1) Now! That's What I Call Christmas! (2001)
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.