By Patrick MacDonald
Seattle Times music critic


Whitney Houston may not have had a hit in a long while, and most of the publicity about her recently has involved run-ins with the law or strange behavior in public. But she redeems herself with "One Wish: The Holiday Album," one of the best new Christmas discs.

In this impressive collection of holiday favorites and new songs, she shows she hasn't lost any of her vocal power or emotional intensity. Her vocal idiosyncrasies sometimes get in the way, but overall she finds satisfying ways to bring new life to old classics.

She personalizes "The Christmas Song" by turning it into an R&B ballad marked by soaring glissandos. "Joy to the World" is given an invigorating gospel workout featuring the stirring voices of the Georgia Mass Choir. "Cantique De Noel (O Holy Night)" is a big production number that packs a wallop. The seldom-heard "Who Would Imagine A King" is beautiful and moving.

The disc opens with a sweet, fairly straightforward "The First Noel." "Little Drummer Boy" features her daughter Bobbi Kristina Brown, who is more charming than she is professional. Among other songs are "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," "I'll Be Home for Christmas" and a soulful new song, "One Wish."