I must be feeling festive because I’m about to share my second Christmas album of the year. This time it comes courtesy of California, USA-based artist Rehya Stevens with an all-original collection to celebrate the holidays. It’s called Santa’s Takin’ Over The Town.

By Graeme Smith

Though Rehya’s collection is an all-original one, there’s certainly a familiarity about it that means those who love the traditional Christmas songs will find a lot to enjoy about it. In fact, you might even discover a new favourite. The album draws from her own experiences of the season as a youngster, meaning there’s a beautiful authenticity to its storytelling.

It opens with Christmas Is Near. It’s a lively and rousing effort that welcomes us to the holidays with bright brass and cinematic strings, all topped off by Rehya’s captivating vocals. Don’t Be Late follows with a jaunty and jazzy tale rich with nostalgia before we arrive at title track Santa’s Takin Over The Town. With its punchy blues rock arrangement, it provides an early highlight.

Be My Baby By Christmas keeps things upbeat while introducing some romance to proceedings. It’s a vibrant pop ballad that feels like an instant classic.

Early Winter slows things down a little with a meditative, acoustic moment. Christmas Is Comin’ Again then brings back the party with a bouncy throwback. Wonderful World Tonight paints a perfect picture of snow and merriment and gives us another album highlight.

Me, Myself & I brings back the blues. Rehya’s vocals are at their most soulful during its alternative holiday story. Welcome One & All takes things in a more philosophical direction with its gentle, piano-led message of inclusion and non-judgment. Spread A Little Love For Christmas then closes the album with a surprise tropical number, leaning into Rehya’s pop chops. It’s a final twist and highlight.

Santa’s Takin’ Over The Town was produced by film and TV composer Brian Steckler. You can give it a listen below.