Brief Reviews: Juliana Hatfield, Eric Clapton, and Christmas Albums of 2025.
The final Quick Review of 2025 comes at a time when the record release schedule slows down, allowing for a break over the holiday season. It will be back in the new year, around January 9, when things start picking up again. While there won’t be any new Quick Reviews during this time, there may be newsletters covering other topics to keep readers engaged.
This edition focuses on holiday records that have made an impression this year. One of the interesting aspects of working in the music industry is the unpredictability of seasonal releases, especially Christmas albums. It’s hard to predict which artists will surprise us with a great holiday record. This year, Bryan Adams surprised many with a delightful holiday album that showcased a different side of his musical talents.
Juliana Hatfield’s latest album, “Lightning Might Strike,” is a reflection of personal loss and a journey through grief. Written during a period of significant change in her life, the album captures the emotional turmoil Hatfield experienced after facing multiple losses. Instead of dwelling on the sadness and contemplation of mortality, she channels her emotions into catchy pop tunes that exude brightness and hope. The music serves as a form of therapy for Hatfield, allowing her to navigate through her pain and find solace in creating art. Despite the underlying sadness that permeates some tracks, like “Ashes,” the album ends on a hopeful note with “All I’ve Got,” a song that highlights the healing power of music.
Old Crow Medicine Show’s “OCMS XMAS” stays true to the band’s signature sound, delivering a mix of string band rave-ups, vaudeville shuffles, blues, and ballads. The album is a testament to their musical versatility and ability to infuse holiday tunes with their unique style. Each track on the album showcases the band’s blend of traditional and modern influences, creating a festive and lively atmosphere that will appeal to fans of the genre.
As the year comes to a close, these holiday albums offer a soundtrack to the festive season and a reminder of the power of music to heal and uplift. Whether it’s finding hope in the face of adversity or celebrating the joys of the season, these albums provide a diverse range of musical experiences for listeners to enjoy. As we look forward to a new year filled with more music and creativity, these albums serve as a fitting end to a year marked by personal growth and resilience.