In the new millennium, David Foster has quickly become the go-to producer when it comes to big-budget Christmas projects. The Hitman helmed a string of chart-topping, platinum or multi-platinum holiday albums for superstars Andrea Bocelli, Michael Bublè, Mary J. Blige, Josh Groban and Rod Stewart. Foster recently ended his hiatus from the recording studio by producing Bublè’s new #1 cd, Love cd and a track on Barbra Streisand’s recent, critically acclaimed Walls cd.

Another special project to welcome Foster’s fall 2018 comeback is Jessie J’s This Christmas Day, another festive, successful cd to add to his unprecedented track-record. Jessie J is a British pop superstar with a powerful, expressive voice. Since 2011, Jessie J has collected UK and European Top Ten hits like “Domino,” “LaserLight,” “Wild” and “It’s My Party” while building a solid following in North America with hits including “Price Tag,” “Burnin’ Up” and “Bang Bang” with Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj. This Christmas Day is a perfectly crafted collection of classics delivered with the support of Foster on two cuts plus other studio legends including Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, Babyface and Rodney Jerkins.

The Hitman crafted an intense, sweet rendition of “Silent Night” and the Song of the Week, “Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town.” This track features a swinging arrangement with full orchestra arranged and conducted by the amazing Chris Walden. The musicians appearing on the song are, as usual on Foster’s projects, seasoned studio stars including Peter Erskine on drums, Brian Bromberg on bass, Alan Pasqua on piano and Andrew Sinowiec on guitar. Jessie J’s performance, under Foster’s keen direction, is spectacular and makes this song the perfect start to a very entertaining Christmas album. “Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town” is also the first single off the cd and a great choice with its catchy beat and jazzy atmosphere.

This Christmas Day reached #1 on Billboard’s Top Holiday Albums chart, but only got to #48 on Billboard’s Top 200. Probably the adult feel of the overall recording distanced the singer’s teen audiences. However, the cd stands as one of the Best Holiday Recordings of 2018.

Listen

Lead & Background Vocals: Jessie J
Piano: Alan Pasqua
Bass: Brian Bromberg
Guitar: Andrew Sinowiec
Drums: Peter Erskine
Synthesizer & Programming: Jochem van der Saag

Orchestral Arrangement by Chris Walden
Produced by David Foster

Lyrics

You better watch out, you better not cry
You better not pout, I’m telling you why
Santa Claus is coming, mmm
Santa Claus is coming to town

You better watch out, you better not cry
You better not pout, I’m telling you why
Santa Claus is coming to town, mmm
He’s making a list, he’s checking it twice
He’s gonna find out who’s naughty or nice
Santa Claus is coming to town, yeah

He sees you when you’re sleeping
He knows when you’re awake
He knows if you’ve been bad or good
So be good for goodness sake

You better watch out, you better not cry
You better not pout, I’m telling you why
‘Cause Santa Claus is coming to town, yeah

He sees you when you’re sleeping
He knows when you’re awake
He knows if you’ve been bad or good
So be good for goodness

Said you better watch out, you better not cry
You better not pout, I’m telling you why
Santa Claus is coming to town, yeah
Santa Claus is coming to town
Santa Claus is coming, yes, whoo, to town

Here comes old Santa Claus
Here comes Santa
He’s coming and it won’t be long
It won’t be long
Here comes old Santa Claus
In his red suit
He’s coming and it won’t be long
He’s coming for you
Here comes old Santa Claus
Yeah yeah
He’s coming and it won’t be long
He’s coming for you
Here comes old Santa Claus
Oh yeah

Santa Claus is coming to town
Santa Claus is coming to town
Santa Claus is coming, yes, to town, to town
Merry Christmas