Cali Tucker, a name that carries the weight of a country music dynasty, has gifted us a stocking stuffer of an EP, “Santa Baby“.
It’s a six-song collection of Christmas standards, but to dismiss it as just another holiday album would be a mistake.
This is a record with a story, a bittersweet tribute to a lost friend, and a showcase for a performer who is stepping into her own spotlight.
The EP arrives as Tucker is having a banner year, with millions of streams, radio play, and a successful touring show.
It’s a confident and polished release from an artist who is clearly on an upward trajectory.
The EP was produced by Ryan Whyte Maloney, a fellow contestant from their time on The Voice, who passed away earlier this year. Tucker’s dedication of the album to him adds a layer of emotional resonance to the project.
It’s a reminder that the music we often turn to for comfort and joy can also be a source of healing and remembrance. Knowing this backstory, the songs take on a different quality, a certain poignancy that might otherwise be missed.
The title track, “Santa Baby,” is a perfect opener. It’s a song that has been covered by countless artists, but Tucker makes it her own. Her rendition is sultry and playful, with a wink and a nod to the song’s materialistic desires.
It’s a performance that feels right at home in a Las Vegas showroom, where Tucker has become a headlining act. You can almost picture the stage lights and the clinking of glasses as she purrs her way through the lyrics.
It’s a confident and self-assured performance that sets the tone for the rest of the EP.
“Please Come Home for Christmas” is a soulful and heartfelt plea. The song, originally a hit for Charles Brown, is a bluesy Christmas standard, and Tucker’s version is full of longing and heartache.
Her voice has a warm, rich quality that is perfectly suited to the song’s melancholic mood. It’s a performance that showcases her vocal range and her ability to connect with the emotional core of a song. The production is sparse and tasteful, allowing Tucker’s voice to take center stage.
One of the most delightful surprises on the EP is the inclusion of “Mele Kalikimaka”. The song, with its Hawaiian-themed holiday cheer, is a playful and unexpected choice.
Tucker’s version has a light, breezy feel, with a ukulele and a gentle rhythm that transports you to a tropical paradise. It’s a fun and infectious performance that is sure to bring a smile to your face.
It’s a reminder that Christmas isn’t just about snow and sleigh bells; it can also be about sunshine and sand.
But the emotional centrepiece of the EP is Tucker’s rendition of “O Holy Night.” It’s a song that has been sung in churches and concert halls for centuries, and it’s a daunting task for any singer to take on.
Tucker’s version is a soaring and powerful performance that is full of reverence and awe. Her voice has a clear, bell-like quality that is perfectly suited to the song’s majestic melody. It’s a performance that is sure to give you goosebumps.
It’s a moment of pure, unadulterated beauty that reminds you of the true meaning of the holiday.
The EP is rounded out by two other Christmas classics, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “The Christmas Song.” Both are given warm and intimate readings that are perfect for a quiet evening by the fire.
Tucker’s voice is full of warmth and nostalgia, and she sings with a genuine affection for the material.
These are songs that have been a part of our collective holiday consciousness for decades, and Tucker’s versions are a welcome addition to the canon.
“Santa Baby” is a small collection of songs, but it speaks volumes about Cali Tucker as an artist. It’s a record that is both personal and universal, a celebration of the holiday season that is also a tribute to a lost friend.
It’s a confident and polished release from a performer who is clearly comfortable in her own skin.
With her family legacy and her own undeniable talent, Cali Tucker is a name you’ll be hearing for years to come.
This EP is a wonderful introduction to her artistry, a Christmas gift that will keep on giving long after the decorations have been put away.
This EP is a delightful holiday treat, a perfect soundtrack for a season of joy and reflection.
