If you haven't found that perfect Christmas album from our list of new LPs for 2009, check out the following pages for previous year's releases that might satisfy your craving for Yuletide tunes!

Getting the Party Started (and Keeping It Going)

Hate trying to figure out the perfect music playlists for your holiday party? Pop in one of the following albums and you'll be all set for the evening.

Kristin Chenoweth
A Lovely Way to Spend Christmas

This cheery album by stage and TV star Kristin Chenoweth is chock-full-o' Christmas classics. Chenoweth's straightforward delivery and clean and crisp voice emphasizes the beauty of the song lyrics rather than distracting from them. The record includes two new compositions, "Home on Christmas Day," and "Born on Christmas Day."
What does it sound like?  All of Chenoweth's theater training is apparent--on this album not a syllable goes un-annunciated or a line sung without spunk. This traditional album is a wholesome, pleasing set of songs sung prettily.
Perfect for playing on a bright and cheery December morning during holiday brunch.
Standout tracks: "Sleigh Ride/ Marshmallow World" (featuring John Pizzarelli), "Christmas Island," and a kid-friendly rendition of the song Kermit the Frog made famous, "Sing."

Brian McKnight
I'll Be Home for Christmas

R&B star Brian McKnight puts a smooth spin on some Christmas oldies but goodies in this collection of seasonal favorites.  The album features collaborations with other music luminaries such as country singer Vince Gill, gospel group Take 6, and vocalist Josh Groban.
What does it sound like? Always the consummate performer, McKnight's interpretations of Christmas classics like "Let It Snow," "I'll Be Home for Christmas," and "Silver Bells," are nothing short of being perfectly polished. McKnight's vocals have a warm and buttery quality to them--delicious and satisfying.
Perfect for playing while feasting on a big holiday dinner with the family.
Standout tracks: "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year," "Who Would Have Thought"

Neil Sedaka
The Miracle of Christmas

It's hard to believe that over the course of his nearly 50 years as a recording artist this Brooklyn-born pop singer has never released a Christmas album until now.  Sedaka croons ten holiday standards in this full length album.
What does it sound like? Accompanied only by his acoustic and electric pianos, Sedaka's memorable tenor/alto takes center stage on this festive LP.  Fans of Sedaka's simple, but heartfelt style will give two thumbs up.
Perfect for playing during the cocktail/appetizer hour of your Christmas fete.
Standout tracks: "Winter Wonderland," White Christmas"

Straight No Chaser
Holiday Spirits

Formed in 1996 while undergrads at Indiana University, ten men formed the original lineup of the a cappella group Straight No Chaser. In 2007, a video of the group performing the "12 Days of Christmas" appeared on YouTube and ended up receiving around 8 million views, and caught the attention of Atlantic Records. Eight of the original members of the group, along with two replacement members, reunited to record this Christmas album.
What does it sound like? Straight No Chaser manages to sing such layered, complex versions of Christmas favorites that you nearly forget that they've managed to do it all without the toot of a horn, the twinkle of a piano, or any other instrument (bar a few uses of festive jingle bells).
Perfect for playing while guests are arriving for Christmas dinner.
Standout tracks: "This Christmas," "The 12 Days of Christmas (Live)," "Indiana Christmas"

Read on to discover the big-name stars who have released yultide music this year.