By Jane Stevenson, Toronto Sun


Whitney Houston
One Wish
(Arista-BMG)

Sun Rating 1 out of 5

Not to kick her when she's down -- there were reports this week that police were called after she was allegedly beaten up by hubby Bobby Brown -- but Houston appears to be on her last legs as an artist with any shred of respect left. Her voice goes all over the place, as usual, on such holiday classics as The First Noel and The Christmas Song, which are given the irritating, ultra-smooth R&B treatment. Timid-sounding daughter Bobbi Kristina also chimes in -- possibly against her will? -- on Little Drummer Boy. If only Houston had gone the gospel route, which was where she originally got her start. Just check out Joy To The World, which features the Georgia Mass Choir.