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The Christmas spirit is alive and well in the music business this year, with more than twenty new releases in the Christian market—some of them late arrivals from 2006, but we haven't even included everything that's available for 2007. The phrase "something for everyone" has never been more applicable: pop, rock, classical, gospel, country, jazz, and however you want to define Mannheim Steamroller as. It's been a while since we've seen so many big names release Christmas projects within the last year, some releasing albums of all-new material, some releasing collections of old-favorites, and some simply releasing short EPs. It's an amazing testament to the many different styles with which we can celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and the profound impact God's gift of love has had on the world.

Yolanda Adams | Aly & AJ | Jim Brickman | Keith L. Cooper
Diamond Rio | Jars of Clay | Josh Groban | Scott Krippayne
Mandisa | Mannheim Steamroller | Leigh Nash | Bebo Norman
Ginny Owens | Over the Rhine | David Phelps | Relient K
Michael W. Smith | Randy Travis | Jaci Velasquez | Vickie Winans
Bethlehem Skyline | Love's Holiday: A Gospel Christmas
Songs4Worship: Christmas | WoW Gospel Christmas

What a Wonderful Time (Columbia/Integrity)
Soul/gospel pop

Yolanda Adams is a soul diva, so it's no wonder she treats What a Wonderful Time—her second Christmas album and first for Columbia Records—as a soul album. That may disappoint her gospel fanbase, but it's a joy for those who love to see Adams kick back, relax, and do something more befitting her inner urban songstress. Not as carol-oriented as her first yuletide offering, the disc favors original material over traditional numbers, but that's not a problem in light of all the class and elegance on display here—think Anita Baker or early Whitney Houston. "With God" and "Hold On" in particular are noteworthy as proof that even at her most carefree and soulful, Adams doesn't forget what she's made of. What a Wonderful Time, indeed.—Farias

Acoustic Hearts of Winter (Hollywood Records)
Pop/rock

This late 2006 release gets my vote for one of the worst titled Christmas albums ever. Besides sounding like a bad Japanese-to-English translation, a third of the 30-minute album isn't even acoustic. "Greatest Time of Year" (from 2006's The Santa Clause 3) is a sprightly rocker descended from '50s/'60s Motown Christmas hits, and the girl-rock of "Not This Year" is inspired by those who struggle to find joy during the holidays. They're pretty good songs nonetheless, and the majority of the remaining 9 tracks are indeed acoustic versions of classic Christmas carols. Though a couple of arrangements feel rushed, it's a surprisingly cross-generational sound that doesn't cater exclusively to the Radio Disney audience. And to their credit, the Michalka sisters live up to their Christian heritage by primarily sticking to hymns, though bouncy versions of "Deck the Halls" and "Let It Snow" are also fun. Clumsy title aside, Aly & AJ's pleasant Christmas album is better than some would expect.—Breimeier

Homecoming (SLG Music)
Instrumental piano/easy listening

With its mix of instrumental and vocal, traditional and original, sacred and secular, Jim Brickman's third Christmas release Homecoming feels more or less like a lesser version of its predecessors The Gift (1997) and Peace (2003)—only the song titles and guest vocalists seem to have changed. Former Lonestar vocalist Richie McDonald delivers the sappy power ballad "Coming Home for Christmas," while the late Gerald Levert is featured on a Christmas version of "My Angel" (originally from Brickman's Escape album). It's more or less what you would expect from the pop pianist, and in this case, more of the same isn't as unwelcome as it seems unnecessary. There's ultimately no denying Homecoming makes a warm and pleasant piano-led backdrop for innumerate holiday activities, be they familial, social, romantic, or reflective.—Breimeier

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