By Malcolm X Abram, Beacon Journal staff writer


ONE WISH: THE HOLIDAY ALBUM
Whitney Houston
Arista

Fresh off the less-than-stellar sales of her last album of new material, singer Whitney Houston returns with a Christmas collection. On Just Whitney, Houston often sounded distracted and winded and seemed to avoid the high notes. On One Wish her voice sounds healthier, though she still seems to be piling on the melisma and elongated vocal runs.

The arrangements are mellow synthetic R&B grooves perfect for The Quiet Storm. Highlights include an a cappella O Come O Come Emanuel with producer Mervyn Warren providing layered backing harmonies like a one-man Take 6.

Padding out the disc's 11 tracks are Who Would Imagine a King and Joy to the World from The Preacher's Wife soundtrack. Besides being previously available, the inclusion of these tracks, particularly the tastefully orchestrated ballad whose melody Houston caresses lovingly, also demonstrate the slow deterioration of Houston's voice.

Appropriate for: Party at the hair and nail salon.