It's the holiday season, so whoop-dee-do, another round of Christmas CDs from the world of rock, country, jazz and classical.

This year, there are new collections by Martina McBride, The Smithereens, Barry Manilow and Dave Koz, plus the Josh Groban collection that has been sitting near the top of the charts.

Pop

Various Artists 'Stockings by the Fire' (Starbucks)

This is one of those collections that sounds like a million bucks. Ray Charles & Betty Carter kick it off with a deliciously flirtatious duet on "Baby, It's Cold Outside" from 1962, and it's just about all class from there, mixing the likes of Sinatra, Ella, Dino and Nat King Cole with Sarah McLachlan, Rufus Wainwright, Diana Krall and John Legend. There are a few interesting departures, like Ukrainian folk duo The Bird and The Bee's mesmerizing "Carol of the Bells" and A Fine Frenzy making "Let It Snow" all ambient and arty. There's yet another cover of Joni Mitchell's "The River," this time by Corinne Bailey Rae, who sounds like she's about to giggle any second -- not sure what she was thinking. That aside, you can't go wrong by picking this up with your latte. (Scott Mervis)

Raul Malo 'Marshmallow World & Other Holiday Favorites' (New Door)

The former singer of the Mavericks has a classically good baritone voice and quite a range, singing like Dino on "Marshmallow World," belting out the blues on "Santa Claus is Back in Town" and evoking his Cuban roots on a spirited "Feliz Navidad." Malo captures the spirit of Roy Orbison on "Not So Merry Christmas," and "White Christmas" is light, finger-snapping swing. We've all heard "Silent Night" a million times, but this one gave me some goosebumps. (Mervis)

Barry Manilow 'In the Swing of Christmas' (Hallmark)

Say what you want about Barry Manilow -- he's no slouch when it comes to choosing musicians for the studio. Two jazz trios, one led by pianist Matt Herskowitz, put the swing into Christmas, and Manilow clearly is enjoying himself joining them in these up-tempo versions of holiday favorites. Manilow goes solo a cappella, however, in the opening "Silver Bells," layering 26 of his own vocals. Elsewhere, he doesn't break a lot of new ground. He gives a few peppy twists to old chestnuts "Jingle Bells," "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" and "Winter Wonderland" and leaves well enough alone on "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and the "Peanuts" classic "Christmastime Is Here." Two unexpected gems are Irving Berlin's "Count Your Blessings" and "Violets for Your Furs," a smoky tune based on a Nelson Riddle arrangement that sounds like it drifted out of Manilow's 1984 "2:00 a.m. Paradise Cafe" album. Even non-Manilow fans shouldn't be terribly offended by this CD playing in the background of a holiday party. (Available only in Hallmark stores.) (Karen Carlin)

Josh Groban 'Noel' (Reprise)

Josh Groban's fans have been waiting a long time for his collection of Christmas tunes. To that end, Groban and producer David Foster serve up a 13-song collection of traditional tunes that include "Silent Night," "What Child Is This," "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" and "O Come All Ye Faithful." Groban gets assistance from Brian McKnight on "Angels We Have Heard on High," and Faith Hill joins him on "The First Noel." It wouldn't be a Groban disc without some classical-type fare, and "Ave Maria," "Petit Papa Noel" and "Panis Angelicus" do just fine. The disc is masterfully produced with crystal-clear arrangements and beautiful singing. What's missing is a certain spark in these songs that makes the hair stand on the back of your neck. Nevertheless, it is a worthy addition to your holiday collection. (Rosa Colucci)

The Smithereens 'Christmas with the Smithereens' (Koch)

Rockin' Christmas records are tricky because you don't want to rock too much, but you have to rock enough. The New Jersey band strikes a nice balance with a sturdy and tuneful set of power-pop complete with songs previously done by the Beatles, Beach Boys, Ramones, even a perfectly sung cover of "Christmas" from The Who's "Tommy." The band also tosses in three originals, including the Ramones-like "Christmas Time All Over the World." Pat Dinizio's smoky voice might not be tailor-made for Christmas carols, but he makes the most of it here. (Mervis)

Soundtrack 'Fred Claus' (Warner Bros.)

