crooner’s repertoire over 40 years. He released his first holiday album, “Snowfall: The Tony Bennett Christmas Album” in 1968. Over the years, he has recorded Christmas music with the London Symphony Orchestra and the Count Basie Band.

While these songs have all been heard before, there’s an eclectic magic to listening to them in succession. Maybe it is the younger tone of his voice on early recordings like “My Favorite Things,” or the swagger on “Winter Wonderland.”

The collection includes a lush mix of jazz, orchestral, and big band backgrounds to such holiday classics as “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” a peppy version of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” and the beautiful choral tone of “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” (AP)

Edgy holiday vibe by folk rock duo

She & Him

“A Very She & Him Christmas”

(Merge Records)

Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward, the she and him of folk rock duo She & Him, have patterned a sparse yet satisfying Christmas album that, on listen after repeated listen, brings to mind a subtly hip holiday vibe that is edgy enough to impress the most jaded Brooklynite and innocent enough to play for grandma, too.

Across the 12 tracks presented on the album, available digitally, too, Deschanel and Ward glide through some of the holiday classics with low-key yet inspired gait, including a rendition of “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” that’s smooth and silky but earnest in its affectations.

The interplay between Ward and Deschanel on “Silver Bells”’ and “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” is quick and bouncy, lending a decidedly prominent sense of mirth and merriment ― always critical components of a good Christmas album.

Is it groundbreaking and new? No, not by a long shot, but it is clever, entertaining and filled with holiday cheer. (AP)