Straight-up cheer

Straight No Chaser definitely has a unique sound in its new Christmas album. Even with classics like “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Jingle Bells,” the songs show off the a cappella group’s style.

When you hear the beginning of the song “We Three Kings,” you think you are listening to the “Mission Impossible” theme song, and then suddenly they start singing the traditional lyrics.

“Santa Clause Is Back in Town” sounds like a cross between Elvis and the Beach Boys, which spices up the song and the album a little. My favorite song on the album, “The Christmas Can-Can,” is an interesting spin-off that’s very clever in its own right.

“Donde Esta Santa Clause” and “Who Spiked the Egg Nog?” are not traditional holiday fare but are fun, upbeat songs that add pizazz to the album. “Donde Esta Santa Clause” features a salsa sound that stands out in the crowd, and “Who Spiked the Egg Nog?” is an appropriate and entertaining song, especially for this group.