The Puppini sisters aren't really sisters, but they harmonize well together and they have a very distinctive sound that ensures their future (if they want it) in cabaret long after their commercial recording days are over, but let's hope that doesn't happen any time soon. Although difficult to classify, I suppose jazz-pop would be the best description. Jazz-pop is far more popular in America than Britain, but the Puppini sisters with their upbeat music are surely helping to boost the music's popularity in Britain. Their enthusiasm for upbeat jazz-pop music makes it no surprise that the Andrews sisters provide their biggest influence. Sadly, none of the sisters lived to see or hear the Puppini sisters revive their music.
As somebody who owns a lot of Christmas albums and has reviewed plenty of others borrowed from the library, I generally prefer those albums that contain at least some unfamiliar material, but as soon as I knew that the Puppini sisters had recorded a Christmas album, I also knew it was a must-have even if every song was a familiar classic. From their previous albums and their cover of Jingle bells (not on any of their own albums; see later), I realized that they were capable of bringing freshness and excitement to familiar songs. This album contains exactly the kind of Christmas music that I expected from them, though I don't think anything could have prepared me for their entertaining version of Step into Christmas; I hope it impressed the co-writers Elton John and Bernie Taupin as it certainly impressed me.
Of the other songs, most date back originally back to the thirties, forties and fifties. On these songs, the Puppini sisters turn in excellent performances although they don't really add anything new to these songs. However, their jazz-pop arrangements distinguish their versions of Last Christmas (Wham!) and All I want for Christmas (Mariah Carey) from the originals, though neither of these covers offer such a radical departure from the original as Step into Christmas.
With only ten tracks, it would have been nice if their earlier recording of Jingle bells had been added as a bonus track. That track can be found on several multi-artist Christmas compilations and is also available as a download. If you enjoy this album, be sure to acquire their version of Jingle bells.
Although a little on the short side, this album oozes quality from start to finish. If you're looking for a Christmas party album filled with familiar songs, this one is ideal.