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The best career choice for a singer is to record a Christmas album. Regardless of the quality, consumers will buy it year after year, as yuletide carols never go out of style.
Or do they?
That's the question as hundreds -- nay, thousands -- of Christmas albums flood the marketplace around Thanksgiving. It can be overwhelming to try to discern whether just because Andrea Bocelli or Tori Amos or the Muppets have made enjoyable albums before, they are capable of recording a holiday album that is original, pleasing, worth listening to more than once, and -- gasp -- artistic.
Tribune entertainment reporters listened to more than two dozen higher-profile Christmas albums released this holiday season to let
We wish we could be like Tiny Tim and exclaim, "God bless them, every one!" But we can't.
The best:
Andrea Bocelli, "My Christmas"
Grade: A
Bocelli does fine singing on his own in his first Christmas effort. But it's his combined performances with the likes of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, The Muppets, Natalie Cole and Reba McEntire that really put a special touch on this collection. The songs he sings in Italian carry a little stronger feeling.
Brett Prettyman
Rodney Carrington, "Make It Christmas"
Grade: A
Since Carrington is known as a comedian and a country singer, the surprise here is that this effort is neither funny nor country. This combination of traditional and nontraditional holiday songs well performed by a guy with a wonderful voice. Christmas albums don't get much better than this.
Tom Wharton
The Brian Setzer Orchestra, "Christmas Rocks: The Best of Collection"
Grade: A
If you are looking for big-band or swing Christmas tunes, this is your collection. Brian Setzer brings
Brett Prettyman
Ten Out of Tenn, "Ten Out of Tenn Christmas"
Grade: A-
This release from the Nashville-based label of the same name is varied stylistically -- Griffin House and Butterfly Boucher share a label, but that's about it -- and offers a nice change of pace for holiday tunes. Sure, standards like "Silent Night" are present, but so is the definitely different "Santa Lost His Mojo."
Scott Murphy
Sting, "If on a Winter's Night ..."
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The former Police-man goes back a few centuries for this stirring and sometimes haunting collection of winter-themed English and Celtic tunes. Setting a tune to a Robert Louis Stevenson poem, penning lyrics to a Bach sarabande or writing two tunes that sound appropriately ancient, Sting provides the perfect music for sipping tea by the hearth.
Sean P. Means
Putumayo Presents "A Family Christmas"
Grade: A-
A Christmas album actually worth seeking out: Who would have guessed? This package featuring divergent artists including Sam Bush, Martin Sexton and Leon Redbone is full of goodies. New Orleans-based duo Debbie Davis and Matt Perine play a fine rendition of "Mele
Scott Murphy
The worst:
Lee Greenwood, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"
Grade: F
I was ready to forgive the gravelly tenor for penning the song "God Bless the U.S.A." that I had to sing 6,893 times in rehearsals for my fourth-grade Fourth of July pageant, until the 67-year-old country singer released this abomination of relentlessly bombastic carols. With a lack of pacing and reserve, these aggravating arrangements seek to echo the bluster of Trans-Siberian
David Burger
Bob Dylan, "Christmas in the Heart"
Grade: D
The troubadour's first Christmas album isn't horrible -- the tasteful but never melodramatic arrangements and his top-notch band are along for the sleigh ride -- but it's ill-conceived, even if all of the proceeds do go to charity. Dylan's voice is a unique, interesting, compelling instrument used to best effect on his own bluesy, harrowing work. That voice isn't, and never should be, comforting, as it strives to be here.
David Burger
Michael McDonald, "This Christmas"
Grade: C-
Two-thirds of this compilation is recycled (five tracks from a 2001 country album, three from a 2005 Hallmark promo disc), and the other third isn't worth the trouble. McDonald applies a little too much soul to the standards and makes some unwise genre choices ("O Come, O Come Emmanuel" as reggae?). This just might curdle your egg nog.
Sean P. Means
Neil Diamond, "A Cherry Cherry Christmas"
Grade: C
This holiday music collection starts off OK with an original title track, and peaks with "You Make Me Feel Like Christmas." But then the whole thing ends badly when this aging crooner does his rendition of comedian Adam Sandler's "The Chanukah Song." Why is this Jewish musician singing Christmas songs anyway?
