Album Review: Joe Luke Bailey – This Time Of Year, Vol.1

It’s very easy to be cynical about Christmas music, or even ‘happy’ music in general but sometimes, if you really listen and let the Xmas spirit take you, music at this time of year can be very enjoyable. Enter Joe Luke Bailey, a tour-de-force of Christmas music creating his own classic Christmas tunes with a fresh, yet warming relatable zing on his new EP This Time Of Year, Vol. 1.

Wasting no time setting the tone, The EP’s opener ‘Ain’t Missing Christmas’ quickly sets a festive tone with sleigh bells, bright guitar riffs and excitable, upbeat energy. By the time the infectious lead vocals enter, the scene is set and Bailey’s silky, imperishable joy is on full display. Delivering witty, fun and heartfelt lyricism with a smile, the track captures the essence of classic Christmas hits such as Slade’s ‘Merry Xmas Everbody’ and Wizzard’s ‘I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday’.

Continuing the sparkling influx of festivity’s, ‘It’s Christmas’, the EPs standout, brings a bluesy edge to Joe’s acoustic singer-songwriter writing style. Once again leaning on witty, light and yet warming and subtly emotive and whimsical lyricism as Joe reminisces on Christmas past times, this is a happy Xmas hit in its simplest and yet most effective form.

Closing with the more considered and thoughtful title track, ‘This Time of Year’, the EP ends on a reflective, melancholic note as Joe discusses Christmas traditions, warming memories of his childhood and Christmas with his loved ones. Built around a more synth led soundscape, the track treads between Joe’s stylistic acoustic ballad with a splash of R&B and Electronic-Pop to give a different flavour.

A shimmering display of infectious, catchy and always perfectly producer (courtesy of acclaimed engineer Ian Curnow known for his work with Talk Talk, East 17 and Rick Astley), this 3 track festive release is perfectly put together, well written but more importantly, great fun. It embodies everything that is Christmas is about and does it in an elegant and joyful manor – simply put, it’s everything you would want from an upbeat Xmas release. With the promise of Volume two next year, make sure you keep an eye on Joe Luke Bailey, especially if you love this time of year the festive period.