What Christmas Means finds Kem Owens infusing his holiday-themed original tunes and standards with the same soft-lit charisma that has earned him a string of R&B hit singles and albums. His caressing tenor vocals serve him well here — but what makes this collection so appealing is the loving spirit he brings to the tunes. Kem taps into his personal faith for “Glorify the King,” a warm-hearted modern hymn praising the Savior. The title number (a simmering ballad) and “Doo Wop Christmas” (a lively a cappella number complete with finger-snaps) are likewise reflective of the season’s deeper meaning. On the more romantic side are “A Christmas Song for You” and “Be Mine For Christmas,” the latter a duet with Ledisi featuring musical quotes from Billy Paul’s 1972 hit “Me and Mrs. Jones.” Complementing these self-composed tunes is a mixture of yuletide carols and pop favorites, ranging from a delicately jazzy reading of “Christmas Time is Here” to a bopping take on “Merry Christmas Baby” and a lightly grooving version of “We Three Kings." Suave, smooth and spiritual, What Christmas Means has the makings of a modern holiday classic.