Current Christmas Crooners

Its hard to argue with the fact that most of the famous and best holiday songs were written and recorded decades ago. On my poll of my favorite Christmas songs, unless you count "Sleigh Ride," performed by the Boston Pops (although I do mention it doesn't matter who performs, just as long as its an instrumental!), no other songs were recorded before the 1960s.

But what about songs written and recorded recently? The most common example of "recent" classic Christmas songs is Mariah Carey singing "All I Want for Christmas is You." But even that song was recorded in 1994. But what about songs recorded in the past few years? Its difficult to write or record holiday songs when the classics are so entrenched in popular culture. But here are my favorites:

Its much more common to find current artists re-recording Christmas classics. And I think the singers have a much better chance of success following this route. Among my favorites:

• I already mentioned I love Diana Krall. Her album, "Christmas Songs," was released in 2005 and is a jazzy take on Christmas classics. Very relaxing to listen to and great background music for a holiday cocktail party.
• Michael Buble released five songs on his "Let It Snow" CD in 2004. Michael has a super-smooth voice and his songs are festive and fun. Also jazzy, but more upbeat than Diana Krall.

As for modern artists writing new, popular holiday songs:

• The best example I can think of is Sarah McLachlan in her 2006 album, "Wintersong." While she records previously written songs, she also includes some new (and popular!) recordings, including "River." My personal favorite, though, is "Song for a Winter's Night." Sarah has such a great voice, and the lyrics and melody perfectly re-create a longing, holiday song.
• Maybe a little past the cut-off point to be "recent", but I still love Harry Connick, Jr.'s, song, "When My Heart Finds Christmas" from his 1993 album of the same name.

Where would I be without mentioning Josh Groban on the list of current artists creating renditions or new songs relating to Christmas? I love Josh's voice. I remember when he sang the National Anthem at the Super Bowl and my friends and I made everyone shush until he was finished. I love his rendition of "O Holy Night." And if I am being completely honest, him singing "Believe" eventually made me watch "The Polar Express." So when his Christmas album, "Noel" came out in 2007, I was super excited. I rushed out and bought the album, but after listening to it once or twice, I can't say I have ever intentionally listened to it again. His songs pop up on my iTunes Christmas playlists, but I don't specifically seek them out. I'm not sure how to explain it. Maybe he is just to dramatic and overwrought to listen to regularly during such a happy season? Did I not give myself enough time to attach to his songs?

Do you have any favorite, recent holiday renditions or original songs? Would you like to defend Josh Groban's holiday album? I am always interested in new songs to download!