When I Think About Christmas EP (Wheelhouse, 2020)

Runaway June put a lot of thought in how their five-song holiday project would sound. Yes, three of these five selections are already overly familiar tunes to most of us. Yet, you haven't heard them sung exactly like this before. The trio Runaway June put their vocal harmony skills to excellent use throughout this lovely little treat - its first with Natalie Stovall.

Additionally, the music is real country, too. Opener, "Christmas on the Radio" celebrates popular holiday radio hits and features a nicely placed fiddle solo. "Sleigh Ride" is, in a word, perky. Vocals are as percussive as they are harmonious on it. "O Holy Night" tamps down the production for an appropriately subtle performance. Runaway June sounds like a choir on it in places, with this one. The title track focuses on coupling at Christmas and is put to a gentle western swing arrangement. "Let It Snow" also swings a touch, but ever so gently.

There's nothing not to like about "When I Think About Christmas," so you really oughta think about bringing Runaway June to your next holiday party.