Album Review – Brad Paisley’s “Snow Globe Town”
Christmas/Holiday country (#516) on the Country DDS.
It turns out that Brad Paisley has just the right amount of Christmas cheer, classic country nostalgia, sheer talent, and elfish mischief and humor to compose a country Christmas record that’s well above serviceable. In fact, it’s not just a welcomed gift for the 2025 Holiday season, it’s one of those Christmas records you can hear returning to for years to come, including songs that feels destined to become classics. It’s so good, it might be one of the best mainstream country releases this entire year.
What nobody can argue is that Snow Globe Town is Brad’s best album in the last nearly nine years. That’s because it’s Paisley’s only original album over that time period. Despite the promises of a return to the native West Virginian’s Appalachia roots on a previously-announced album called Son of the Mountains, after the first four songs were released in EP form back in September of 2023, there’s been no info or movement on the release whatsoever.
Though the reason for the years long delay remains unconfirmed, you can feel pretty confident that some Ebenezer Scrooge on Music Row is still taking the 2017 approach to Brad Paisley’s career, and demanding a hit single on country radio before the next album gets released. Just like with guys like Josh Turner and Joe Nichols, they’ve completely squandered Brad’s late career output. Perhaps the only reason he’s able to release this record is it’s Christmas-themed, and UMG Nashville is giving Brad a Holiday pass.
No matter the circumstances that led up to the release of Snow Globe Town, this is a record you can tell Brad Paisley put every once of effort into making a landmark release of his career, and the canon of country Christmas music. This includes very spirited renditions of country classics, along with original songs that range from touching to hilarious. And though Paisley veers into the rock realm in moments, as a whole, Snow Globe Town is country, and super country in spots.
Sure, you’ve got the general run through of some of the Christmas standards such as “The Christmas Song,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” and “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town.” Any quality Christmas record tends to start with the familiar. But Brad really puts some unique passion in the songs “The First Noel” and “O Holy Night,” which blend into each other via Brad’s astute acoustic guitar work. You also just appreciate how twangy and tasty a song like “Christmas Time’s A-Comin'” turned out on this album.
It’s really is the attempts at original songs that take the measure of any Holiday release though. The quite amusing “That Crazy Elf (On The Shelf)” is definitely a song with a shelf life that will last well beyond 2025. “Lit” is Paisley’s second attempt at a little Holiday humor, even if it might be more triggering than entertaining for those with some Holiday PTSD in their Christmas past.
Paisley’s stabs at being sentimental without getting too sappy is where he really hits the mark, including the title track “Snow Globe Town,” “Leave The Christmas Lights On For Me” that strikes an excellent traditional country tone, as well as the heartbreaking “Last Year” with Kelleigh Bannen. With 16 tracks, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy, but Snow Globe Town is also one of those Christmas albums you can push play on in the background, and leave running while you unwrap gifts or stuff the turkey.
Perhaps Paisley’s inability to release any new original music except Christmas songs meant his batteries were charged, and his focus was resolute heading into recording this record. Either way, you can tell he really put the time and effort into Snow Globe Town to not make it just another run through the standards by a well-known name, but to make his mark on the American Christmas cannon with original songs and timeless classics that can be enjoyed for years to come.
8.4/10
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Stream/purchase Snow Globe Town
December 21, 2025 @ 8:54 am
A couple of the originals were in the Hallmark movie A Grand Ole Opry Christmas, as was Brad himself. The movie itself was surprisingly decent, not so much a cheesy romance as it was around a parent-chuld relationship. There’s a fake 90s country duo in the movie that you could convince me were real if I didn’t know any better.
More a love letter to the Opry than anything else.
December 21, 2025 @ 9:12 am
Welcome back,Brad !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 21, 2025 @ 11:15 am
Enjoyed this new album with good originals mixed with good renditions of time honored classics. Glad to hear Brad making new music too!
Hopefully 2026 will be a chance for him to put out more great music.
December 21, 2025 @ 11:52 am
Just got around to this one last night, thanks to whoever brought it up in the best albums comments. It’s exactly what you want from a Brad Paisley album and from a Christmas album. Definitely getting some spins this week.
December 22, 2025 @ 2:08 am
…what the (international) press says:
“Snow Globe Town” – Brad Paisley
At least there’s one guy out there who, come Christmas time, doesn’t forget about us men with perfectly tidy garages and a soft spot for Telecaster riffs. The kind of guys who consider stadiums and big box hardware stores with massive parking lots the greatest architecture imaginable.
