The best in Christmas albums released over the past 20 years.
1. Now! That's What I Call Christmas! (2001)
This is the best basic pop Christmas album around. It is 2 discs packed with 36 classic Christmas recordings of the past 50 years from Nat King Cole's definitive version of "The Christmas Song" to recent recordings from Britney Spears and Boyz II Men.
2. Celine Dion - These Are Special Times (1998)
Celine Dion has a near perfect voice for majestic recordings of favorite Christmas carols. The sound may be somewhat old-fashioned, but it is both soothing and uplifting.
3. A Very Special Christmas (1987)
This benefit record for Special Olympics set the standard for Christmas benefit records by pop artists. The Very Special Christmas franchise has now expanded into 8 different collections, but this is still arguably the best featuring such classics as Run-DMC's "Christmas in Hollis," Sting's gorgeous "Gabriel's Message" and Madonna's "Santa Baby."
4. Clay Aiken - Merry Christmas With Love (2004)
Former American Idol contestant Clay Aiken's warm, engaging vocal style is a perfect fit for holiday music. He has put together one of the most eagerly awaited Christmas concert tours in both 2004 and 2005.
5. Vanessa Williams - Star Bright (1996)
It might be easy to overlook this classic Christmas album, but Vanessa Williams' sweet, soulful, contemporary collection will please a wide range of pop fans.
6. Barbra Streisand - Christmas Memories (2001)
Although it was recorded earlier in 2001, many saw this album as a soothing, nostalgic balm for the U.S. in the wake of the September 11, 2001 disasters. It is one of Barbra Streisand's best albums of the past 10 years.
7. Mariah Carey - Merry Christmas (1994)
Mariah Carey's inevitable Christmas album is a favorite. In particular, "All I Want for Christmas Is You" has become a contemporary classic Christmas song.
8. Chris Isaak - Christmas (2004)
Chris Isaak's updated hipster lounge sound is a bundle of fun on this set of Christmas songs. It's an excellent choice for Christmas parties with friends.
9. 'NSync - Home for Christmas (1998)
These boys can sing! 'NSync put together this album less than a year after their first album. The gorgeous vocals are still a pleasure 7 years later.
10. Kidz Bop Kids - Kidz Bop Christmas (2002)
Every list of great Christmas music needs a nod to novelty recordings. The Kidz Bop franchise put together this great collection of Christmas favorites performed with a rowdy kids' chorus.
