We Need Christmas (Mercury Nashville, 2020)

In just two songs, Maddie & Tae illustrate the two sides of Christmas. The pair's version of "O Come All Ye Faithful" is given a faithful reading and even includes scripture recitation at the end. Next, with "Merry Married Christmas," marital fidelity at Christmastime is celebrated happily. The "We Need Christmas" EP reminds us once again that there are many sides to the holiday season.

The duo's take on "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" applies this six-track effort's most unusual arrangement. Darlene Love's popular recording of it is positively boisterous, but Maddie & Tae take it at a slow and sad pace. The song's lyrics are actually quite somber. When Love sings these words, it comes out like a command for her lover to return. But when Maddie & Tae perform the song, it's done with the sound of resignation. They're asking their lover to return in time for the holidays, but you don't get the sense they believe their wish will come true.

The EP closes with the EP's title track, and it's a fitting Christmas song for 2020. With all the pain and suffering we've experienced this year perhaps only Christmas can remind us how to love one another again. We can only hope.