Kathy Stephenson
Jackson 5, "Jackson 5 Ultimate Christmas Collection"
Grade: C+
The fresh voice of a young Michael makes this a nostalgic holiday album for fans mourning the "King of Pop." And there's a definite Motown magic in the first 13 tracks, including favorites such as "Give Love on Christmas Day" and "Someday at Christmas." But the sparkle doesn't last in this too-long 27-song CD.
Kathy Stephenson
The Irish Tenors, "Christmas"
Grade: B-
Or, a collection of Christmas songs that's mostly Irish in name. While Finbar Wright, Anthony Kearns and Karl Scully can indeed sing dulcet circles around most of the competition, the tracklist offered here couldn't be more traditional in selection, and seems almost traitorously Anglo in execution. Clearing the studio of all bodhrans, uilleann pipes and penny whistles, the trio opt instead for an orchestra. Even then they part from the Emerald Isle, enlisting the talents of the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra.
Ben Fulton
The rest:
Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square with Brian Stokes Mitchell, "Ring Christmas Bells"
Grade: A-
Broadway great Mitchell lends his versatile voice to an eclectic array of songs, from crowd-pleasing evergreens "Sleigh Ride" and "The Christmas Song" (here presented in a mashup with "A Crazy Christmas List") to the charmer "New Words" and his own jazz-inspired arrangement of Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring." The gem of the collection, recorded at last year's Tabernacle Choir Christmas concerts, is Mack Wilberg's ingenious arrangement of "The Friendly Beasts," in which Mitchell winningly portrays the various animals present at Christ's birth. Other instant classics: Wilberg's mode-and-meter-shifting processional on "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" and organist Richard Elliott's bravura arrangement of "Go, Tell It on the Mountain." The DVD version also includes Edward Herrmann's moving reading of "Longfellow's Christmas."
Catherine Reese Newton
Kristen Chenoweth, "A Lovely Way to Spend Christmas"
Grade: B-
The 4-foot-11 musical-theater wunderkind (of Broadway's "Wicked" and TV's "Pushing Daisies") has a voice brimming with charm, which serves her well on the oddly selected novelty songs -- but who needs a personality-plus version of "Christmas Island" or a "Sleigh Ride/Marshmallow World" medley? The Oklahoma native affects a Dolly Parton twang on some songs, while straightforward classics, such as "What Child Is This?" or "I'll Be Home for Christmas," simply aren't memorable, despite that classically trained soporano.
Ellen Fagg Weist
Sugarland, "Green and Gold"
Grade: B+
Country music's top duo offers a collection of holiday music that's short (only 10 songs) and sweet. There are a handful of old classics, including the bad-kid anthem "Nuttin' for Christmas." But it is the new carols "City of Silver Dreams" and "Gold and Green" that bring color to the season.
Kathy Stephenson
Jeff Cook, "Jeff Cook Presents Christmas Joy"
Grade: B
The former Alabama member's country album is more fun than a lot of the material from his famous (and famously plastic) band. Cook showed good taste by selecting '60s rock icons The Ventures to help on "Christmas Joy," and even better taste by selecting Merle Haggard's ultimate tear-in-the-eggnog country classic "If We Make It Through December."
Scott Murphy
A Fine Frenzy, "Oh Blue Christmas"
Grade: B+
A holiday release with some original material provides a nice change of pace. Indie songstress Alison Sudol's group includes her own "Winter White" and "Redribbon Foxes," which sound great stacked up next to "Winter Wonderland" and "Blue Christmas." It's a moody, airy Christmas album that doesn't sound like holiday music until the listener follows the lyrics. Which translates into a great Christmas album for people who don't like Christmas albums -- maybe the highest possible designation for holiday music.
Scott Murphy
David James, " A Christmas Tale"
Grade: B
BYU's David James' "A Christmas Tale" album has the tone and feel of a cathedral concert on Christmas Eve. The sound is traditional and regal, with church bells ringing along with a large orchestra backing the tenor's voice. Interpretations such as "O Holy Night" and "God's Gift of Love?" exemplify the familiar sound of hymns done professionally.
Roxana Orellana
Connie Talbot, "Holiday Magic"
Grade: B
This 9-year-old England native showcases her talent in her second Christmas album, "Holiday Magic," which collects popular and traditional songs. The album, which was done in support of Toys for Tots, has sweet, playful and jazzy arrangements. Versions of classics like "Silent Night" and "Do You Hear What I Hear?" show off the young singer's range in an R&B and soulful sound.
