Whitney Houston Album Blends Gospel With R&B;

Whitney Houston

“The Preacher’s Wife - Original Soundtrack Album” (Arista)

Pop diva Whitney Houston’s latest soundtrack project - her third this decade - delivers on fans’ expectations of R&B-flavored pop perfection while venturing headlong into the world of gospel. In the pop/ AC/R&B realm, highlights include peppy Annie Lennox cut “Step By Step” (in the original version and Teddy Riley remix); leadoff ballad “I Believe In You”; and “Somebody Bigger than You and I,” featuring Bobby Brown, Faith Evans, Johnny Gill, Monica and Ralph Tresvant. Among the album’s most uplifting gospel tunes are “Joy,” “I Go to the Rock,” and “I Love the Lord,” all with the Georgia Mass Choir. An album that cements Houston’s standing as a pop superstar and establishes a base in gospel, her birthright musical genre.

Rupaul

“Foxy Lady” (Rhino)

Given his ability to remain an omnipresent public figure, it’s hard to believe that more than three years have lapsed between albums by America’s favorite drag queen. He christens his new connection with the kitsch-conscious Rhino with an appropriately festive set that is keen on the fluffy Euro-dance sound that radio is currently embracing. Uplifting anthems like “A Little Bit of Love,” “Happy,” and “Celebrate” provide pop programmers plenty to ponder. Meanwhile, those who question Ru’s singing skills are answered with “Falling,” a lush and romantic ballad that offers a glimpse into a soulful stylist who needs to be heard far more frequently in the future.

Nashville Mandolin Ensemble

“Gifts” Columbia

“Gifts” is an uncommonly lovely Christmas album from a group that’s striving to keep alive the spirit of a 19th century art form. Mandolin orchestras were all the rage at the turn of the century but went out of fashion after World War I, and the mandolin survived only in bluegrass and string bands. Recent years have seen a resurgence in interest in the old form, and out of that, the Nashville Mandolin Ensemble was formed in 1990 by a group of Nashville pickers. The NME includes mandolins, mandolas, a mandecello, guitar, penny whistle, bass and clarinet. They play music ranging from Bach to bluegrass and, as this collection shows, can deftly handle Christmas songs.