Wade Bowen’s ‘Twelve Twenty-Five’ Mixes Christmas Nostalgia With Traditions Yet to Come (ALBUM REVIEW)

Wade Bowen’s latest release, Twelve Twenty-Five, is everything you want on a warm, crisp Christmas morning. Blending traditional tunes with contemporary favorites, this album will quickly make it onto many country Christmas playlists.

As a native of Oklahoman now living in New York, I can honestly say, this album takes me straight back to old traditions past. This album is Grandma’s house on Christmas Eve; it’s laying cookies out for Santa; it’s hot chocolate and Christmas movies. It’s everything you hold precious about Christmas.

The album opens with the classic Darlene Love favorite “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home).” Bowen’s stylings stay true to this nostalgic track while giving it a new, rootsy vibe. He follows it up with a rockabilly/doo-wop rendition of “O Holy Night,” giving this album a strong start.

Moving down a few tracks, “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” quickly became another favorite. His tender stylings are at home on an arrangement any Norah Jones fan will love. Coupled with “Til The Season Comes Round Again,” a duet with Sean McDonell (who also serves as producer), these tracks will have you engrossed in memories of home and hope for the future.

“Holly Jolly Christmas” and “White Christmas” are easy standouts. Both of these tracks feature one of Bowen’s sons, Brock and Bruce, respectively. These tracks give the album a unique spirit, as the Bowens bring their family traditions and bond to the listener. This album walks the walk. Coupled with the contemporary favorites like “All I Want For Christmas” and “Last Christmas,” these are the perfect tracks to play for grandma as she prepares the holiday meal.

Lastly, one has to mention the spiritual aspect of the album, and the standout here is “Once Upon a Christmas.” Bobbie Gentry would be proud of this track; it is a story song in pure form. Paired with the album’s closing track, “Silent Night,” these songs take a stripped and raw take on essential gospel tracks for every Christmas.

There are many Christmas albums around with dozens being slated for release this year. Twelve-Twenty Five surpasses many of these polished efforts in recreating the best holiday memories while providing the perfect soundtrack for new traditions. Mixed with its 80’s country stylings, rockabilly edge, and Texas form, this album will easily serve as an accomplice to many of your favorite Chrismas albums while cementing itself as a yearly favorite.

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