On her second holiday-themed full-length, pop violinist Lindsey Stirling puts her contemporary spin on a handful of classics bundled alongside some originals on Snow Waltz. Following 2018's Warmer in the Winter, this appropriately festive set features Stirling's trademark crossover sound, an upbeat blend of hip-hop beats, pop production, and folksy violin. "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" and "Feliz Navidad" are energized with galloping percussion, handclaps, and jaunty piano backing. Centerpiece "Joy to the World" is a swashbuckling highlight that thrills more than the original ever could, while "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" is infused with urgent drama and a brief dubstep break. Fans will delight at these versions, as Stirling doesn't stray too far from her typical style. Additionally, she recruited a handful of guests to provide vocals, including Bonnie McKee ("Crazy for Christmas"), Frawley (the peppy "Christmas Time with You"), and David Archuleta (the aptly titled soul stirrer "Magic"). Snow Waltz is a warm cup of cocoa (with a little something extra splashed in) that pleases the soul and primes listeners for the holidays. ~ Neil Z. Yeung