That A Colbert Christmas doesn't really work on its own is largely irrelevant.
Colbert fandom is an all-or-nothing proposition, and those in the "all" camp will happily relive the special's musical numbers here. Others will find a mixed bag. Even without foreknowledge of his sharp cynicism, "Another Christmas Song" and "A Cold, Cold Christmas" are funny enough, but without the special's comedic pacing and narrative lead-ins, "Please Be Patient" and "Little Dealer Boy" are worthless. Functioning better on their own are ingratiatingly self-aware numbers by crooner
John Legend and reactionary macho man
Toby Keith.
Legend's "Nutmeg," in particular, is one dumb joke played so straight the result approaches comic sublimity. Fans are advised to cherry-pick their favorite numbers and leave the rest aside, as the all-star singalongs that open the EP recall the chintzy sentimentality of the very specials the involved parties are ostensibly parodying. ~ Clayton Purdom