Saturday, 15 November 2025

Ben Barnes - Wrapped Up In You


40 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!

Buy-stream Wrapped Up In You here (external link)

How thrilling that actor-singer-songwriter Ben Barnes is capping off a stellar year (The Institute TV show; his splendid album When The Light Gets In) with a brand new Christmas single for your seasonal enjoyment. Wrapped Up In You is what words like sumptuous and luxurious were invented for - this is a gorgeous ode to how romantic the most wonderful time of year can be. Ben sings with genuine soul, his expressive vocal conjuring up images of crackling fireplaces and glimmering tree lights - all while surrounded by a lavish score of percussion, piano and pulsing brass that is as sophisticated as it is satisfying. I think you'll find that love, actually, is all around at Christmas - and Ben certainly demonstrates that on your new future fave festive oldie. A 70s throwback that is as timely as it is timeless.

In the great tradition of 80s/90s Christmas singles here in the UK, you flip the dazzling red 7" vinyl over and you get a b-side in the shape of I'll Be Home For Christmas. The season's most hopeful yet potentially hopeless Christmas promise is unwrapped as a captivating piano-vocal duet, with subtle organ effects that add to the coziness of the song - as if being sung whilst watching the North wind bluster and blow out your window. The piano is as essential to the world-worn lyrics as Ben's singing of them is - an elegiac prettiness that caresses his voice with the gentle touch. There's studied intent in Ben's voice - not necessarily because he thinks singing will make his wish come true, but it is just too magical a time of year not to give it a try. Pop on when you need a break from the madcap nature of the festivities. 

**Ghosts of Christmas Past**
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