The Dramatics – A Dramatic Christmas (The Very Best Christmas Of All) 1997

 The Dramatics went through their share of personnel changes over the years, and when the veteran Motor City soul group recorded its first Christmas album in 1997, the lineup consisted of Ron Banks, L.J. Reynolds, Willie Ford, Lenny Mayes, and newest member Winzell Kelly. Recording a Christmas album was something the Dramatics had talked about in the 1970s, but it wasn't until 1997 that they finally got around to it. From originals like "The Very Best Christmas" and "The Days Before Christmas" to versions of "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" and Mel Torme's "The Christmas Song," the group is in good form and opts for a 1970s-type soul sound instead of trying to appeal to urban contemporary tastes. A Dramatics Christmas isn't quite essential, and casual listeners would be better off with a compilation of their dynamic 1970s hits. Even so, this is an enjoyable CD that the group's more devoted followers will want.