By Andy Argyrakis

CHRISTMAS IS GETTING CLOSER

Getting in the holiday spirit now that the weather’s turning slightly chilly and additional yuletide albums are hitting the streets? If not, this week features two major Christmas collections starting with Sara Groves, who drops O Holy Night (INO) as she continues to tour alongside Derek Webb, Brandon Heath, Charlie Peacock and Sandra McCracken. “American Idol” favorite Mandisa also delivers her first ever full-length seasonal project (after an EP tease last year) in the form of It’s Christmas (Sparrow).

SIMPLY THE BEST

To celebrate a legendary career with his cuts sung in churches across the country each and every Sunday, worship leader Paul Baloche finally scores the much deserved Best Of (Integrity). The singer/songwriter is best known for the classics “Open the Eyes of My Heart” and “Above All,” which have since been covered by Michael W. Smith on down.

KJ COMPLETE

After lighting up the rap scene with The Yearbook last year, KJ-52 puts a new spin on the project loaded with remixes and unreleased cuts from those original sessions. Outside of his own robust rhymes, The Yearbook: The Missing Pages (BEC) features special guests Goldinchild, Liquid and several other guest stars.

COOL HAND’S COMEBACK

Many readers may remember Cool Hand Luke from label life (Floodgate to be exact), but the band is back with a new deal on Lujo Records. The artful alt-rockers turned to producer Matt Goldman (Copeland, Underoath, Meg & Dia) on The Sleeping House and once again focus on lyrics informed by faith, but certainly suitable for all audiences (regardless of religious beliefs).

For a complete list of new and upcoming albums, check out our new releases page.