Patti LaBelle, "Miss Patti's Christmas"
Traditionals are the exception on LaBelle's holiday offering, which is filled with smoothly soulful, seasonal-themed originals from Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Richard Marx, and Luther Vandross. Unlike the singer's vocal style, the disc is laid-back and restrained - occasionally flirting with easy listening.
Jon Secada, "A Christmas Fiesta"
It's beginning to sound a lot like Miami on Secada's new album of Christmas classics. Marimba, salsa, brassy horns, and dance-floor arrangements breathe new life into dusty staples such as "Jingle Bell Rock" and the requisite "Feliz Navidad."
Mindy Smith, "My Holiday"
Smith mixes her own acoustic meditations on the holiday spirit with mellow renditions of familiar chestnuts in jazzy ("The Christmas Song"), folksy ("Away in a Manger"), and country ("Silver Bells") settings. Alison Krauss contributes harmony vocals, and Thrad Cockrell appears for a duet on this pleasantly palatable collection.
Barry Manilow, "In the Swing of Christmas"
Religious affiliation notwithstanding, Manilow was made for Christmas music: a snazzy a cappella "Silver Bells," theatrical recastings of "Jingle Bells" and "Joy to the World," and tastefully earnest reads of "Toyland" and "Count Your Blessings" are among the tasteful, jazz-inflected offerings.
The Isley Brothers, "I'll Be Home for Christmas"
Holiday fare brings out the smooth jazzer in so many, including the Isley Brothers, who add their own swinging, string-laden "Winter Wonderland," schmaltzy "I'll Be Home for Christmas," and lounge-lizard read of "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" to the repertoire, along with a handful of R&B-flavored contributions.
Josh Groban, "Noel"
Brian McKnight, Faith Hill, and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir are Grogan's guests on this lush, somber collection, which includes recordings of holiday greetings sent from soldiers stationed in Iraq (on "I'll Be Home for Chirstmas") and, sadly, one contemporary, connect-the-dots ballad ("Thankful") that belongs in a Disney movie.
Various, "Slow Jams for Christmas"
This low-rent grab bag of recordings includes too many tepid offerings (all recycled) from an all-star group of talents: Luther Vandross, Marvin Gaye, Al Green, Dianne Reeves, the Whispers, the O'Jays, Lou Rawls, Boyz II Men, and more.
Olivia Newton-John, "Christmas Wish"
It's Christmas soft rock at its gauziest as Livvy settles in with a few gentle hymns, a few gentle new tunes, and a few gentle men including Michael McDonald, Jon Secada, and Barry Manilow.
Pam Tillis, "Just in Time for Christmas"
Sweet, homespun versions of familiar tunes - including a medley with dad Mel - add to the three terrific originals that have a nice acoustic, back-porch feel.
Victor Manuelle, "Una Navidad a Mi Estilo"
Winter wonderland? Sleigh bells ring? Forget it. On Manuelle's new album of Christmas songs, he'd rather get you worked up with a blast of New York salsa. It's like taking a tropical holiday without the travel.
The Staple Singers, "The 25th Day of December"
It's hard to imagine how this 1962 album went out of print, considering how amazing it is. Well, it's back and sounds better than ever with the Staples putting those famously tight harmonies to good use on 12 spirituals and Christmas chestnuts.
Various, "A Christmas Celtic Sojourn Live"
Recorded at the Cutler Majestic Theatre last year, this live version of Brian O'Donovan's radio show perfectly captures the warmth and merriment of a family Christmas - if your family could sing in beautiful harmony.
Raul Malo, "Marshmallow World & Other Holiday Favorites"
This is worth the purchase for the retro swellegance of the title track alone. Luckily, the rest, thanks to Malo's dreamy voice, is as cool as the first snowfall.
Martina McBride, "White Christmas"
The country spitfire goes the traditional route with a mix of carols and hymns complete with plucky strings, jingle bells, and, um, a beyond-the-grave duet with Dean Martin on "Baby, It's Cold Outside."
Jeff Meegan, "Season of Love"
A refreshing treat, this album of mostly originals swings with holiday mirth and genuine reflection. Several tracks, co-written by local Brad Hatfield, deserve to be seasonal classics, including the prayer for peace "Bring Them Home."
Matt and Shannon Heaton, "Fine Winter's Night"
We could tell you this new album from the local husband-and-wife duo is a spirited and uplifting collection of traditional and original Irish music. Or we could let Shannon Heaton do it for us in her own words: "We think it's a beautiful, uncrappy addition to the Celtic Christmas world." We second that. (And if you like the album, check out the Heatons's CD-release shows at Club Passim Dec. 6 and then at the Bull Run in Shirley Dec. 7.)
Joan Osborne, "Christmas Means Love"
With a mix of smoky, playful blues ("What Do Bad Girls Get?") and sweetly sung hymns, Osborne puts spice in your egg nog and peace in your Christmas morning.
Darlene Love, "It's Christmas, Of Course" She recorded an all-time seasonal classic, "White Christmas," but this is actually Love's first Christmas album, and it's a mighty, soul-packed gift, especially the deep-blue cover of the Pretenders's "2000 Miles."
Various, "The Best of Christmas Cocktails"
How do you take your Christmas morning - straight up or on the rocks? Either way, this new compilation gives you plenty of reasons to toast the holiday, from Dean Martin's swinging "Winter Wonderland" to Julie London's sultry "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm."
