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A Guitar's Carol (Reel Loud Records)
Instrumental guitar pop

This former guitarist for Denver & The Mile High Orchestra is clearly an amazing talent, certainly in the same league as virtuosos like Phil Keaggy and Erik Mongrain. Keith L. Cooper's second solo album (currently only available online and at concerts) matches a wide variety of stylistic interpretations to holiday standards. The more inventive the better, as heard through the Latin feel of "What Child Is This" and the old-world gypsy flavor of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen." And less is more with impressive solo acoustic arrangements of Tchaikovsky's "Dance of the Sugar Plum," a jazzy "We Three Kings," and a sublime rendition of "The First Noel." But the disc falters when it sounds like a Weather Channel soundtrack ("Silent Night," "O Come All Ye Faithful," "Hark the Herald Angels Sing"). An inconsistently good effot.—Breimeier

A Diamond Rio Christmas: The Star Still Shines (Word/Curb/Warner)
Country/standards

Diamond Rio says they've wanted to make this Christmas album ever since their 1991 debut, and now they're the latest to go inspirational country … well, to some degree at least. The title track is the only new one, but it's an excellent slice of country-pop with a clever chorus about the continuing influence of Christmas/Jesus: "The star still shines after all this time as a light for me and you/It beckons us to seek Him, and wise men still do." After that, it's somewhat disappointing that "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" and "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" are the only other sacred tracks on the album. Those who don't mind an album that favors standards over hymns will thrill to the authentically countrified arrangements, including "Winter Wonderland," "Sleigh Ride," and the bluegrass of Tex Logan's "Christmas Time's a Comin'." Some renditions are more predictably straightforward than others, but the overall musicianship of Diamond Rio is stunning as they manage to vary their styles enough while remaining true to their sound.  – Breimeier

Noel (143/Reprise/Warner Records)
Classical/pop/standards

Some vocalists were born to make a Christmas album. Josh Groban's flawless, robust tenor resides somewhere between opera and Broadway pop, perfectly matched with the production talents of David Foster (Celine Dion, Andrea Bocelli), the London Symphony Orchestra, and a variety of choirs. The fact that Groban was raised Anglican-Episcopalian might explain why he relies predominantly on sacred Christmas tunes, including less commonly heard classical pieces like "Panis Angelicus" and one of the finest performances of "Ave Maria" you'll hear. Culminating with a reverential "O Come All Ye Faithful" featuring organ and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Noë l is richly saturated with tradition. Yet some of the arrangements are pop enough to keep it interesting, such as an initially acoustic "Angels We Have Heard on High" duet with Brian McKnight, or "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" delivered in 4/4 time with a gospel choir. Still, more stylistic variation would be welcome to stretch Groban's range, and "I'll Be Home for Christmas" will seem either poignant or schmalzty depending on your tolerance of those radio remixes with phone messages (in this case, to and from soldiers in Iraq). But overall, Noë l is sure to remain a Christmas favorite for years to come.—Breimeier

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