As part of their "Definitive Collections" and "Ultimate" series of digitally re-mastered prior hits, Arista HAS managed to put together the "Ultimate Christmas" album. With a roster of Arista artists ranging from "Boyz II Men" and "Sarah McLachlan" to "Nat King Cole" and "Judy Garland," you get 17 tracks of traditional Christmas songs and carols. It's also a clever mix within those 17 tracks, alternating songs done by artists from three and four decades ago with those hot on the charts right now.

The album opens with "Silent Night" sung by "Boyz II Men," and it's a lovely rendition of this reverent Christmas carol. Next up is "Nat King Cole" with "The Christmas Song," followed by "Aretha Franklin" singing "Winter Wonderland." And what Christmas album would be complete without the next number, "White Christmas" by "Bing Crosby?"

"Elvis Presley" shows up with "Blue Christmas," as does "Johnny Mathis" doing "Sleigh Ride." "Frosty The Snowman" gets the jazz treatment from a clear voiced "Ella Fitzgerald," while "Luciano Pavarotti's" tenor tremolo graces "O Holy Night" in two languages. "O Come All Ye Faithful" gets a soul/gospel turn from "Luther Vandross," and "Whitney Houston with The Georgia Mass Choir" express "Joy To The World" in true gospel fashion.

A peppy version of "It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas" is presented by "Dionne Warwick," and the smooth jazz of "Kenny G" graces "Silver Bells." Reaching back more than a few years is "Eartha Kitt's" high-pitched, sweet voice crooning "Santa Baby." With a short acoustic intro, segueing into a big instrumental sound, is "Carly Simon," accompanied by a children's choir, on "The Night Before Christmas" (the carol, not the Christmas poem). This is one of the best songs on a terrific album.

"Jingle Bells" gets a mournful sounding vocal intro that pops into the Latin beat of "Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass," leading into the perhaps unfamiliar "Song For A Winter Christmas" by "Sarah McLachlan." Closing out the album is the touching rendition of "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" sung by the unforgettable "Judy Garland." A fitting end to a great album of Christmas standards.

There's really nothing new here in terms of the songs, but the interpretations by the various artists does give it a fresh sound. If the standards are your choice for the season, have the "Ultimate Christmas" with this new release from Arista.