Friday, 21 November 2025

Straight No Chaser - Holiday Road


34 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

Buy Holiday Road here (external link)

Ever since the lads of Straight No Chaser invited Kristen Bell to "text me merry Christmas" back in 2014, I've written about their holiday music on this day each year, every year that it was available. They've really embraced the festive spirit this decade through albums (the brilliantly titled Social Christmasing), deluxe editions, EPs and one off songs. They now return with a brand new collection of seasonal favourites called Holiday Road - the thing about the guys is they always approach this time of a year with a little wit, a lot of heart, some vocal ingenuity and harmonies that blend like honey into hot cocoa. Set your GPS because there's only one destination this year...

Your journey starts on that titular Holiday Road, with a peppy pace, layered vocals and a vibrant reading of a song that has embedded itself into The Great Christmas Songbook. Brilliantly done, they then take you to the finger clicking grooves of Christmas Is Different (with Hunter Hayes). It feels like the spiritual sequel to Text Me Merry Christmas, a song all about not being with your love at the most wonderful time of the year. Hunter gives great guest vocal, as if he's always been one of the gang. The party mood kicks up a notch with Underneath The Tree, a slightly slowed down version of the Kelly Clarkson classic - letting the joyful and triumphant nature of the lyrics shine like the brightest star.

The still topical Motown classc, Someday At Christmas, comes with a lilting and soulful lead vocal that puts the stark nature of the lyrics and blends them with the hopeful harmonies of the gospel style backing vocals. A modern day hymn. Very Merry Christmas lifts your spirits further with hand clap rhythms as the guys sing through a Hallmark holiday movie of a song (note to Hallmark - Straight No Chaser Christmas movie next year please); you'll be singing this chorus through until New Year. If that helps you feel like It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, you'll be pleased to hear the vocal experts bringing some Andy Williams magic through a layered score, seamless backing vocals & a stirring lead. 

John Splithoff responds in the positive to his invite to sing on Good To See You, working in symbiotic partnership with his gracious hosts to deliver a smooth and warming song - like a hug from an old friend that envelops you from first word to last note. Peppermint perfection. The genius interpretation of Grandma Got Run Over By Reindeer completely reinvents the song as a seasonal lament with Little Drummer Boy beats and theatrical drama in the ad-libs. It's wry and dark and utterly brilliant. Deserves multiple listens to appreciate every bon mot. Keep Me Warm helps you shake it off with an effusive pop bop that juxtaposes the longing of the lyrics with the perky sparkling sass of the instrumental that flows like the most delicious egg nog you can imagine. 

Still Still Still feels like you are attending the most articulate and precision perfect carol concert, conjuring up images of ornate cathedrals and a rapt congregation, hanging on every word of this serenely reverent sermon. Blue Christmas sees Mickey Guyton add her delightful voice to the mix (and who has her own festive set this year - review here). Sometimes it only feels like Christmas when you sing the blues - and this is a melancholy duet that somehow leaves you feeling merry and bright (knowing that reconciliation seems likely)! Nobody oughta be All Alone On Christmas - the Darlene Love song from Home Alone 2 (and later Love Actually) is one of my all time faves. It is in splendidly safe hands here - still completely mesmerising and sing-along majesty.

How are there only two songs left already? It's been quite the Yuletide vacation, but the great thing about a Christmas album is that you can revisit it every year. The party starts winding down with Happy Xmas (War Is Over) - a somber but compelling take on the John Lennon standard. The gradual crescendo really emphasises the promise of a better tomorrow. The last straggler at the festivities is a great final guest - Jose Mari Chan bringing some soaring solstice splendour to Christmas In Our Hearts. It is wonderfully convivial - a gather-round-the-fire sing-along that makes a rousing ending. 

**Ghosts of Christmas Past**
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