JVKE and Forrest Frank are turning the holiday hush into a heartfelt hum with This Is What Christmas Feels Like, their intimate collab album out today via AWAL Recordings, and the title track tugs like that empty stocking by the fire—cozy on the surface, quietly aching underneath.
You feel it in the first strum: twinkling acoustics and piano that evoke snow-dusted windows, JVKE’s smooth falsetto weaving with Frank’s soulful warmth over subtle beats and ad-libs that swell like a family singalong gone tender. It’s indie pop laced with R&B glow and a whisper of gospel—think warm mugs of cocoa meets late-night confessions, self-produced by the duo alongside Zac Lawson for that unforced magic.
Thematically, it’s all about the holidays’ hidden hollows: starry lights and Wisemen tales can’t quite fill the gap when someone’s gone, turning December 25 into “just another night” laced with longing. No over-the-top cheer here; it’s a gentle nudge to lean into the mess, believing joy sneaks in anyway, like a star etched in your chest.
The full project’s a nine-track love letter to reclaiming the season—kicking off with this wistful opener, then dipping into “Christmas Through Your Eyes” for kid-like wonder, the upbeat “CHRISTMAS MORNING” (that early single tease from November), and gospel-tinged lifts like “SHINE YOUR LIGHT” and “CHILD OF GOD II.” Tracks like “the cozy part” and “DEFENSELESS” keep it reflective, clocking in at a breezy 25 minutes that begs for repeat spins while baking gingerbread. It’s their first joint full-length, born from Frank’s Christian roots clashing beautifully with JVKE’s viral pop flair, teased on TikToks and Instas with cozy studio clips that had fans begging for the drop.
JVKE’s riding high off his 2024 glow-up—post-“golden hour” billions and that sold-out festival run—trading TikTok virality for deeper cuts that show his evolution into a storyteller with heart. Frank, the Nashville riser who’s flipped CCM into chart heat with Good Day vibes, brings that faith-fueled fire, making this feel like a bridge between worlds. Together, they’re the duo reminding us Christmas isn’t perfect; it’s perfectly imperfect when shared.
Dive into the this is what christmas feels like lyrics below and unpack its raw narrative. Don’t miss other This Is What Christmas Feels Like tracks for more of JVKE & Forrest Frank’s heartfelt holiday glow.
| Lead Vocals | JVKE & Forrest Frank |
| Songwriter | JVKE, Zac Lawson & Forrest Frank |
| Music Producer | JVKE, Zac Lawson & Forrest Frank |
| Label | JVKE Music/AWAL Recordings America |
| Release Date | December 5, 2025 |
| Song Language | English |
| Copyright © | JVKE Music/AWAL Recordings America |
Lyrics of this is what christmas feels like by JVKE & Forrest Frank
[Verse 1: JVKE]
Lights Spread Like A Starry Sky
Wrapping Around The Tree Tonight
But Something’s Still Not Right
Snow On The Windowsill
But Something Is Missing Still
I’m Longing, Passing Time
December Twenty-five
Is Just Another Night
Without You, Oh
‘Cause If You’re Not Here
It Won’t Feel Like Christmas
This Year [Verse 2: Forrest Frank & JVKE]
Da-da, Da-da, Do
Cold (Cold), Cold Like A Winter Storm (Storm)
That’s How It Feels When You’re Not Here
To Warm Our Hearts With Cheer (With Cheer)
It’s Almost Christmas Time (Time)
But Something Inside Sits Wrong This Season
And I’m Believing
Like Wisemen From Afar (Afar)
I Wondered Where You Are (You Are)
That Story Of The Star
Is Written In Our Hearts [Chorus: JVKE]
December Twenty-five
Is Just Another Night
Without You, Oh
‘Cause If You’re Not Here
It Won’t Feel Like Winter Time, [?]
If You’re Not Here
It Won’t Feel Like Christmas
This Year
[Outro: JVKE]
Ba-ba, Ba, Ba
Ba-ba, Ba, Ba
