Whitney Houston, "One Wish: The Holiday Album" (Arista)


Whitney Houston has had her share of problems in recent years, but her voice is still in fine shape, and it dazzles on "One Wish: The Holiday Album."

Houston sounds like the star of a gospel choir as she soulfully reinterprets holiday classics such as "The First Noel" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." In many ways, this album echoes the gospel-inflected soundtrack, "The Preacher's Wife," she did a few years ago - in fact, two songs from that album, the lovely "Who Would Imagine a King" and a buoyant "Joy to the World," are also here.

Her voice - though at times a bit raspy - captivates on every track, whether it's soaring to a crescendo or she's singing with the tenderness of a mother's love (her duet with daughter Bobby Kristina on "Little Drummer Boy" is a special highlight).

Although "One Wish" is a Christmas album, chances are you'll want to keep this one around after the holidays are done.

-Nekesa Mumbi Moody, AP Music Writer