'Wrapped In Red'

If you’re like me, you hear those sleigh bells jingling the moment November rolls around.

Once the Halloween costumes are put away, it’s time to break out the hot cocoa and shamelessly listen to the Christmas carols that will invade department stores nationwide during the next two months.

The latest addition to the holiday soundtrack comes from Kelly Clarkson, arguably one of today’s most versatile pop artists.

The original American Idol has spent the better part of the decade genre-jumping while still nurturing her powerhouse pop brand.

“Wrapped in Red” continues in this tradition, balancing time between showcasing the songstress’ impressive range on covers of classics and throwing in risk-taking originals that challenge the framework of the standard Christmas album.

The album opens with the originals “Wrapped in Red” and “Underneath the Tree.”

Though the title track is largely forgettable and tedious, “Underneath the Tree” stands a chance to unseat Mariah Carey’s smash hit “All I Want For Christmas is You” as the modern era’s favorite holiday record.

“Underneath the Tree” features spirited vocals, unabashedly cliché lyrics and a bouncy pace that is guaranteed to shake anyone into the holiday spirit.

It’s a song you can’t help but love, succumbing to your giddy inner child.

Clarkson follows the should-be smash with a beautiful cover of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”

She does more than justice to the holiday favorite, playfully exploring her upper register for the majority of the soft ballad.

An unnerving arrangement of “Baby It’s Cold Outside” follows, pairing Clarkson’s powerhouse vocals with the charmingly folksy sound of country star Ronnie Dunn. The effect is jarring, yet intriguing.

The rest of the album shows Clarkson certainly knows how to please her audience, if not bringing anything new or exciting to the table.

She pairs flawless renditions of holiday favorites such as “White Christmas” with originals like “4 Carats” that prove entertaining, though formulaic.

To remind us of Clarkson’s recent venture into country music, she brings along icons Reba McEntire and Trisha Yearwood for the album’s closer “Silent Night.” The three powerhouses come together for an impeccable rendition that finishes off the album with a full minute of gorgeous a capella.

“Wrapped in Red” showcases Clarkson’s versatility and remarkable talent, resulting in a Christmas album that brings a new creative flair to the holiday soundtrack.

While obviously not a year-round staple, the album is a perfect addition to the Christmas collection.