Bing Crosby
Acts that want to release Christmas albums must walk a fine line. The music has to sound familiar yet fresh, bringing up fond memories of past holidays while offering a potential soundtrack to the creation of new ones. Writing a new Christmas standard is almost impossible, but covering old favorites pits an artist against the superstars of the season: Bing Crosby, Elvis Presley, Amy Grant, Mannheim Steamroller. Most of this year's top titles approach the music with a reverence for tradition, with a few surprises in store.
