Admit it. Hearing that Mariah and Whitney were duetting together on a single aroused your curiosity even if the cynics amongst you did already guess that it would be a Christmas release and, further still, the theme tune to an animated soundtrack. Me, I would have preferred Houston and Carey deeming fit to lend their considerable gifts of vocal interpretations to an album of covers, say one from Baduism, three from Gamble & Huff, an old Quincy/Jacko collaboration, a couple of jazz standards and a solo rendition of a classic from each other's discography. Now that would be some Chrissie pressie!

All that's left is to judge which vocalist wins the plaudits. I go for Whitney on the grounds that she appears to be holding back throughout whereas, whether-through-nerves-or-not, Mariah tries a bit too hard and to dream of that great X-rated vid that never was and will never bethen again, it's a funny ol' game.

(Out: Dec 7th)