This album is full of chaotic charm—part punk, part traditional Irish folk, and completely unmistakable. Shane MacGowan’s slurred, ragged vocals are both a strength and a stumbling block depending on the song, but there’s no denying the band’s energy and spirit. The title track is a whirlwind, and Fairytale of New York has earned its place as a bittersweet Christmas staple. There are flashes of brilliance and storytelling throughout, but it’s a bit uneven as a full listen. When it hits, it really hits—but when it doesn’t, it can start to blur into a drunken stomp of tin whistles and accordion. There’s definitely heart here, and the band’s wild, unpolished sound is part of their appeal, but it doesn’t always translate into a consistently gripping album. Rough around the edges, with a few standouts, but more hit-and-miss than great.