Top 5 Christmas Albums 2007

Every year a new crop of Christmas themed musical fare comes on the scene. Some is great and some forgettable renditions of stuff we've all heard a million times. So, if you're thinking of adding something to your holiday music collection this year, or perhaps giving a Christmas CD as a gift here is a list of some of the year's favorite Christmas Albums to get you started. All will liven up a holiday party or lend ambience to your gift exchange.

1. Noel (Josh Groban)- Josh Groban's amazing vocals are accompanied on this sure to be classic Christmas album by powerhouses like the London Symphony Orchestra, The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Faith Hill and Brian McKnight. This album is going to be a favorite for some time to come. The range is terrific, from the classical "Pannis Angelicus," and "Ava Maria," to the more familiar "What Child is This," all the way to the secular "I'll be Home for Christmas."

2. Hear Something Country- Christmas 2007 (compilation featuring Carrie Underwood, Johnny Cash, Kenny Chesney and more) This album represents the variety in contemporary country very nicely. There's something for everyone. From Johnny Cash's spare "Silent Night," to Kellie Pickler's charming "Santa Baby." There's a good balance of secular and religious classics.

3. White Christmas- (Martina McBride) This is a beautiful album. McBrides voice sparkles. The album is a blend of secular and religious, all familiar. The duet with Dean Martin on "Baby it's Cold Outside," is worth the price of the album alone. Another Christmas album you'll find yourself pulling out for years to come.

4. Classic Christmas- (Toby Keith) This two CD set is versatile. Disc one is comprised of secular favorites: "Winter Wonderland," and "White Christmas," for example with some upbeat renditions of classics like "Rockin' Round the Christmas Tree," and "Frosty the Snowman." Traditionalists will like the fact that disc two is reserved for more spiritual tracks: "The First Noel," and "Silent Night," are gorgeous. The different themes of the two discs make this the all-purpose favorite. There's the livening the party stuff that would be good for opening gifts and knocking back a few egg-nogs, while the serious religious songs will be appreciated during more subdued Christmas celebrations. It would be nice with a candle-lit Christmas dinner.

5. Mannheim Steamroller - (Christmas Song) This is the perfect album for those who want a little more zip in their holiday music. Synthesizer melodies and rock beats make for a light, upbeat Christmas morning around the tree kind of sound. Johnny Mathis and Olivia Newton John contribute vocals to one track each. Fans of Mannheim Steamroller might not find anything new, but it would be an addition to an eclectic Christmas album collection.

Also notable, though not a full length album is the most beautiful holiday offering this year: Let it Snow, by Michael Bublé (EP). Bublé's vocals are sophisticated in a way that evokes the rat pack era and the arrangements are subtle enough to really let his voice stand out. Six tracks include classics: "Let it Snow," "White Christmas," "The Christmas Song," and "I'll be Home for Christmas." "Grownup Christmas," is a nice compliment to the more familiar songs.