Bring in holiday cheer with Kelly Clarkson, Pentatonix, more

It’s that time of year to grab some hot coco, don your coziest sweater and put on some festive tunes. Whether you’re dealing with holiday heartbreak or reuniting with loved ones after an uncertain two years, there’s music for everyone this season.

Associated Press journalists sampled a variety of albums, offering up the early gift of holiday release reviews for Kelly Clarkson, Pentatonix, Pistol Annies, Norah Jones and more. PENTATONIX, “EVERGREEN” (RCA RECORDS) >> It’s not really Christmas until the gang from Pentatonix release new material and this year they’ve stretched the definition of Christmas material.

The a capella quintet offer classics like “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” and “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear” but also tackle songs not often caroled, like Stevie Wonder’s “I Just Called to Say I Love You” and Joni Mitchell’s “River.” It’s risky and let’s just say the originals are safe.

Better is when they give “I Saw Three Ships” a propulsive beat and when they ask Alessia Cara over to lead on “Frosty the Snowman.” They even give the Beach Boys a run with their smashing cover of “Little Saint Nick.”

Pentatonix boldly take on a Beatle — Paul McCartney’s “Wonderful Christmastime” — and it’s not half bad, as well as contributing a twangy original song, the title track “Evergreen,” which, it’s only right, must be covered by another artist for their Christmas album next year.

— Mark Kennedy KELLY CLARKSON, “WHEN CHRISTMAS COMES

AROUND…” (ATLANTIC RECORDS >> Dealing with holiday heartbreak?

Kelly Clarkson has you covered with “When Christmas Comes Around...”

The Grammy winner’s 15 track Christmas album — featuring Chris Stapleton, Ariana Grande and Brett Eldredge — is filled with covers and originals to get everyone through the holiday season. It’s an instant classic with songs that will surely get radio time for years to come.

“You ruined all my favorite things,” she sings on the jubilant “Christmas

Isn’t Canceled (Just You).” “But you won’t take Christmas from me.” The song’s playful, defiant cheer make it an early stand out.

Another album highlight is “Glow.” Clarkson’s voice melding with Stapleton’s is intoxicating. “Nothing has changed, I still wish you could be wrapped up in my arms spending Christmas with me,” they sing.

Whether she’s reclaiming Christmas for herself or reminiscing on the ghost of Christmas past, Clarkson covers all the feelings brought on by the holidays with flare and fun.

— Ragan Clark PISTOL ANNIES, “HELL OF A HOLIDAY” (SONY MUSIC NASHVILLE) >> Let’s face it, most Christmas music idealizes a holiday season that is sometimes more stressful than sentimental.

“Hell of a Holiday,” the first Christmas music from the trio of country singers the Pistol Annies, is for those holiday survivors. Miranda Lambert, Ashley Monroe and Angaleena Presley bring both humor and harmony on a collection of 10 original songs and three classics.