Unwrapped by Iris & Rose: A Quirky Holiday Folk Spin That’ll Stick With You
If you’re looking for something off the beaten path this holiday season—or, heck, just a record that doesn’t take itself too seriously—you might wanna unwrap Unwrapped by Iris & Rose. Released back in 2011 under their own steam (no label backing here!), this US-born album blends folk, world, and country vibes into a patchwork quilt of Christmas chaos. And yeah, it’s as wild as it sounds.
First up, let me tell ya about “The 12 Days of XXX-mas.” Now, don’t get your tinsel in a twist—it’s not that kind of XXX. But man, does this track have personality. It flips the classic carol on its head with cheeky lyrics and an upbeat tempo that makes you want to grab some eggnog and dance awkwardly around the living room. The harmonies are tight, but there’s also this playful looseness to it, like they didn’t overthink it—and honestly? That’s what makes it stick. I found myself humming it days later while stuck in line at the grocery store. You know when a song worms its way into your brain like that? Yeah, this one did exactly that.
Then there’s “No One Likes A Drunk On Christmas Day,” which is basically the anthem we all needed but never knew existed. Let’s be real—holiday parties can get messy, and this tune calls out all those drunken sots without pulling punches. The melody has this twangy, old-school country feel, but the message hits home harder than Aunt Carol’s fruitcake. There’s something oddly comforting about hearing someone sing about the exact thing you’ve been thinking every December. Plus, the chorus is so catchy, you might accidentally belt it out at said party… maybe right after cousin Steve starts his third rendition of “Jingle Bells.”
What really sets Unwrapped apart is how unapologetically weird it is. From “Uncle Fred And Auntie Mabel” to “I Saw Daddy Kissing Santa Claus,” these songs lean into the absurdity of family gatherings and holiday traditions gone sideways. It’s like a soundtrack for anyone who loves Christmas but knows it’s equal parts magical and utterly bonkers.
So here’s the kicker: listening to Unwrapped feels like hanging out with friends who aren’t afraid to poke fun at life. Sure, it’s rough around the edges, but isn’t that what makes it special? By the time you hit the bonus track, “The Snowman’s Song,” you realize this album isn’t trying to compete with Mariah Carey or Bing Crosby—it’s carving out its own little snow-covered corner of the music world.
And honestly? If more albums were this delightfully strange, the world would probably be a better place. Or at least a lot funnier.
