By Marvin Lake


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

It seems to be fashionable nowadays to bash Houston. I'd like to say that Houston's Christmas CD is a snap on her critics, but I cannot lie. There are moments where Houston connects - most notably a jazzed up, funky version of "Little Drummer Boy" with daughter Bobbi Kristina sharing some of the vocals. But there are times, too, when Houston seems to have phoned in her performance ("The First Noel"). Even the title track lacks true fire. The lyrics aren't memorable; the arrangement tired.

Even Houston's full-throttle vocals on the self-arranged "Joy To the World" can't redeem this largely poppish CD.