Even though I've never watched a complete episode of the hit music show, "American Idol" yes, I'm the one person who hasn't, that's how I first heard about Mandisa.

One of the deejays on the local Christian radio station was a fan of the show and would often talk about this great singer on the show who was a Christian. The person that they were talking about was Mandisa. From what I've read she made it into the final rounds of the show in the 5th season and thought by many should have won that year.

'It's Christmas' is Mandisa's first crack at releasing a Christmas album. After listening to the eleven songs found on it I'm one of the many, very happy people, that are thankful that she did.

While most holiday releases either go the traditional or modern sounding routes, Mandisa, along with the help of well-known producer Brown Bannister (Amy Grant, Steven Curtis Chapman, Jeremy Camp) decide to mix the two up. Like a well-seasoned veteran of a circus high wire act Mandisa manages to teeter on a musical high rope making the combination work.

For the person looking to hear more traditional sounding songs, "Christmas Bell Medley," "Silent Night," "Christmas Day," and "O Holy Night," will feel your needs. These songs are filled with lush, rich orchestral arrangements that showcase the crisp, clean vocals of Mandisa.

Those of you looking for a more contemporary sound will enjoy songs like, "What Christmas Means to Me," "Feliz Navidad," "Angels We Have Heard on High," and "Mary's Little Boy Child."

And for those of you who like the two styles combined songs like, "Little Drummer Boy," and "Children Go Where I Send Thee," combine both.

You'll also find the tearjerker song appropriately named, "Christmas Makes Me Cry," that features Matthew West. The song deals with thinking about family members who have passed away, memories of past Christmases, soldiers serving away from home, and those alone. Instead of those tears being from sorrow though the song talks about the tears being of joy, hope, and thankfulness.

Another song worth noting is, "Christmas Day," that features legendary Christian artist Michael W. Smith. The song talks about lighting a candle for peace and besides Smith also features vocals from a kid's choir.

My personal two favorite tracks are the first and last ones. The first, "What Christmas Means to Me," really set the tone for the entire release with its upbeat contemporary soulful sound. On it Mandisa shows her wide vocal range hitting each high note with perfection.

My other favorite track is, "Children Go Where I Send Thee." This track wraps things up with a nice big music bow with its funky undertone, horn filled notes, and rousing vocals. Don't be too quick on the off button though because once the song ends there's a few seconds of dead air and then the song starts back up with a organ lead Gospel spiritual tempo that will get your blood pumping.

I've listened to a lot of different Christmas releases this year, both Christian and secular, and this is the only one that got my feet tapping, and my head bobbing, along with the songs.

During this time of year when you're bombarded with an abundance of holiday releases Mandisa's 'It's Christmas' stands tall above the rest like a giraffe in a room full of Santa's elves! This release is destined to become a Christmas classic for many years to come.