Christmas Christmas

This 2017 release finds a seasoned band embracing the holiday spirit with a rock-infused take on classic Christmas tunes. The album features a mix of traditional carols and original compositions, showcasing Cheap Trick's hallmark blend of melodic hooks and vibrant guitar work. The production is polished yet retains a raw edge, allowing the band's playful energy to shine through. Opening with a raucous rendition of “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,” the band sets a festive tone that is unmistakably their own. The electric guitar riffs and harmonized vocals provide a fresh perspective on familiar melodies, while tracks like “Christmas Christmas” highlight the group’s knack for catchy choruses wrapped in a holiday theme. The instrumentation is diverse, layering jangly guitars with crisp percussion, and occasionally introducing strings to elevate the emotional weight of certain songs. This juxtaposition of rock elements with traditional holiday sounds creates a distinctive listening experience. Within the context of the rock genre, the album stands out for its unabashed embrace of the season, aligning with the band’s history of merging playful themes with a hard rock sensibility. As a counterpoint to the often saccharine nature of holiday music, Cheap Trick delivers an album that is both spirited and irreverent, appealing to fans of rock and holiday music alike. The album is a reminder that Christmas can be celebrated with a bit of edge, making it a noteworthy addition to seasonal playlists.