As I mentioned in my last list of favorite holiday tunes, I definitely enjoy the classics. That last list offered my 10 favorite classic holiday songs performed by classic artists. This list will look at classic tunes again—many of them even the same song—but these are by contemporary (or relatively contemporary) artists.

“Ave Maria” by Chris Cornell & Eleven
First, Eleven? Who the heck are they? Anyway, they joined Chris Cornell back in the late 1990s to record an absolutely fantastic version of this song.

“The Christmas Song” by Diana Krall
Mrs. Elvis Costello’s holiday album so cleverly titled Christmas Songs is filled with some great classics. Her deepish sultry voice adds a new twist to this holiday favorite. Kinda makes you wish you were sitting with a smattering of other losers in a smoky airport hotel lounge listening on to Krall sing this on Christmas Eve. I have no idea why.

“Christmas Time Is Here” by Toni Braxton
A beautiful song from a beautiful woman at a beautiful time of year. I’d say that’s just beautiful.

“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Gavin DeGraw
Gavin DeGraw? Yeah, he came and went rather quickly it seems, but he left us with this gem. (OK, honestly, I like Luther Vandross’ version better but didn’t want to put the same artist on the list twice.)

“I’ll Be Home for Christmas” by Sarah McLachlan
From another great holiday album, Wintersong, McLachlan delivers a lovely version of this tune with her unique stylings.

“O Come All Ye Faithful” by Luther Vandross
Well, I love me some Luther (God rest his soul). Here’s the deal: Sit in the your living room with the only the only light being Christmas tree lights—and a fire in the fireplace if you have one—put this tune on and see if tears don’t come to your eyes. It’s that good. If you make it through the tears, you’ll be standing up and waving your arms like a orchestra conductor by the end of it.

“O Come, O Come Emmanuel” by Trisha Yearwood
Another acapella tune. Gives me chills.

“Silent Night” Boyz II Men
This acapella version of the song is simply stunning. Whatever happened to those dudes?

“White Christmas” by Michael Bublé
This guy’s holiday EP Let It Snow is tremendous. Only five songs but delivered by an amazing voice. His version of “White Christmas” surpasses the original classic by Bing Crosby.

“Winter Wonderland” by James Taylor
Taylor makes this perennial favorite his own in this version of the popular seasonal tune.

Tim W. Jackson rocks Christmas! He’s the Editor of the New River Voice.