The Vince Vaughn-Paul Giamatti comedy about St. Nick's loser brother arrives with a soundtrack of great individual Christmas tracks that don't make any particular sense as a whole, other than serving the movie. You can't go wrong with Johnny Mercer's "Jingle Bells," Elvis Presley's "Santa Claus Is Back in Town," The Ronettes' "Sleigh Ride," etc. Sprinkled into the collection is The Waitress' New Wave winner "Christmas Wrapping," Sinead O'Connor's lovely "Silent Night" and an alt-country take of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" from Matt Turk. There's no consistent vibe to this package, so there might be better collections for these tracks. The only original piece is the "Suite From Fred Claus" by Christophe Beck. (Mervis)

Captain & Tennille 'The Secret of Christmas' (Retroactive)

Here's one for Grandma. The first Captain & Tennille studio album in 20 years is a Christmas record with a hokey '70s variety-show feel. Toni Tennille applies her now-husky vocals to standards like "Merry Christmas" and "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" and "Silent Night," but there's a good bit of silliness on it as well. They romp through "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas" and use lots of use goofy, Chipmunk-like vocal effects throughout. The Captain gets a chance to sound like Mannheim Steamroller on "Daryl of the Bells," and there are four so-so originals, including "Boogie Baby Christmas" and "Tahoe Snow." The highlight may be the tasteful closer, "The Secret of Christmas." (Mervis)

Various Artists 'Disney Channel Holiday' (Walt Disney)

Generation Next gets a crack at Christmas with a cheerful holiday collection, starting with Miley Cyrus rockin' out all cute and giddy on "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree." Matching her energy are Christy Carlson Romano, from "Even Stevens," on "Best Time of the Year," and Aly & AJ on "Greatest Time of Year." Miley's dad, Billy Ray, sounds like an old pro on a "Run Rudolph Run" that coolly blends acoustic and stinging electric guitar. Kyle Massey has a good time carrying on like Nelly on a hip-hop "Jingle Bells." Tracks by the likes of the Cheetah Girls, Jordan Pruitt, Drew Seeley and Monique Coleman are nothing to write home about. (Mervis)

Various Artists 'Monster Ballads: Xmas' (Razor & Tie)

Here's a collection of cheesy hard rock that starts OK with Skid Row and gets progressively more unlistenable through the likes of Firehouse, Danger Danger and Faster Pussycat. Do we really need an industrial metal version of "Silent Night"? The Dee Snider-Lita Ford debut on "I'll Be Home for Christmas" and Queensryche's "White Christmas" are enough to make Santa stay home and bolt the door. (Mervis)

Carnie Wilson 'Christmas with Carnie' (Big3 Records)

Carnie Wilson throws a disc of 12 songs into the Christmas CD release bin of 2007 -- and that's where it should stay. The arrangements are tiresome and the vocal work is hopelessly flat, uninspired and stilted on many of the songs. The strongest cut from this disc is "I'll Be Home for Christmas." Download it for 99 cents on iTunes and call it a day. (Colucci)

R&B/Soul

The Staples Singers 'The 25th Day of December' (Riverside Records/Concord Music Group)

This collection of Christmas songs was originally released in 1960. It's a gem, and I'm glad that someone had the good sense to pull it out of the vault for the rest of us. The disc features Roebuck, Mavis, Yvonne and Pervis Staples singing classic gospel songs with nothing but guitar, organ and drum accompaniment. Layered with heavy blues intonation, it is soulful, stellar and downright real. Song choices include original tunes by Roebuck Staples "Holy Unto the Lord," "There Was a Star" and gospel standards "The Savior Is Born" and "Sweet Little Jesus Boy." Don't miss "There Was a Star" and the sorrowful "The Virgin Mary Had One Son." (Colucci)

The Isley Brothers Featuring Ronald Isley 'I'll Be Home for Christmas' (Universal)

You didn't expect jazz from the Isley Brothers, did you? Well, neither did I, but nearly half of the selections on their first holiday recording, produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, find Ronnie Isley's tangy vocals backed by an acoustic piano trio plus string section. Of the traditional material, the gospel-drenched organ-shuffle "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" stands out. Also included are two elegant new songs with Christmas themes, the moderate-tempo "I'm in Love" and the liquid ballad "What Can I Buy You?" (Rick Nowlin)

Various Artists 'Love's Holiday: A Gospel Christmas' (Sony/BMG)

This is a compilation of previously recorded holiday songs by various artists. Christina Aguilera's "Angels We Have Heard on High" just gave me goosebumps. SWV does a soul-stirring version of "O Holy Night," and I've always been in love with Gladys Knight & the Pips' version of "Do You Hear What I Hear?" (Monica Haynes)

Darlene Love 'It's Christmas, Of Course' (Shout)

Love, of course, is treasured for her 1963 Spector classic "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)," which she sings each year on "The Late Show With David Letterman." "It's Christmas, Of Course" leaps ahead to include '70s and '80s songs by the likes of Tom Petty and the Pretenders. That makes it sound slightly better than it is, mainly because while Love still brings the dark mahogany soul (especially on "Night of Peace"), the arrangements and backing band lack the necessary kick and never rise to meet her. A good example is "What Christmas Means to Me," played a couple of beats slower than it should be. "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" never comes close to the joyous peak of the original. (Mervis)

