Kelly Price - One Family: A Christmas Album (2001)

In the past, singer supreme Kelly Price has been known for her winning way with a very contemporary brand of R&B shot through with her impressive vocal chops and idiosyncratic, funky arrangements. On ONE FAMILY: A CHRISTMAS ALBUM, however, she alters her path in a couple of ways. She eases off on the funky stuff to throw a little spirituality into her conception and a touch of gospel flavor into her sound. She also collaborates with a number of artists from different worlds, included pop-country star Winona Judd, fellow R&B phenom Mary Mary, and Bebe Winans from the aforementioned gospel world. Taking on an album's worth of holday fare, Price maintains her unique sound but proves pliant enough to blend with her guests and adapt to the particulars of the sonic scenario.