He could’ve skipped the roasting chestnut classic — just do it, don’t sing it. With That Crazy Elf (On The Shelf) he makes up for that little moment of weakness. Then comes the next pothole: My Favorite Things picked in Muddy Waters style — can be done, for sure, but why not go full Hendrix while you’re at it? And more importantly: why not throw in a few actual favorites like cordless power tools, Liam Neeson movies, flannel pajamas, or perhaps even garter belts?
Last Year (with Kelley Bannen) might — at first glance — trigger severe cable car in the alps flashbacks for the Last Christmas generation. Initial relief is followed by some disappointment: turns out it’s just another “Home Alone”-type number.
Anyone mainly into contemporary Christmas music may be better off sticking with the Pistol Annies. Or just hit repeat on Lit and Leave The Christmas Lights On For Me and keep the refills coming. (“Country Style” (Switzerland), Christmas Issue 2025)
December 22, 2025 @ 9:52 am
Yeah, whoever wrote that is NOT taking into consideration the totality of country Christmas releases. Go listen to the new ones by Trisha Yearwood and Mickey Guyton, then get back with us. And frankly, that Pistol Annies one isn’t that great either, though it did have a few good songs. I respect everyone’s opinions and generally don’t get into disagreements with other reviews. But that feels too dismissive.
December 22, 2025 @ 6:38 pm
…didn’t want to go off topic – but since you asked for it specifically here’s the overseas view on:
Christmas Time – Trisha Yearwood
If beautiful voices are what get you into the spirit, Trisha Yearwood is exactly where you want to be. Twelve songs, two‑thirds of which — thank heavens — don’t belong to the “indispensable” seasonal standards, are arranged in ways that let even Blue Christmas feel surprising again. Muted and brass‑y, as if played by a Salvation Army band with an unbelievable singer standing out front beside the donation kettle.
Then comes Cool Yule in classic New York big‑band style — a cool holiday greeting from a time when these days weren’t yet called the Christmas season. In stark contrast, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s cheerful My Favorite Things turns dramatic here, worlds away from Julie Andrews’ version in The Sound of Music. Who counts as a black banana with a slippery black peel in a seasonal context? She tells you — but we won’t.
You should only listen to Years when a few drops of salty liquid won’t ruin the cookie dough. Note to self: must call mama. This is the album for Advent Sunday afternoons.
mickey guyton’s wasn’t considered unfortunately- probably because wondering about her being able to perform christmas songs is like wondering whether the pope can perform a mass. however, leann rimes’ xmas album got mentioned there as well with next to trisha yearwood’s:
Greatest Hits Christmas – LeAnn Rimes
If Trisha Yearwood is the lady from the nicer side of the neighborhood, then LeAnn Rimes is the neighbor across the street — the one with the slightly worn handbag, the skirt a touch too short, the tight tops, and a voice that could make any pastor on earth fall to his knees begging her to join his Christmas choir… while perhaps battling a few unseemly thoughts in the process.
She doesn’t waste time. She sticks to the classics, unapologetically, but spices and brightens them just enough that you catch yourself doing little dance steps in the kitchen or pulling gift ribbon with such gusto that the curls practically spring off the packages.
This 16‑track Christmas album is made for those special women who, even in sub‑zero temperatures, find themselves gazing at slingback heels in festive shop windows — and thanking God for the upcoming SALE and for Klarna.
“Put a little holiday in your heart, put a little shuffle in your step …”
(translations courtesey of ms-copilot)
December 22, 2025 @ 5:32 am
His lead work on this album is absolutely stellar and that was the best version of My Favorite Things ever. It is almost heavy.
December 22, 2025 @ 6:11 am
As a long time Brad paisley mark I was thrilled to have any new music from him. His late career arc has been pretty disappointing. I was pretty excited with the four song ep released a couple years ago as I thought there was potential. The strange strategy he’s been doing or having to do has been frustrating. When he left arista I thought maybe he’d have the freedom to do what he wanted but it seemed to follow the same path. Glad to hear him leaning back into his older more country style. Holding onto hope for a new album next year.
December 22, 2025 @ 10:53 am
Brad has of course made Christmas records before, and his track Born on Christmas Day from the 2006 Brad Paisley Christmas album is one of my yuletide favorites. Trigger your review of this latest release is spot on, and I as well am waiting for some new true country from Mr. Paisley. Hopefully one day the promise of Son of the Mountains will be fulfilled.
December 22, 2025 @ 1:04 pm
Counting down the days has been on replay since Thanksgiving ended. Really enjoyed this release. Glad it got a shoutout.
December 22, 2025 @ 8:05 pm
I had a 5-hour trip today and played the album twice upon Trigger’s recommendation. I was surprised at the 16-track length, but I think some of the best is saved for last. This is a really good Christmas album — my favorite since Cody Johnson’s.