Country/Review Cali Tucker - Santa Baby

Cali Tucker has had a phenomenal year by any measure. Her music has amassed millions of streams on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. She performed the National Anthem for NASCAR's Pennzoil 400 in front of eighty thousand racing fans and to a televised audience of over three million.

Cali Tucker ushers in the holiday season with “Santa Baby,” a six-song EP that wraps classic Christmas favorites in her signature blend of warmth, soul, and timeless sparkle. Far from a routine seasonal release, this collection feels intimate and heartfelt, showcasing Tucker’s unmistakable voice as both playful and reverent, depending on the moment. Each song is treated not as nostalgia alone, but as a living, breathing performance shaped by emotion and craft.

The EP opens with the sultry charm of “Santa Baby,” where Tucker leans into flirtation and confidence without losing elegance. Her soulful interpretation of “Please Come Home for Christmas” carries genuine longing, turning a familiar standard into a deeply personal plea. “Mele Kalikimaka” brings a breezy, island-tinged joy that adds lightness and color, while “O Holy Night” stands as a vocal centerpiece—soaring, reverent, and powerful enough to silence even the most stubborn holiday skeptic. Rounding out the set are tender renditions of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “The Christmas Song,” both delivered with warmth and restraint, allowing the melodies to shine.

What gives “Santa Baby” its emotional weight is the context behind it. Produced by the late Ryan Whyte Maloney, the EP doubles as a tribute to a friend, mentor, and creative force in Tucker’s life. That sense of love and gratitude permeates every note, making this release feel both celebratory and reflective.

Ultimately, “Santa Baby” is a graceful, heartfelt holiday EP—one that honors tradition while carrying genuine emotion, spirit, and soul.