-New Urban Sounds- A Little Soul, A Little Gospel, & A Little Classic Pop: Start Singing, Swinging & Getting Merry Like Christmas With These New Holiday Music Releases

In true retro fashion: singer John Legend serves up a soulful mix of jazz, 60's-kissed soul, and contemporary songs for his first ever holiday music recording, "A Legendary Christmas" (credit courtesy of Columbia Music).

You've got family around, there's been a bit of shopping, and the decorations are up- so now all you need to get you in the mood for Christmas festivities is music. Since relying on your favorite stream service or the radio can often be a hit or miss, here are five of the newest releases for the season to enjoy whether you're sitting pensively by the fire or breaking out the Gluhwein with friends.  If you'd rather save the space a CD takes up on your shelf, almost all releases are available via Amazon, iTunes, and Google Play.

A relaxing mix of classic Chrismas standards, performances with the London Symphony orchestra, Beatles compositions, and inspirational pop songs like "What the World Needs Now" and "Overjoyed", Diana Ross presents an easy listening collection of holiday songs perfect for moments when you're wrapping presents or writing Christmas cards. Purchase via: Amazon, iTunes, Google Play.

On top of being one of the most popular Adult Contemporary artists on international music charts, since this year's star turn in the live musical broadcast of "Jesus Christ Superstar" he's a newly minted EGOT holder (winner of an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony), and now America's favorite Christmas singer: Ohio native John Legend releases his sixth studio album with "A Legendary Christmas" featuring guests appearances by Stevie Wonder & jazz artist Esperanza Spalding. Co-produced by Raphael Saadiq, the 14-track recording offers a feel-good mix of retro-infused and contemporary soul-tinged holiday songs, with dashes of jazz and blusey swing to keep your toes tapping.  The perfect underscore to liven your holiday mood, "A Legendary Christmas" is available via: Amazon, iTunes, Google Play, and wherever streaming music is sold.

It's a timely release in remembrance of the legacy of the Queen of Soul: Rhino Records has re-issued the solo piano & vocal performance of Aretha Franklin's "Silent Night", taking it back to the church, where Aretha's musical journey first began. This recording finds Aretha in later years, accompanying herself on the piano, as raw and earnest in her praise of the Savior's arrival we remember her to be. "Silent Night" is available via Amazon, iTunes, and Google Play.

A mix of gospel old and new, with traditional Christmas songs, and a few new inspirational & r&b influenced offerings: Detroit native Cece Winans provides a rich underscore to the holidays that examines the true Reason for the Season. "Somethings's Happening: A Christmas Album" is available on Amazon,  iTunes, and Google Play.

Bringing the "Good News" to the masses: Pastor Alyn E. Walker of Philadelphia's Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church offers a beautifully contemporary gospel version of the classic heralding the arrival of Christ the King on his newly released single, "Go Tell It On The Mountain" (ft. Mark Kibble of Take 6) from his album, "Christmas With Pastor Alyn E. Waller". "Go Tell It on the Mountain" is available via Amazon.