My Holiday, Mindy Smith (Vanguard)

Mindy Smith is a singer/songwriter with one foot in Nashville, one foot in folk and one foot in the adult alternative genre. OK, too many feet, but these three genres suggest an artist that's not going to rock out in the Mistletunes-approved way. And that's pretty much the case. All three genres predominate in ballad style throughout the album, though Mindy's original songs do recommend a second listening, some written solo and some with fellow Nashville-ite Chely Wright. Alison Krauss stops by to harmonize on "Away in a Manger" as well. The traditional carols offer few surprises in style, though "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve" throws a bit of soft jazz into the mix, as does "It Really Is (A Wonderful Life.)" A bit of rock, of the Christian variety, creeps into the playlist at the end with the sprightly "Come Around."