This feels like a strange place to start talking about Phoebe Bridgers. Jumping in with holiday songs that aren't even of their own writing. Even more so because these are not bright and shiny Christmas songs like so many artists put out around this time of year. This lives on the darker side of December. These songs use Bridgers' haunting styles to great effect, leaving lasting impressions. I promise that I will bring you some of that uplifting, calm, and celebrating kinda music next week. However, I know that the end of the year and the holiday season can be trying times for many. So if you are struggling and tired of the relentless tides of positive messaging this might be what you need. Just to let those darker feelings be felt first. To acknowledge the sadness and tiredness before making the move toward joy.

I'm not sure I have much to say about these songs that isn't better experienced. It would be easy to talk about the songwriting. But, in this context it is more about the way in which Bridgers covers them than the original songwriting. These songs speak for themselves. Classic and beautiful. Suited to the season we find ourselves in. I just want to say that they are beautiful. That her voice is amazing. That there is as much emotional weight in the lyrics as there is in each press of a piano key or strum of a string. This is the kind of mastery you can expect from someone as skilled as Bridgers. To bring a cover into a different, yet wholly genuine, version of itself is challenging thing. She does it so well.

So as we prepare for the coming holiday and celebrations. Gatherings and changings. Please join me in reflecting on these heavier tunes. They may prepare you for the feeling you have been putting off feeling. Perhaps you are already feeling them as the end of the year brings them into focus. I do hope that this album will allow you to find hope even with the darkness all around. That is, after all, one of the beautiful messages that also comes with this season. Whether you need a little tempering of the relentless positivity or to deal with the darkness before you; these songs can guide you.