Shakin' Stevens - Blue Christmas (Epic)

Time to don armour plated vest and crash helmet in anticipation of all those Shaky fans threatening death and misfortunes after we make heartfelt, considered comments about old chubby chops. As always, the only wonderful thing about a Shaky record is the cosmetic job on the single sleeve. (Robin Smith, Record Mirror, December 11, 1982)

Shakin' Stevens - Because I Love You (Epic)

Remember last year? [Yuletide number one "Merry Christmas Everyone"] Not a whisper from Shaky for twelve months, word gets around there's only 50 shopping days to Christmas, and before you can say 'Elvis died ten years ago' up pops Shaky with a little jiver guaranteed to grace many a Christmas list. Well, apart from the fact that you can't jive to this monotonous ballad and there are no sleigh bells in the background... 1/5 (Mark Booker, No 1, October 25, 1986)

Shakin' Stevens - Merry Christmas Everyone (Epic)

Shaky Seems to have been rocking around that old clock for quite a while now. But still he keeps 'em coming. Naturally enough, "Merry Christmas Everyone" is one of those characteristic Christmas songs that once heard is never remembered. Dreadful unto its dying chords, it's amazing the dross that Dave Edmunds (in the guise of producer) is prepared to associate himself with these days. Still, whatever I say won't prevent it from being a massive hit. Trying to ensure otherwise would be like trying to blow out a searchlight. Hopeless. (Mike Morris, No 1, December 14, 1985)

This one leaves me cold. Shaky's on thin ice here, as he skates through a precarious rocking rendition of Xmas tidings, complete with doo wops and sleigh bells. Someone definitely left the sixpence out of this one. (Diane Cross, Record Mirror, December 7, 1985)

A stunningly original concept! I can't help thinking that Shaky would sing "The Red Flag" if his record company thought it would make him a few more bob. The great Dave Edmunds produced this record - can't hear him though! (Captain Sensible, No 1, December 21, 1985)