Noel Josh Groban (Reprise)

This is a masterfully performed set, balanced neatly between pop standards and the more operatic material that showcases Groban’s roots. Interestingly, Groban sounds best on the most familiar holiday standards, such as “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” and “The Christmas Song,” both of which he delivers with casual, jazzy phrasing, providing a welcome change from the usual Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby homages that many other young singers perform. Groban’s standout performance –- reason enough to purchase this album –- is his powerful rendition of “The Little Drummer Boy.” It will literally knock your stockings off. Groban has a deep sense of who he is as a singer and interpreter, and this collection is proof that he’s one of the most exciting adult contemporary stars out there right now. Go to joshgroban.com for more information.

It’s Christmas, Of Course Darlene Love (Shout Factory)

Darlene Love is primarily recognized for her vocal contribution to some of Phil Spector’s biggest ’50s hits, such as “He’s A Rebel,” “He’s Sure The Boy I’m Gonna Marry,” and the classic “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home).” She has performed the holiday jingle for the past 20 years on “The Late Show,” where David Letterman has stated that Darlene’s performance is his favorite thing about Christmas. At long last, the sultry diva –- currently starring in Hairspray on Broadway –- is releasing her first full-length Christmas album, It’s Christmas, Of Course. In it, Darlene gives fans her take on 12 tastefully selected holiday neo-classics of the ’70s and ’80s from a diverse array of artists, such as The Pretenders, James Brown and John Lennon. The wall of sound that surrounded her voice on her Spector-produced hits has been stripped away on this album, leaving her beautiful voice front and center. It’s Christmas, Of Course is the must-have holiday album of the year. Go to ShoutFactory.com for more info.

A Charlie Brown Christmas Vince Guaraldi Trio (Peanuts)

No Christmas music collection could be complete without the 1965 soundtrack to the best Christmas special ever made. The first time you listen to this disc, you will undoubtedly be transported directly back to your childhood. Charles Schulz’s Peanuts characters will go toe-tapping and funky-dancing through your mind’s eye. Play it a few more times –- ignoring the dialogue snippets, if you can –- and you will begin to truly revel in Guaraldi’s wonderful, humorous, deep piano playing. You’ll hear why he’s such an influence on ivory tickler George Winston, but you’ll also realize that Winston’s holiday music never quite sparkles with the underlying passion and humor that twinkles in these grooves. Buy it for the nostalgia –- keep it because it will remain one of the most enchanting albums in your holiday collection. In stores everywhere.

Christmas Is Here BearForce 1 (C+R Records)

Bearforce1, the world’s first bearband is back. Yes, our favorite man-group of bear-like gay men has released a brand-new single and video, and this one is a doozy. Are you feeling in the holiday spirit? Well, you will be after listening to Christmas Is Here, by Bearforce1. Celeb blogger Perez Hilton launched the initial bear bonanza this summer when he posted the group’s first hilarious video on his site. Hilton calls the second single “better than we could have hoped for.” We agree. The band that is one part Belfast, three parts Amsterdam and all really gay –- are even gayer in Santa hats –- just the way we like them! Go to Bearforce1.nl for more info.