What makes ...And a Happy New Year by The Maine notable?

This EP features a blend of original songs and a cover, 'Last Christmas', which showcases the band's ability to infuse traditional holiday themes with their distinct sound. Its upbeat tracks contributed to The Maine's growing popularity in the pop-punk and alternative rock scenes, solidifying their reputation for catchy and relatable music. Released on January 1, 2008, ...And a Happy New Year was The Maine's first holiday-themed EP following their debut album, Can't Stop, Won't Stop. The Maine was still establishing their identity in the alternative rock scene, using this release to showcase their fun, energetic style while connecting with fans during the holiday season.

How many songs are on ...And a Happy New Year?

...And a Happy New Year has 4 tracks, running approximately 14 minutes.

...And a Happy New Year

The Maine · 2008

14 min · 4 tracks · alternative rock

A festive blend of upbeat melodies and playful lyrics capturing the spirit of holiday cheer and youthful romance.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Ho Ho Hopefully — The opening track sets a celebratory tone with infectious energy, combining holiday cheer with themes of longing that resonate with young listeners.
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Santa Stole My Girlfriend — This playful narrative captures the humorous side of holiday mishaps, reflecting the band's knack for storytelling within catchy pop-punk melodies.
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Last Christmas — Their cover recontextualizes this classic by adding a fresh pop-rock twist while maintaining a sense of nostalgia for listeners familiar with the original.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The EP features engaging melodies and a mix of original tracks and a cover, appealing to holiday themes while showcasing the band's style.

What we noticed

The third track slows down significantly, introducing a more reflective tone with softer instrumentation and a focus on lyrical storytelling.
The cover of 'Last Christmas' retains the original melody but is arranged with a pop-punk flair, contrasting with the EP's original songs.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — A festive EP that showcases early identity without major recognition.
Career context: Released on January 1, 2008, ...And a Happy New Year was The Maine's first holiday-themed EP following their debut album, Can't Stop, Won't Stop. The Maine was still establishing their identity in the alternative rock scene, using this release to showcase their fun, energetic style while connecting with fans during the holiday season.
Stylistic neighbors: All Time Low· Mayday Parade· The Summer Set