My Christmas List (Cracker Barrel, 2007)

Lonestar's latest also introduces new vocalist Cody Collins, who proves to be a comfortable fit within this veteran's band's vocal-centric sound. Although music critics are ever in search of musical originality, making a memorable holiday recording does not always mean stuffing the stocking with only new material. Sometimes just a slightly different approach to familiar seasonal sounds is all it takes. And although churches have long incorporated Christmas carols into their services, these caroling choir songs are not usually confused with worship songs.

But Lonestar blurs the line between these two types of songs beautifully as they take favorites like "Away in a Manger" and "Silent Night" and slow them down to a meditative speed. Worship music is a big trend in contemporary Christian music these days, and Lonestar has obviously borrowed stylistically from this movement to make its holiday recording. Even so, Lonestar has also found room under the tree for a country-rock version of "Deck the Halls," just in case all this worship stuff gets a little too heavy for some. But whatever the variety, Lonestar is not going through the motions.