Up&down

Some five years ago, Arista Records announced new artist Deborah Cox as the second coming of Whitney Houston—mercy, what burgeoning artist could live up to such lofty hype? Fortunately, in years since, Cox has proved herself a worthy contender, with such knockout tracks as the No. 1 "Nobody's Supposed to Be Here" and "Things Just Ain't the Same." And like Houston, she has managed to bring together oft-disparate fans of R&B, dance, and pop. "Up&Down (In & Out)" is the song that will at last bring Cox across-the-board appeal in one tasty serving, with its booty-bumping blend of urban beats. With Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis at the boards, the song slings a full-bodied old-school wallop, while allowing the singer breathing room to wring her soul out with those gorgeous pipes. Of course, it's hard to ignore the irony that Arista chief Clive Davis took Cox with him to J Records, while Houston, still at Arista, has become a rival. It appears we're in for a full-fledged battle for diva domination.—CT