Soundtrack 'This Christmas' (Jive)

On the plus side, you get Charles Brown's classic "Merry Christmas, Baby" and Aaron Neville's "Please Come Home for Christmas," but you probably already have those. On the down side, you have to get past Chris Brown and B2K to get to it. The young Brown's nasally voice is no match for the standards, and B2K's "Jingle Bells" is about as annoying as it gets. Jordin Sparks is bland on "I'll Be Home for Christmas," and while Luther Vandross on "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" is more like it, the music is generic. There's also a pair of non-holiday Aretha and Marvin Gaye classics and unessential holiday tracks by TLC, Toni Braxton and more. (Mervis)

Vickie Winans 'Happy Holidays From Vickie Winans' (Destiny Joy)

This is the gospel star's first Christmas CD, and it features standards such as "Silent Night" as well as new songs like "The Holiday Jam." Her son Marvin Winans Jr. lends a hand on "Joy to the World." This CD will probably appeal to those who like a modern gospel spin on their holiday music. (Haynes)

Country

Taylor Swift 'NBC Sounds of the Season: The Taylor Swift Holiday Collection'

The 17-year-old seems to be straddled to ride the highest Christmas star with her mini-collection of holiday tunes. Swift has writing credit on "Christmases When You Were Mine" and "Christmas Must be Something More." Both tunes belie her young years and are poised to become country holiday classics in the years to come. "Silent Night" gets a new arrangement on the melody line and it's really sweet, heartfelt and memorable -- filled with praise and wonder. Rounding out the package is "Last Christmas," "White Christmas" and "Santa Baby." Available exclusively at Target for $6.99, I dare say that this might be the best 7 bucks you've ever dropped for some tunes -- and I would expect nothing less from the girl who, yes -- grew up on a Christmas tree farm. (Colucci)

Various Artists 'Hear Something Country: Christmas, 2007' (Sony/BMG)

I love compilation CDs, because someone took the time to pick the best of the best for my listening pleasure. This disc fits that bill. "American Idol" alumni Carrie Underwood and Kellie Pickler deliver grand versions of "Do you Hear What I Hear?" and "Santa Baby" respectively. On "Please Come Home for Christmas," Keith Anderson lays down a country-sexy, soulful vocal worthy of any girl's heart. Montgomery Gentry's "Merry Christmas From the Family" is a perfect look into a country-style dysfunctional family Christmas complete with blended families, blended margaritas and the obligatory RV full of relatives parked on the front lawn -- a total country riot. Other contributors include Martina McBride, Sara Evans, Brooks & Dunn, and Terry Clark and Phil Vassar. The disc ends with Johnny Cash singing "Silent Night." Although unnamed, you can't miss June Carter's beautiful soprano vocal high above it all. (Colucci)

Martina McBride 'White Christmas' (Sony/BMG)

I've had the pleasure of seeing McBride in her special Christmas show that toured a few years back and on her most recent tour. I tell you that because people who have ever heard Martina in concert leave knowing they've heard one of the greatest voices to ever grace the American musical landscape. It's a shame that many of the arrangements on this very collection distract from that beauty. All the great holiday tunes are here -- "Let it Snow," "Silver Bells," "I'll Be Home for Christmas," "Away in a Manger" and more. The best showcases for McBride are "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting ...)," the sweet "What Child Is This?" and the showstopper "O Holy Night." Let's look forward to the day when someone has the smarts to pair this great singer with a great pianist in front of Steinway grand. (Colucci)

Toby Keith 'Classic Christmas' (Show Dog)

Think this guy likes Christmas? He made a Christmas record back in '95 that was sprinkled with originals. Now, he returns with an exhaustive two-CD-set of 20 classics that could have fit on one disc. Keith has a rich, deep voice that suits the tunes, particularly songs like "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and "Go Tell it on the Mountain." He applies it nicely, but there's nothing else that makes this collection stand out. The songs will sound good pulled out separately on the radio or in smaller doses, especially the above-mentioned and "We Three Kings," but listening to this straight through becomes a chore. (Mervis)

Jazz

Peter White 'Peter White Christmas' with Rick Braun and Mindi Abair (Artizen) img src="/images4/4stars.png">

I confess that this release surprised me, considering that none of these musicians are known for being particularly innovative. But some of the selections differ from your normal holiday fare, the arrangements are all solid and the playing is more than competent. Not only that, but Braun and Adair, known for playing trumpet and saxophone respectively, also show off their vocal chops. The funky "Greensleeves," in 4/4 meter and with guitarist White and the other headliners trading off at the end, is the best number, and Adair offers two originals, the bluesy "I Can't Wait for Christmas" and "The Best Part of Christmas." Also included is a version of Joni Mitchell's "River." (Nowlin)

