Who says holiday music has to jingle all the way?
Brett Sheroky’s latest release, Happy New Year (Stripped), is the heartbreak anthem your holiday playlist didn’t know it needed.
Dropped just in time for the emotional crescendo of the year on December 6, 2024, this stripped-back gem is equal parts soulful, sincere, and stirring—a reflective counterpoint to the sugar-sweet cheer of seasonal tunes.
Co-written with the brilliantly emotive Trannie Anderson (known for her work with Lainey Wilson and Dan + Shay), Happy New Year (Stripped) doesn’t deck the halls; it unpacks the baggage. With its sparse instrumentation, the song creates space for Sheroky’s raw vocal performance to shine. His voice—both aching and warm—feels like the sonic equivalent of watching snowflakes fall through a window, reminding you of what you’ve lost and what you’ve found in the quiet moments.
“This isn’t your typical holiday track,” Sheroky notes, and boy, is he right. Instead of sleigh bells and carols, Sheroky and Anderson give us honest lyrics that reflect on the highs and lows of the past year. The song doesn’t shy away from heartbreak, making it a cathartic choice for anyone feeling a little too human during the season of forced smiles and glittering lights.
It’s a bold move, blending melancholy with hope, but Sheroky pulls it off effortlessly. The stripped production mirrors the vulnerability of his storytelling, stripping away not just the frills but the facade, too. Think of it as the anti-sparkle holiday single, perfect for sipping whiskey by the fire or sending a wistful text to the one who got away.
As Sheroky prepares to release his debut album in April 2025, Happy New Year (Stripped) feels like a preview of the artistry we can expect. A blend of 90s country earnestness and 70s rock introspection, Sheroky’s sound is uniquely his own yet comfortingly familiar. And if this single is any indication, his upcoming album will be filled with songs that speak to the human condition with the same heartfelt depth.
So, if you’re tired of hearing the same jingles on repeat, do yourself a favor and cue up Happy New Year (Stripped). It’s the kind of song that doesn’t just mark the end of the year—it helps you process it.
Stream “Happy New Year (Stripped)” now, and prepare to feel all the feels.