A Very Darren Crissmas, Darren Criss (Decca)

With acting and singing credentials that include "Glee" and "American Horror Story," you probably already expect this guy's 2021 release to be a full-on pop outing. And it absolutely is, encompassing everything from contemporary hit radio to country to show tunes. Although the artist's stated purpose was to call attention to lesser-known tunes, he didn't skimp on familiar favorites like "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts)," and "(Everybody's Waiting For) The Man With the Bag," the latter a duet with Adam Lambert. Points for a slightly hip-hop flavored "I Want a Hippopotamus For Christmas," a solid cover of John Mayer's "St. Patrick's Day," and the only original song, Darren's "Drunk For Christmas" with guest Laney Wilson, a country workout. He also duets with Evan Rachel Wood on "Somewhere In My Memory" from the movie "Home Alone," opens the show with Andy Williams' "Happy Holidays/The Holiday Season," and provides a more pop-oriented version of Regina Spektor's "New Year." Serious demerits, however, for the uptempo lounge lizard version of Joni Mitchell's "River," and I predict this will soundtrack a few derogatory Christmas memes before we're all too much older. But then, I'm pretty sure this disc wasn't aimed at me or the people who visit this website. Make up your own mind.