Michael McDonald - 20th Century Masters - The Christmas Collection (2001)

This isn't your traditional Michael McDonald Christmas record. In the case of most artists on par with McDonald, issuing forth a holiday record for that special time of year has become an exercise in dusting off the songbook filled with predictability. With this 20th Century Masters compilation, McDonald makes the case that you can have an enjoyable holiday record balanced by original compositions (including one from longtime friend Kenny Loggins) and traditional favorites without making it a painful stopgap in between new releases and greatest hits anthologies. It's pleasant, fresh, and inoffensive music ideal for background atmosphere during holiday gatherings.