Koe Wetzel - Koe Wetzel Presents... Wetzel's Wonderland Chapter 2 (2024) Hi-Res

Koe’s stocking of raucously reimagined Christmas classics gets four more gifts. Koe Wetzel knows how to have a good time, so it’s not a stretch for the famously rowdy, hard-partying country artist to bring that energy to the holiday season, too. On this expansion of 2023’s Wetzel’s Wonderland collection, the “High Road” hitmaker sets his sights on another handful of Christmas classics, reimagining them with the bold bravado that characterizes his broader catalog. The EP kicks off with Wetzel’s spoken-word performance of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas,” which, with Wetzel’s charismatic and spirited delivery, sets the stage for the fun to come. “Run Run Rudolph” gets a faithful treatment, retaining the driving energy of the Chuck Berry original while cranking up the distortion to fit Wetzel’s rock-heavy sound. “Please Come Home for Christmas” is a vocal showcase for Wetzel, who leans into the soulful side of his big, booming voice while reminding he has a compelling softer side, too. The project closes on an emotional note with a slowly building performance of the Bing Crosby classic “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” that makes the most of Wetzel’s impressive range.