A Classic Christmas (Curb, 2006)

Wynonna's first Christmas album as a solo singer is a truly great album with great music from start to finish. She does a fine job with the upbeat songs. She approaches "Winter Wonderland" and "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" with a jazzy vocal that complements the light-hearted lyrics.

But she really shines on the ballads. "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" is one highlight. The production is unobtrusive, and Wynonna's deep, rich voice is perfectly suited to the song. "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" opens with a gorgeous choir singing the chorus, and then Wynonna enters, backed by a spare acoustic guitar. Then she belts out the chorus, as the production matches her crescendo, with strings and cymbals. "O Holy Night" is yet another highlight, with Wynonna's gorgeous, powerful voice shining.

Wynonna has a voice that's perfectly suited to singing Christmas carols, and the production of Brent Maher and Don Potter keeps up with her every step of the way. This is one Christmas album to keep coming back to, year after year.