Deck the Halls by John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John

‘Deck the Halls’ is from the album This Christmas by John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John (1948–2022), released 9 November 2012 - just in time to be the perfect stocking-filler. The album came about when Newton-John reminded Travolta that their 1978 offering Grease saw the pair release the best-selling duet on the charts. When it comes to Christmas albums, our Livvie is a serial offender: This Christmas was her third seasonal offering. 

Olivia describes the inspiration behind the album as 'the audio equivalent of those classic network TV specials hosted from the stars' homes; an intimate, warm set of traditional holiday songs'. The album’s guest stars are testament to the star power of Newton-John and Travolta with guest appearances by Tony Bennett, Barbara Streisand and Cliff Richard.

On this track, American singer-songwriter and guitarist James Taylor delivers a beautiful sparse production to a rhythm not often heard on such a traditional carol, reminiscent of merry minstrels and medieval times. The flute and fretless bass parts are standouts on this track as is the balance between Olivia’s harmonies and ad libs against Travolta’s vocals.