As a teen, I was completely besotted with Human Nature. They were my boy band of choice; I covered my wardrobe doors with their posters and spent many hours waiting at venues just so I could secure my place in the front row. But as with so many teenage love affairs, my enthusiasm for Human Nature fizzled. They’ll always have a soft spot in my heart, but I can barely remember the last CD I bought or show I saw. In fact, while their Christmas album came out in 2013, I hadn’t heard it until they rereleased it this year with a few bonus tracks.
It makes a lot of sense for Human Nature to release a Christmas album. They’ve played more carols shows than I can count and their reworkings of the seasonal classics always please the crowds. However, I wasn’t so pleased with every track on this album. Human Nature’s always been a little cheesy, and Christmas is definitely a time when you shouldn’t take yourself too seriously, but some of the songs, including their covers of “Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer” and “Let it Snow,” a collaboration with Delta Goodrem, felt too corny for my tastes.
But there’s no denying that these guys have some of the best voices in the business. Individually, they’re so strong, but when they harmonise it’s magic. One Direction wish they could sing like these guys can. While some of the Motown-esque arrangements feel a little stale, I absolutely loved the mash-up of “Silent Night” and “O Holy Night” and their take on Donnie Hathaway’s “This Christmas.” I also appreciated hearing them really let loose on the rocking “Run Run Rudolph.” “Amazing Grace,” with the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, is truly breathtaking. The purity of “Mary’s Boy Child,” delivered completely acapella, is also really special.
Human Nature have built their recent success on recording and performing covers, and that’s because they do it so well. With such voices, it’s unsurprising that their reinterpretations are always solid. Sometimes they’re even outstanding. But I can’t help thinking that if they were still writing and recording their own original music they might have delivered a Christmas album that feels a bit more current. However, if there’s ever a time for a nostalgic sound, I suppose it’s the festive season.
The Christmas Album Deluxe Edition by Human Nature is in stores now.
Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia