Jingle jam: The Gazette's annual holiday CD roundup

Whether you prefer rockin' around the Christmas tree or watching chestnuts roasting on an open fire, choosing new discs to add to your mix can be daunting.

So Santa's elves at The Gazette and KCRG-TV9 have given a dozen new collections a spin, discovering choices for the meek and the bold. Some really pound, some raise the sound, but all will bring joyful tones to every home.

4 BELLS

RENEE FLEMING 'Christmas in New York' (Universal Music Classics) Rating: ★★★★

Opera star Renee Fleming once called herself a repertoire control freak. If, she said, she were going to record songs that 'everyone else has done,' she had to ask herself, 'What are you going to bring to it?'

What Fleming brings to 'Christmas in New York' is that exquisite soprano voice — polished and precise.

She also delivers a more varied holiday selection. While this CD does boast 'Winter Wonderland' and 'Silver Bells,' there are no accompanying red-nosed reindeers or dancing snowmen.

Instead, accompanied by Chris Botti, Wynton Marsalis and Rufus Wainwright, among others, her nuanced sampling includes more thoughtful songs: During 'In the Bleak Midwinter,' she sings that 'Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone.' And in 'Who Knows Where the Time Goes,' she notes that 'your fickle friends are leaving ...

/But I will still be here.'

After all, she promises with that amazing voice, 'I do not count the time.'

Best song: 'Who Knows Where the Time Goes'

— Michael Chevy Castranova, The Gazette

ANTHONY HAMILTON 'Home for the Holidays' (RCA) Rating: ★★★★

'Home for the Holidays' is such a fun time you feel like you are listening to a bluesy, R&B Christmas concert.

Drums, heavy bass beats, tambourines and even harmonicas are featured heavily on many of the songs. Hamilton's strong voice flawlessly shifts gears, allowing him to complement guest artists like Gavin DeGraw, ZZ Ward and Chaka Kahn, while at the same time letting him take control on tracks like 'It's Christmas' and 'Spend Christmas with You.'

His rendition of 'Little Drummer Boy' will make you forget Bowie and Bing's duet forever. The song is so upbeat it feels like a Christmas song from Martha and the Vandellas.

The title track is amazing as R&B singer-songwriter Hamilton matches perfectly with country crooner Degraw. The song with Ward has an acoustic sound that feels like some guys with guitars and a harmonica singing songs they've sung together for years. The duet with Chaka Kahn was my only disappointment as their voices and the arrangements just didn't do it for me. The album finishes strong with the religious themes of 'Spirit of Love.'

This is a great album that features some toe-tapping takes on Christmas classics that just might have you listening to it as you wait for Christmas to come back around next year.

Best song: (tie) 'Little Drummer Boy' and 'Away in a Manger'

— Mike Wagner, KCRG-TV9

SETH MACFARLANE 'Holiday for Swing!' (Universal Republic) Rating: ★★★★

Knowing this CD came from the creator of 'Family Guy,' 'American Dad' and the box-office hit 'Ted' — a film about a foul-mouthed plush teddy bear — I assumed it would be filled with inappropriate jokes and holiday satire.

As it turns out, Seth MacFarlane's talents stretch far beyond crude comedy.

MacFarlane is also a classically trained singer who worked with the same voice coaches who trained Barbra Streisand and Frank Sinatra. In fact, this isn't even his first album. In 2012, he released 'Music is Better Than Words,' which features a collection of standards originally recorded by famous vocalists of the '40s and '50s.

On 'Holiday for Swing!' you'll find 13 tracks of similar big-band style swing, with velvety baritone crooning and a full symphony orchestra to boot.

If you enjoy Christmas classics and big band music, I'd highly recommend this album. With the added bonus of guest vocalists Norah Jones and Sara Bareilles, you really can't go wrong.

Best song: 'Baby, Its Cold Outside'

— Liz Zabel, The Gazette

CAST OF ABC-TV'S 'NASHVILLE' 'Christmas with Nashville' (Lions Gate Entertainment/ABC Studios) Rating: ★★★★

I'm not a big country fan by any means, but I do love watching the ABC television show 'Nashville,' so I was eager to hear the Christmas CD put out by the cast. I wasn't disappointed.

Anyone who is a fan of the show will love it and even those who have never seen the show might want to listen because this crew of actors — or should I say singers — are pretty amazing. Some of them even have their own bands, so it's not as if they are dabbling in music. The show is a great spotlight for their talents.

Clare Bowen who plays Scarlett O'Connor hits all the right notes on 'Santa Baby.' Hayden Panettiere who plays Juliette Barnes does a great rendition of 'White Christmas' and Connie Britton and Will Chase banter playfully on 'Baby It's Cold Outside,' just like their characters megastars Rayna James and Luke Wheeler. Sam Palladio, aka Gunnar Scott, is a perfect fit for the melancholy 'River.'

But my favorite has to be sisters Lennon and Maisy Stella whose two-part harmony that first wowed people on YouTube and then on 'Nashville' hit a home run on 'Christmas Coming Home,' written by their parents, Marylynne and Bradley Stella of The Stellas. The two young sisters — just 15 and 11 — wow audiences of the show every time they take the stage as Maddie and Daphne Conrad. Music is definitely in their blood.

Best song: 'Christmas Coming Home'

— Janet Rorholm, The Gazette

PENTATONIX 'That's Christmas To Me' (RCA/Atlantic) Rating: ★★★★

You may think you've never heard of Pentatonix, but there's a decent chance you've heard their spectacular rendition of 'Little Drummer Boy,' released last year, which has racked up more than 40 million YouTube views.

But if this five-member a cappella group's first holiday disc is your introduction, be warned: You may well end up with a new favorite in your seasonal collection.

Most modern a cappella groups use a variety of vocal techniques to replicate percussion or other instrumentals, but Pentatonix takes it to another level on tracks like 'Santa Claus Is Coming To Town.' It's hard to believe they're not sneaking in a synthesizer or an electronic drum kit to support their spectacular vocals.

The album opens with a traditional-sounding take on 'Hark, The Herald Angels Sing,' which snaps suddenly into a gospel breakdown. Waves of layered sound cascade through the second half of 'Silent Night.' And if you're not completely averse to another rendition of 'Let It Go,' you'll be mesmerized by Pentatonix's tight, triumphant harmonies.

The tracks aren't all my style. 'The Most Wonderful Time of The Year' is just a little too Broadway for my holiday tastes. But the good thoroughly outweighs the mediocre, especially the CD's lone original, 'That's Christmas To Me, ' with its ode to the holidays' nostalgic elements.

And check out 'Little Drummer Boy,' too. You won't regret it.

Best song: 'That's Christmas To Me'

— Richard Pratt, The Gazette Digital Team

DARIUS RUCKER 'Home for The Holidays' (Capitol Records Nashville) Rating: ★★★★

People who love country music and a mix of new and old Christmas songs will love Darius Rucker's first Christmas album, 'Home for the Holidays.' The 48-year-old crooner is commonly known as the frontman of the '90s group Hootie and the Blowfish.

This album features 12 songs, two of which Rucker cowrote: 'What God Wants for Christmas' and 'Candy Cane Christmas.' Both are great songs. 'What God Wants for Christmas' starts out talking about the common things people do around Christmas, like rushing around buying gifts for family and friends. But once you get to the chorus, Rucker sings that God just wants people to fill the pews of Christmas Mass, as well as other things you can't buy at a store, like peace on earth and faith. And 'Candy Cane Christmas' takes listeners right back to childhood when children wait for Santa to come and get up early on Christmas Day to open gifts.

Pop/rock-turned-country singer Sheryl Crow joins Rucker in a duet of 'Baby, It's Cold Outside.' It's a good version of the song and their voices blend very well.

The CD is a good mix of traditional songs like 'O Come All Ye Faithful' and 'Hark the Herald Angels Sing' as well as other Christmas favorites like 'You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.' Whether listeners are looking for upbeat or slower ballads, they can't go wrong with Darius Rucker's Christmas CD.

Best Song: 'I Wonder What God Wants for Christmas'

— Ellen Kurt, KCRG-TV9

3 BELLS

KIDZ BOP 'Christmas Wish List' (Razor and Tie) Rating: ★★★

I put off writing this review for two reasons. First, as The Gazette's Features Editor, it's my prerogative. Second, though, is that I didn't know what to say about a Christmas album that I would never voluntarily play.

If I were judging Kidz Bop's compilation of Christmas classics by the same standards as I do my other holiday favorites, it would land at the bottom of the pile.

Other than being the keeper of the credit card, though, am not this album's intended audience. My kids and others in the elementary school set are. And they loved it. That is why it gets three stars instead of one.

There are other redeeming qualities as well. I was expecting overly silly songs and over-the-top arrangements. Instead, the five tween singers on the album have lovely young voices; they sing in tune and with enthusiasm.

I didn't forget to change back to NPR as soon as my kids got out of the car in the morning, but there are worse things to listen to.

It's chipper, but it's not Alvin And The Chipmunks.

And for that, I am thankful.

Best song:'Must Be Santa"

— Carly Weber, The Gazette 

ELLEN DEGENERES 'Ellen's The Only Holiday Album You'll Ever Need — Volume 1' (Watertower Music) Rating: ★★★

This record feels as if Ellen took her iPod, found her most-played Christmas songs, and made an album out of them. It is a 14-song seasonal romp through genres, eras and artists, and that is a double-edged sword.

The variety makes the album approachable. Perhaps a family of varying ages and musical tastes will each find an artist on here whom they enjoy. But that same variety causes the album to feel haphazard, and lack a cohesive and consistent voice.

I applaud Ellen for eschewing many played-out classics and opting for some fun singles like Stevie Wonder's 'One Little Christmas Tree' and Wham's 'Last Christmas.' However with that variety there are some misses, specifically the inclusion of Lady Gaga's highly sexualized song, 'Christmas Tree.'

In all, this Christmas album probably has some tunes that even avid seasonal record collectors do not have, so if the collection of artists on here interest you, then it is worth giving a shot.

One last thought. I do have to question Ellen's album title, 'The Only Holiday Album You'll Ever Need — Volume 1.' If it is the only album I will ever need, why is it the first volume? Is there a future cash-grab planned with a volume 2?

Best song: 'Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town,' Jackson 5

— Max Freund, The Gazette Digital Team

IDINA MENZEL 'Holiday Wishes' (Warner Bros. Records) Rating: ★★★

Idina Menzel is full of surprises. This wickedly frozen diva has proved time and again that she can outbelt anyone on Broadway and any Elsa in living rooms across the country.

So imagine my surprise when she didn't belt 'Do You Hear What I Hear,' the opening cut on her new Christmas album. Instead, she belted 'Silent Night.' Reminded me of a choir director who once told us we should be lulling the baby Jesus to sleep, not kicking over the manger.

Everything else on this album is lovely, with lush orchestral accompaniments adding plenty of seasonal shimmer. 'When You Wish Upon a Star' fills the lullaby niche while shaking up an otherwise holiday snow globe collection.

In a very smart move, she invited a few friends over for the holidays, letting sax man Kenny G jazz up 'All I Want for Christmas is You' and 'White Christmas,' and teaming up with crooner Michael Bublé to light a fire with 'Baby It's Cold Outside.'

This CD will slide nicely into my Christmas rotation, and I may even be tempted to grab it in July when I need Menzel's frozen magic to douse summer's fire.

Best song: 'White Christmas' with Kenny G

— Diana Nollen, The Gazette

VARIOUS ARTISTS 'Motown Christmas' (Motown Gospel) Rating: ★★★

'Motown Christmas' is exactly what you would think it is. The album is a compilation of Motown Artists from years past, mixed with a large variety of singers and musicians from a mix of musical backgrounds. Smokey Robinson and the Temptations bring back memories of traditional Motown beats, while India. Arie and Ne-Yo make this an album that crosses generations and genres.