Roxana Orellana
Mary McBride, "Every Day Is a Holiday."
Grade: B
Country/folk singer Mary McBride's Christmas album has a variety of rhythms and lots of soul, but it doesn't start as strongly as it ends. Yet it sure pays to stick around for highlights, such as the soothing sounds of " What Are You Doing New Year's Eve," "Hallelujah" and "Oh Heavenly Day."
Roxana Orellana
REO Speedwagon, "Not So Silent Night"
Grade: B
The title of this CD is misleading: This is a nice collection of holiday classics done well in a pop style that's anything but loud. One highlight is the tune "Children Go Where I Send Thee."
Tom Wharton
Kathy Griffin, "Suckin' It for the Holidays
Grade: B-
Despite the foul-mouthed 49-year-old comedian's Santa outfit on the cover and the album title, this is not technically a holiday album, as Griffin announces early in the proceedings. That said, this is an above-average comedy set from the larger-than-life personality, despite too many jokes about the various iterations of the reality series "The Real Housewives."
David Burger
Tori Amos, "Midwinter Graces"
Grade: B
The rebellious daughter of a minister doesn't label this a holiday album, but a "solstice" album. Yet she reinterprets standards such as "What Child, Nowell" and "Star of Wonder" as well as penning original tracks like "Pink and Glitter" and "Our New Year." The breathy singer and captivating pianist at times reminds us of her best song about this time of year, "Winter," while she gets extra points for writing new holiday songs, too.
David Burger
David Archuleta, "Christmas From the Heart"
Grade: B
If you're looking to add a hip new holiday album to your collection this year, David Archuleta's "Christmas From the Heart" isn't it. But if you're a fan of the Utah singer, you won't be disappointed with the sound of his sweet, soulful voice on hymns such as "Silent Night" and "Joy to the World," which include notable and beautiful orchestrations. Highlights include the Spanish carol "Riu Riu Chiu" and French holiday favorite "Pat-A-Pan."
Roxana Orellana
Michael Londra, "Beyond the Star"
Grade: B
The Irish countertenor is best known as the lead singer in "Riverdance" and "The Passion of the Christ Symphony," and his multioctave, multilingual flexible voice flows seamlessly with these pleasant Celtic-inspired, New Age-influenced songs that include traditional carols as well as new songs. When he hits the high notes on "The Wexford Carol," make sure your good holiday champagne glasses don't shatter, as he puts castrati to further shame.
David Burger
Various Artists, "A Christmas Gift for You From Phil Spector"
Grade: B+
A convicted murderer is the last guy I want to receive a Christmas gift from, but this classic reissue presents probably the most celebrated set of holiday tunes ever. Darlene Love, The Ronettes, The Crystals and other musicians belt out these carols with Spector's Wall of Sound production. Love's lusty, full-bodied rendition of "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" is definitive and sounds better than ever, thanks to remastered digital sound.
David Burger
Various Artists, "The Ultimate Motown Christmas Collection"
Grade: A-
What's not to like about a collection of some of the best singers of all time? The two-CD collection includes 35 Christmas songs from the likes of Stevie Wonder, The Jackson 5, The Temptations, The Supremes and Marvin Gaye. Also included are 16 "Season's Greetings" recordings from the performers.
Brett Prettyman
Lark & Spur, "Star of Light"
Grade: B
This local group, led by Excellence in the Community Concert Series head Jeff Whiteley, features the angelic singing of Lori Decker backed by tasteful, different and refreshing arrangements of traditional Christmas carols that range from soft jazz to Celtic. The group got its start stopping traffic when it played on street corners in France, and it has the same effect now.
David Burger
Ray Davies & The Crouch End Festival Chorus, "The Kinks Choral Collection"
Grade: B+
Rearranging well-trod rock classics into respectable, large-scale arrangements is usually about as advisable as mixing drinks. Expect a few pleasant shocks, then, when you wrap your ears around choral versions of Davies' immortal "Waterloo Sunset" and "See My Friends." The results are as authentic as the William Blake artwork gracing the CD's cover, and fit the Kinks' more mellow moments like a fine, tailored suit. It's only when the identical approach is applied to the band's more aggressive songs -- "You Really Got Me," "All Day and All of the Night"-- that results become emasculated.
Ben Fulton
