One Wish - The Holiday Album
Whitney Houston
Arista
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Pop music diva Whitney Houston gets downhome with "One Wish: The Holiday Album." Her singing still has a tendency to go over the top, as during the never-ending vocal runs on "The First Noel." But those who think Houston has strayed too far from her goody-goody past will find some treats here. The clarity and projection of her voice shine in "O Holy Night" and "One Wish (for Christmas)," and touches of R&B and gospel ("Joy to the World") add a welcome bump. Some of the production gets overly dramatic at times, but Houston's "One Wish" is mostly a class act.

- Chris Macias