If you're looking for a traditional Christmas album, this may or may not be what you're looking for. Many of the songs are very traditional tunes most people would know the words to. The soulful a cappella performance of 'The Christmas Song' is a beautiful interpretation of the classic tune, while 'Little Drummer Boy' was a fresh 'drum corps' rendition a person could easily jog to.

A few tracks got a bit too 'soulful' for my relatively traditional taste in Christmas music. I couldn't stop listening to the 'Christmas Overture' which is an instrumental mix of 'Carol of the Bells' and 'My Favorite Things.'

Overall, this album has many more winners than lumps of coal.

Best song: 'The Christmas Song,' Ne-Yo and Tasha Cobbs

— Erin Rooney, KCRG-TV9

MICHAEL W. SMITH & FRIENDS 'The Spirit of Christmas' (Sparrow Records/Universal) Rating: ★★★

As I listened to 'The Spirit of Christmas,' featuring contemporary Christian music artist Michael W. Smith and friends, it reminded me of The Carpenters' classic holiday 'Christmas Portrait' album released by the brother and sister duo in 1978.

With good reason.

When Smith and producer Robert Deaton were trying to create what they hoped would be a one-of-a-kind project that would be played for years to come, they were inspired by Richard Carpenter's work as producer of 'Christmas Portrait.'

'The Spirit of Christmas' uses Carpenter's triple arc approach, opening with the childlike and wintry aspects of the start of the Christmas season. It continues with a collection of songs and instrumentations reflecting the celebration of family and faith and concludes with the birth of Jesus Christ.

Smith, backed by the London Symphony Orchestra, opens with 'It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,' and follows it with 'Happy Holiday' and 'Holiday Season.' Smith's smooth vocals are very enjoyable, evoking memories of years when classic holiday music filled the airwaves and department stores aisles filled with shoppers.

Country artist Vince Gill joins Smith for 'Christmas Time is Here,' which will forever be associated with 'A Charlie Brown Christmas.' It's a pleasant rendition, but Gill strains at times to reach high notes.

Smith and Lady Antebellum offer a solid 'White Christmas,' followed by Smith's granddaughter, Audrey, singing a magical 'Somewhere in My Memory.'

Smith turned to many friends in the music world to create the 'middle' arc with Martina McBride's 'What Child Is This,' longtime friend Amy Grant's moving rendition of 'Almost There' and Carrie Underwood's 'All Is Well.'

The final arc includes my favorites, with Smith joined by Jennifer Nettles on 'Christmas Day' and Bono's spoken word 'The Darkest Midnight.' The latter is breathtaking in its simplicity with Bono sharing the recollection of a shepherd who observed the birth of Christ in Bethlehem.

Michael McDonald joins Smith for a fitting conclusion on 'Peace.' It's a musical exclamation point for a memorable holiday album.

Best song: 'The Darkest Midnight,' Bono

— George Ford, The Gazette

1 BELL

CELTIC WOMAN 'O Christmas Tree' (Manhattan) Rating: ★ 1/2

My Irish eyes weren't smiling for very long after listening to Celtic Woman's 'O Christmas Tree.'

For starters, it only includes six songs, and some of those are only a couple of minutes long — literally 19 minutes of music on the whole CD. Not what I would consider a good value when I'm expecting a regular CD's worth of music.

On those songs, though, the singing was beautiful, like I've come to expect from this group. But, with the exception of 'O Tannenbaum,' none of the songs sounded very 'Celtic-y,' for lack of a better word. They were traditional covers of traditional Christmas songs that could have been done the same way by literally hundreds of other artists.

Normally, I am a complete sucker for this genre of music. But while the singing was gorgeous, the limited number of songs on the CD, and the very traditional picks, left me cold.

Best song: 'It Came Upon a Midnight Clear'

— Jim Riley, The Gazette