From the opening moments of the electronically influenced "Joy (to the World)," it's clear that Avalon has set out to offer a production that stands out among Christmas albums. This assessment is sealed with the next song, "The Angel's Medley." It begins with a standard "First Noël" solemnity, and climaxes into a funk-disco rendition of "Hark the Herald Angles Sing," in which one can imagine the four members of this quartet sporting their flashiest silk duds. But that is not to say that Joy: A Christmas Collection doesn't have its standard Christmas trappings. Accompanied by the London Session Orchestra, this record comes complete with all of the harps, bells, and strings-simulated snow flurries that anyone could want. With the added fireside glow and up-front energy of Avalon's dazzling vocal expertise, this disc is sure to cause anyone to break out the hot chocolate, roast some chestnuts, and bust some good dance moves around the Christmas tree. --Israel Button