It's beginning to sound a lot like Christmas

There's magic in the air when it comes to the holidays. If we take a few minutes out of our hustling, bustling shopping, we can feel it.

Yet, while we all anticipate the gatherings and gift-giving, nothing helps us get into the spirit more than hearing those timeless yuletide carols.

Music is an important part of the Christmas season, so, as in years past, music editor Scott Iwasaki and other Deseret Morning News critics take a look at some of the new seasonal albums.

HERB ALPERT & THE TIJUANA BRASS; "Christmas Album" (Shout Factory)

Originally released in 1968, Herb Alpert's "Christmas Album" became the Tijuana Brass' sixth Top 10 album in two years. Aided by a hit single, a Brassy take on Rodgers & Hammerstein's "My Favorite Things," this album would return each holiday season to the top half of the charts. Shout Factory has re-released this album and brought back the samba of "Winter Wonderland" and a crooning version of Mel Torme's "The Christmas Song." "Jingle Bell Rock," "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" and "Jingle Bells" are holiday classics redone with the Latin-jazz feel. — Scott Iwasaki

JANEEN BRADY; "Everything Christmas" (BriteMusic)

Brady promises "Everything Christmas," and that's exactly what she delivers with 16 original songs that cover the gamut from the traditional story of the Nativity to the jolly fun of modern-day celebrating. Brady has always been known for strong melodies and sweet messages that appeal to children, and this collection is no exception. Young singers capture the essence of many of the songs; but the addition of adult voices, including David Osmond, Jenny Froggley and a very Santa-sounding Greg Griffiths, adds interest. Froggley is especially nice on "Jesus Was Laid in a Manger." Other songs convey the "Santa Claus Shuffle," tell of Santa going "Off to the Bahamas," and put together a "Christmas Morning Band" but also talk of "The Present You Give Away," and how "Christmas Is Love." — Carma Wadley

MELOU STEWART CLINE; "The Sleep of the Child Jesus" (M.S. Cline)

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)