A Christopher Cross Christmas, Christopher Cross (self-issued)

Best known for the Top 40 hit "Sailin'," Cross was always most comfortable in that "adult contemporary" mode, which was radio-speak for easy listening aimed at younger audiences than the old masters like Sinatra and Bennett. This 2007 disc is solidly in that tradition. Cross puts two originals into the mix, "Does It Feel Like Christmas" and "A Dream of Peace at Christmastime," and throws in the old standard "Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep." A good gift for a parent or a much-older sibling but nothing to get worked up over. Originally available only from his website, it was reissued as Christmas Time Is Here for 2010 as an import. Amazon has both versions, which differ only in cover art.