By Dave Tianen


Whitney Houston, "One Wish: The Holiday Album"

Given the frequent speculation about her health and personal problems, it's good to report that Houston sounds fine in this new Christmas set. Although she's guilty of excessive showboating on "The First Noel" and "I'll Be Home for Christmas," this is a better-than-average R&B holiday outing.

There's an interesting, contemporary twist on "Deck the Halls" and an appropriately jubilant, raise-the-roof collaboration with the Georgia Mass Choir on "Joy to the World."