By CBC News

Prime Minister Stephen Harper took the stage at the Conservative caucus Christmas party in Ottawa on Wednesday night, playing the piano and belting out a number of rock hits.

Harper, dressed all in black, performed a five-song set list that included Neil Diamond's Sweet Caroline, the Guess Who's Share the Land and the Rolling Stones' Jumpin' Jack Flash.

Last year, Harper, who made it to Grade 9 in the Royal Conservatory of Music, surprised guests at a National Arts Centre gala in Ottawa by playing the piano and singing a rendition of The Beatles' With a Little Help From My Friends.
 
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Harper's performance elicited mixed reviews among CBCNews.ca readers. Some commenters accused the prime minister of using the concert as a publicity stunt to improve his image and criticized news organizations for giving it so much attention.

"Wow a little song and dance to distract the public," wrote truk138. "[I] wonder how many world leaders have a song and dance act ... and will they form a super group and go on tour?"

HogGreenwash agreed. "Nero plays while Rome burns."

Other commenters enjoyed Harper's renditions, saying there's nothing wrong with celebrating the holidays with a little rock 'n' roll.

"People! Nativity, not negativity!" wrote maxie66. "Personally, I love to see another side of our prime minister. You go, Stephen! Why shouldn't people have fun at a Christmas party?"

Stephie07 said, from a non-political point of view, she would love to see her boss "loosen up and sing a little ditty now and then."

"Can't say I am big fan of the prime minister, but I do not begrudge him having some fun at a 'company' function," James: Part II wrote. "Good on ya, Mr. Prime Minister!"

What do you think of Harper's performance? Does it improve your impression of the prime minister to see his musical side? Let us know in the comments below.