Jon Secada 'A Christmas Fiesta' (Big3)

This release would be appropriate for any Latin dance party -- If you can get past the irony of songs about snow being put to a Latin beat. In Secada's hands, "Jingle Bells" and "Sleigh Ride" each becomes a salsa, and "Winter Wonderland" would be appropriate for a merengue. Of course, Jose Feliciano's "Feliz Navidad" probably needs to be here. (Nowlin)

Dave Koz 'Memories of a Winter's Night' (Capitol)

This represents Koz's third holiday release, which includes five selections from 1997's "December Makes Me Feel This Way" and 2001's "A Smooth Jazz Christmas." (Then again, that can be forgiven because he's headlined a Smooth Jazz Christmas tour for a decade now.) The highlight is the driving, funky "Winter Wonderland," which recalls 1993's "Shakin' the Shack" with his overdubbed saxophones, and the mournful title track represents his nod to Hanukkah. The two best recycled numbers are "The Little Drummer Boy," also featuring Rick Braun, Peter White and David Benoit; and the big-band treatment of Leon Russell's "Boogie Woogie Santa Claus," with Brenda Russell on vocal. (Nowlin)

Boney James 'Christmas Present' (Concord)

It's not that Boney James plans to make a holiday CD every 11 years -- this one is for his new label, with "Boney's Funky Christmas" being released in 1996 for Warner Bros. Anyway, the best selections here are the fresh, "Boney-ized" rendition of "O Tannenbaum"; the soulful, mysterious "Santa Baby," featuring Chante Moore on vocal; and the gospel-blues of "Silent Night." Longtime collaborator Rick Braun guests on "The First Noel." (Nowlin)

Classical

Vaughan Williams 'Hodie'; Fantasia on Christmas Carols. Guildford Choral Society (Naxos)

Vaughan Williams' "Hodie" ("This day") is an hour-long cantata that narrates the story of the nativity in the context of songs, hymns and carols. The music is all his own, but the British composer assimilated the styles of Christmas songs and Gregorian chant so thoroughly that each number sounds natural and authentic, Composed in 1954 for full chorus and soloists, plus children's choir and large orchestra, "Hodie" is a stirring Anglican counterpart to more familiar holiday staples such as Handel's "Messiah" and Bach's "Christmas Oratorio." The Guildford Choral Society seems to own this work, having made an excellent CD with different forces in 2000. Its new performance, with a solo trio led by the limpid soprano of Janice Watson, and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra powerfully conducted by Hilary Davan Welton, brings this familiar story vividly and convincingly to life, while the simpler "Fantasia on Christmas Carols" establishes the mood simply and effectively. (Robert Croan)

Christopher Rouse 'Karolju: Christmas Music'

For his collection of newly composed carols, "Karolju," Christopher Rouse wrote his own text in different languages, "to match the sound of the language to the style of the carol." The carols sound "Christmasy" -- with resplendent brass and soaring vocal lines -- even if the text doesn't always make sense. David Zinman urges the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Philharmonia Chorus into a resonant sound. Lutoslawski's "Polish Christmas Carols," with crystalline solos by soprano Julia Doyle, and Rodrigo's "Retablo de Navidad," fill out this unique Christmas disc. (Andrew Druckenbrod)

Sara Botkin 'Breath of Heaven'

For several years now, Botkin has been a winning presence in the local music scene, singing solos in concerts and at churches. She possesses a remarkably clear tone. But in her CDs, the soprano loves to add multi-track layering of her voice. I think the approach would work better given improved engineering and recording resources; on this disc, the "choruses" of her voice sometimes detract from her actual one. But overall, it's a fun and different Christmas disc, a nice complement to the more traditional ones, aided by several excellent local musicians. (Druckenbrod)

Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Sissel 'Spirit of the Season' (Mormon Tabernacle Choir)

The annual Christmas concerts by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in Salt Lake City are surely one of the grandest events of the season, gathering some 80,000 people over four days. They yield a CD and video each year, with this one presenting the 2006 festivities when the choir invited Norwegian crossover vocalist Sissel. Not their best choice. She has nowhere near the artistry of previous guest singers, including Renee Fleming, Audra McDonald, Bryn Terfel and Frederica von Stade. Sissel is a fine singer in the right setting, but her New Age voice -- physically unsupported and dotted with inappropriate "Gaelic" inflections -- simply doesn't fit with the sumptuous timbre and stalwart technique of the Tabernacle Choir, its orchestra and organists, all under the direction of the capable Craig Jessop. It's a shame, as there are some rich arrangements here. The tracks without her -- eight in all -- are the best, including the "Sunny Bank," "Silent Night" and "Noe! Noe!" (Druckenbrod)