Picture this: it’s Christmas Eve. Snow is hopefully (but not likely) falling softly outside, lights are twinkling on the tree, cinnamon and chocolate waft through the air and suddenly, harking from the HI-FI speakers, you hear a familiar gravelly voice that shakes the tinsel, rattles the ornaments and rolls a parade of jingle-janglin’ good times into the mix.

That’s right — Happy Holidays, Billy Idol’s 15-track Christmas basharole is here, bursting with festive flavor to add a dash of rebel Yule spice to your holiday soundtrack.

Don’t let Billy’s brand of swagger fool you; he clearly knows how to balance naughty and nice.

From the opening riffs of “Jingle Bell Rock,” Billy slaps on a red leather jacket, revs up the reindeer and tears straight into a festive fireball of tunes so good it’ll convince Santa to ditch his sleigh for a Harley and Rudolph for a Les Paul.

His rendition of “Winter Wonderland” drops a punky-honky-tonky twist onto the fire, while the vintage chops of “Let It Snow” has holiday dive-bar party vibes.

With a magical high-hat of old-fashioned fun, “Frosty the Snowman” taps onto the set with a version so cool you’ll melt, and his warm and cozy rendition of “Silent Night” is a pure crooning classic.

For those used to holiday sonic stockings filled with Mariah Carey’s high notes and Nat King Cole’s roasted chestnuts, Happy Holidays is no lump of coal. It’s got attitude, charm and enough pick-up to provide a festive free ride over the hills and through the woods with something in the trunk for everyone.

– Chris Rucker

Love, hope, provision, benevolence and the strength of community have been on the hearts of many as we navigate a new normal and the undoing of our landscapes and livelihoods after Hurricane Helene. Humanity, at its purest and most vulnerable state, was tested and strengthened overnight with a continuous outpouring of unconditional love.

With these thoughts, we reopen the vault of 1975 for Earth, Wind & Fire’s double album of heart, soul and light, appropriately named Gratitude.

At its core, this 16-track album honors life’s many layers. Whether it’s the celebratory highs or the quieter, more introspective moments, each track is a reminder to pause and give thanks.

A powerful live rendition of their smash hit “Shining Star,” is a radiant, uplifting groove that sets the tone for the entire album. Other gems include “Sing a Song,” an anthem of resilience, positivity and perspective, and “Can’t Hide Love,” a perfect metaphor for gratitude itself. Just like love, the need to give thanks can’t be hidden; it’s a natural response to life’s abundance.

Almost 50 years after its release, Gratitude remains a timeless testament to the group’s genius and its ability to create music that resonates across generations. But more than that, it’s a reminder of the power of thankfulness.

Every track is lit with cornucopia-packed energy and emotion, inviting us to reflect on what we have, celebrate the joys of the present and approach life with an open heart. So, whether you’re listening to it for the first time or rediscovering it after many years, let Gratitude fill your heart with appreciation for the blessings in your life, both big and small.

– Chris Rucker