Top 10 New Christmas Albums of 2007

Diamond Rio has long been known for their beautiful instrumentals and impressive harmonies. A Diamond Rio Christmas: The Star Still Shines, their first release on Word, is certainly no exception. The beauty of their a cappella harmonies on "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" will bring tears to your eyes. "I'll Be Home For Christmas" will fill you with memories of your favorite Christmases past. "Sleigh Ride," one of my favorite holiday tunes from childhood, is done with so much fun and energy that you know immediately that the members of Diamond Rio absolutely love Christmas.

Jars of Clay's first release on their Gray Matters record label also happens to be their first full-length Christmas album. 14 tracks of Christmas classics mixed with originals and that unique Jars sound make this a dramatic release to say the least.

Listen for "Winter Skin" if you want something totally off of the normal Christmas path. Making an old standard new again, "Christmastime Is Here" gets something of a jazz infusion in the Jars treatment. My personal favorite, "The Gift of St. Cecilia" almost defies description. Instrumental songs in Christian music don't get enough good press and the mood that "St. Cecilia" evokes is one of quiet contemplation that will haunt you throughout the rest of the album.

If you've already got Deck the Halls, Bruise Your Hand, then you probably shouldn't buy Let It Snow...Let It Reindeer unless you want re-releases of 10 of the same tracks. However, if you don't have Deck the Halls and you want your Christmas music to have some serious zing, Relient K is absolutely the way to go.

"Angels We Have Heard On High" is classic Relient K ... punk all the way! "In Like a Lion (Always Winter)" (from Music Inspired By The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and The Apathetic EP) shows a softer side of Relient K that never fails to melt my heart. "I Hate Christmas Parties" is a not-so-gentle reminder that Christmas isn't always "merry" for some folks.

You gotta love Relient K's diversity!

In Homecoming Jim Brickman did what Jim Brickman does best ... bring peace through music. Homecoming contains 15 songs including the hauntingly beautiful "Still Nacht." "I Saw Three Ships" is pure lightness and air without an ounce of fluff. The classic "Deck the Halls" instantly puts you in the mood to battle the lights ... even without vocals.

Josh Groban isn't a "Christian artist" per se, but he was raised Anglican-Episcopalian and his talent, combined with his faith, make listing his Christmas release as a Top Pick a no-brainer!

Josh's rich voice, combined with a phenomenal choir on "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" make this tune an instant holiday favorite for 2007. The classical "Panis Angelicus," not a "Christmas standard" on holiday radio, is beautifully done and could pit Josh against any opera tenor out there. "Little Drummer Boy" with Andy Mickee tops off a great release by bringing memories of Christmases past to mind in a blink.

Speaking of guys with astonishing voices, David Phelps is another guy you don't want to miss this Christmas season. A David Phelps Christmas: One Wintry Night shows off David's ability to cross boundaries and styles to a T.

Opening track, "Prelude: O Come O Come Emmanuel" could easily be done at any midnight mass successfully. "One King" with Sonya Isaacs has some of the most beautiful harmonies of the season. "Interlude: Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" is another favorite. David does his usual job of knocking your socks off with his vocals and this tune is just plain fun on top of it.

Some of the biggest names in R&B and gospel music were brought together for Love's Holiday: A Gospel Christmas. The artists on board are a vertible who's who of popular faces and voices.

Alicia Keys' "Little Drummer Girl" has nothing "little" about it. "Tis The Season," Mary Mary's contribution, is one of those "oh my goodness!" songs. You just can't help but love it. "Joy To The World," courtesy of Whitney Houston and the Georgia Mass Choir shows that the lady herself may have gone through some serious trials and tribulations, but she is back with a vengeance!

It may be only four songs, but those four songs .... whew! The girl has a set of pipes that just won't quit.

"O Holy Night" with a piano behind it has an old-time, smoky room feel. The upbeat, "Motown" sound of "What Christmas Means To Me" is true magic. "Christmas Makes Me Cry" with Matthew West will wring and pling your heart-strings.

I'm looking for different this year where my holiday music is concerned and Over The Rhine fits right in. The husband-wife duo makes a big splash with Snow Angels.

The bluesy "All I Ever Get For Christmas Is Blue" kicks off 12 solid tracks. "Little Town" is an off-spring of "O Little Town of Bethlehem" that is 110% folk and 150% beauttiful. "New Redemption Song" ... words can't even begin to describe. You simply have to hear it once and you fall in love.

Randy Travis isn't just a holiday favorite; he's a full-time favorite for country music fans everywhere. His 2007 Christmas release, Songs Of the Season makes the grade in everyone's book.

"Nothin's Gonna Bring Me Down (At Christmas Time)" is tongue-and-cheek as only Randy can do. "(There's No Place Like) Home For the Holidays" is a toe-tapper ... even for folks (like one of my family members) who don't list country music as a favorite. "Angels We Have Heard On High" is pure and simple ... and simply glorious.