Ron Hamrick’s ’Tis the Season: A New Classic That Skips the Clichés
The holiday music landscape is notoriously crowded, but singer-songwriter Ron Hamrick navigates it with sincerity and grace on his latest album, ’Tis the Season, available December 4th. This ten-track collection is a masterclass in modern Christmas songwriting, offering original material that manages to sound both freshly minted and reassuringly timeless. Hamrick, known for his warm acoustic aesthetic and smooth vocal delivery, doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but rather spins it with such genuine heart that his songs feel instantly essential to the holiday canon.
The album starts with a celebratory surge. Tracks like “Christmas Time Is Here Again” and the vibrant “Holiday on Main Street” deliver the kind of brisk, rhythmic cheer that perfectly soundtracks decorating the tree or a spirited family gathering. Hamrick keeps the mood light and magical with “Santa’s Gonna Be Here Every Year” and the charmingly mythic tale, “The Reindeer No One Sees.” These opening tracks capture the outward, infectious joy of the season, utilizing tasteful, acoustic-based arrangements that prioritize melody over excessive holiday bombast.
As the set progresses, Hamrick slows the pace to explore the season’s deeper emotional currents. This shift reveals his true strength as a storyteller. The quiet, contemplative beauty of “Snowfall Dreams” is matched by the intensely personal, serene imagery of “Shenandoah Christmas,” drawing the listener into the intimate, reflective moments of winter. This tender focus on human connection continues through “Beneath the Lights” and the expansive, unifying sentiment of “The Same Sky Tonight,” reminding us of the shared experience beneath the Christmas Eve sky.
Closing with “After the Presents Are Gone,” a poignant observation on the lingering quietude once the rush subsides, Hamrick confirms that his focus remains on the enduring spirit of love and hope. The album’s final offering, “The Light Still Shines,” serves as a gentle, graceful benediction. ’Tis the Season is a rare holiday offering: an album built for longevity, destined to become a staple not just for its festive cheer, but for its genuine musical substance.
For more, visit ronhamrick.com or follow @ronhamrickmusic on social media.
