A country Christmas: From traditional to funky

AUDIO 'Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree' WAV sound

By Mary Jo DiLonardo
Special to CNN Interactive

CNN) -- The holiday offerings from Nashville are fairly slim this year. There are only so many Christmas songs in the world, after all.

Here's a look at the top three country releases in Santa's sack this season.

Billy Gilman
"Classic Christmas"
Epic

This prepubescent, sweet-voiced singer does a surprisingly nice job with an offering of classic holiday tunes. He's equally at ease with the religious ("Away in a Manger," "Silent Night") and the rockin' ("Jingle Bell Rock," "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree") even though the 12-year-old sounds young enough to still believe in Santa.

The one song that's tough to stomach is "Sleigh Ride," Gilman's duet with 14-year-old Welsh soprano sensation Charlotte Church. It's almost too cute to take.

AUDIO 'That's What I Want For Christmas' WAV sound

The disc's biggest problem is the lush, overdone orchestration that overpowers Gilman's simple vocals. It seems more apt for Dean Martin that this new country whiz kid.

SHeDAISY
"Brand New Year"
Lyric Street

The three Osborn sisters from Utah offer traditional favorites with twists so eclectic that the songs are barely recognizable. SHeDAISY's sleek harmonies combine with funky orchestrations and arrangements for some progressive, pop-ish results, perfect for those who are sick of the same old Christmas songs sung the same old way.

Four new tunes, penned by Kristyn Osborn, are hardly standard, but offer clever lyrics and a new holiday flavor.

But be warned: If you're a traditionalist, stay away! A Celtic-flavored "Jingle Bells" or off-the-wall "Sleigh Ride" might make you keel over into the Christmas tree.

AUDIO 'Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town' WAV sound

Lonestar
"This Christmas Time"
BNA

After making a name for itself with romantic ballads, four-man Texas group Lonestar takes the traditional country route on this Christmas disc. The record is packed with classics, ranging from the reverent ("What Child is This," "O Holy Night") to the nostalgic ("The Christmas Song," "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas"). It's pure country with plenty of steel guitar, fiddle and mandolin.

Two original tunes -- "Reason for the Season" and "This Christmas Time" -- are nice, ballad-like additions, but the classics are the best. The highlight is the raucous, toe-tapping version of "Santa Claus is Comin' To Town," which kicks off with a wailing steel guitar.

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SHeDAISY
Lonestar

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