"Merry Christmas... Have a Nice Life" is a holiday album and the sixth studio album by American singer-songwriter Cyndi Lauper. This album was released in 1998 and represents a departure from previous Lauper albums as it centers on a Christmastime theme.
This work features a mix of original songs penned by Lauper, such as "Feels Like Christmas" and "Christmas Conga," as well as renditions of various traditional Christmas carols and songs like "Early Christmas Morning" and "In the Bleak Midwinter." The album also includes a few non-traditional songs such as "Minnie and Santa", which tells the playful story of a woman's love affair with Santa Claus.
The album showcases not only Lauper's unique voice and style, but also her variety as a performer, with musical styles ranging from pop, jazz and rock, to Latin music and reggae. It received mixed reviews from critics, but has been appreciated by fans, particularly for its fun, festive atmosphere and expressive, emotional songs.
"Merry Christmas... Have a Nice Life" was produced by Lauper, Jan Pulsford, and William Wittman. Despite being a holiday album, it is known for its variety and experimentation with different genres, showcasing Lauper's wide musical range. This was her last studio album released on Epic Records.
As of today, this album stands as a unique and lively part of Lauper's discography, capturing her eclectic style and powerhouse vocals in a new and festive context. It continues to be enjoyed by fans during the holiday season for its fun, dance-inducing tracks, and emotional, moving ballads.
