It's beginning to sound a lot like Christmas

As a music therapist, Cline knows of the power and effect of music. As a talented musician, she knows how to create it. She plays the piano, violin and xylophone. She sings. She arranges and composes. She showcases all those facets on music on this CD, which features a selection of her favorite carols, some well-known and others less familiar. It is pleasing, relaxing music that strikes an emotional chord. Guest artists Michael Van Dam on cello and Debi Gilmore on flute add particularly nice touches on the title cut, as well as "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing" and "How Far Is It To Bethlehem."— C.W.

JOHN DENVER; "Rocky Mountain Christmas" (RCA/Legacy)

This little nugget was originally released in 1975, during the late Denver's heyday. The singer/songwriter had just topped the charts with "I'm Sorry," after a chain of Top 10 hits. The songs here are a mix of traditional carols, easy pop and favorite originals. Denver's own "Aspenglow" and "A Baby Just Like You" stand well with "The Christmas Song" and guitarist Steve Weisberg's "Christmas for Cowboys." Also included are "SiIver Bells," "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," "Away in a Manger" — and the poignant anti-alcohol anthem, "Please, Daddy (Don't Get Drunk This Christmas)." The reissue adds Denver's take on "Jingle Bells" and "White Christmas." — S.I.

BILL ENGVALL; "Here's Your Christmas Album" (Warner Bros.)

Country comedian Engvall has decided to put all his humorous holiday songs together in one package. Each song features a spoken-line intro, and some of those are enough to make you smile. "I'm Getting Sued by Santa Clause," "Rudolph Got a DUI," "Fruitcake Makes Me Puke" and "A Gift She Don't Want" are just a sample of the country craziness on this album. — S.I.

DAVID GLEN HATCH; "The Joy of Christmas" (Covenant)

Classical pianist Hatch's fresh interpretations give depth and meaning to old carols, as well as a few newer songs. Hatch's notes on the history and interpretation of each song add meaning, and with orchestrations by Marden Pond, these songs take you on exciting journeys. "Coventry Carol," a haunting lullaby from the 1500s, uses themes and sounds characteristic of Renaissance music. "I Saw Three Ships" captures "the grandeur of the sea, the rolling of powerful waves, and the majesty of tall ships on the ocean." They infuse "We Three Kings" with a sense of mystery. Several songs feature both childrens and adult choirs, which also add variety and interest. There are 18 songs in all, each one unique. — C.W.

HEARTBOUND with MARVIN GOLDSTEIN; "This Is Christmas" (Heartbound)