Get your copy of Whitney Houston's new album, I Look to You
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Houston, We Haven't a Problem Anymore
By Rudy Palma "The Writing Fiend"
I Look to You
Kelly Clarkson? Oh, how cute. Keri Hilson? Just adorable. Step aside. Jordin Sparks? Come back in a few years. Rihanna? Never in this lifetime.
After all this time, including seven years since 2002's uneven grab-bag "Just Whitney," the incomparable Whitney Houston shows up with her shining new studio album "I Look to You" and proves she has a talent that simply refuses to be written off.
It is true that Houston's voice is not the unstoppable instrument that it was 20 years ago. How many singers retain the full range, vibrato and ebullience of their youth into midlife? It is unfair to compare this fine vocalist, who tosses aside her younger chart rivals like nail clippings, to her 25-year-old self.
The plum list of top song writing talent on "I Look to You" - R. Kelly, Johnta Austin and Diane Warren being some of the most notable names - give Houston plush, state of the art material to wrap her signature voice around, and for the first time in eons she sounds maximally invested in savoring each syllable and absolutely delivering.
What makes "I Look for You" particularly remarkable is how well the self-conscious biographical thread the songwriters help Houston weave comes off seamlessly and without an ounce of pretense. Not only is this an unabashed comeback album, but Houston is ready to hit the clubs with her girlfriends, celebrate life and acknowledge her past missteps with a look to the future. This particularly informs the Alicia Keys-penned feel-good club thumper "Million Dollar Bill" and R. Kelly's soul-searching "Salute," both of which bookend the disc.
Houston's voice soars confidently with boundless joie de vivre. The kinetic "Nothin' But Love," which packs the nervous, unrelenting urgency of a ticking time bomb, is a particularly fine example. "There've been haters since this world's been goin' round" she confidently sings. "Why they take a dream and try to push it down? I ain't even tryin' to hold on to that now. I ain't got nothin' got nothin' but love for ya."
The songs rub against each other ideally. The emotionally manipulative yet achingly beautiful R. Kelly-penned titled track fits snugly between the warm island breeze of "Like I Never Left" featuring Akon (which is perhaps the most transparent example here of art imitating life) and the Stargate-produced velvety slow burn that is "Call You Tonight." The latter has the power to burn up the charts for months on end. Even the overly syrupy Diane Warren ballad "I Didn't Know My Own Strength" is an above-average selection, well-complemented by the mood of tracks that surround it.
She may not breathe new life into it, but Houston reminds that covering Leon Russell's unceasingly poignant classic "A Song for You" is worthwhile when the interpretive talent of the vocalist is sufficient. The choice to infect a portion of the song with hot dance beats (again, courtesy of Stargate) works surprisingly well. Other tracks, including the life-affirming "I Got You," which Houston co-penned, maintain the quality.
Whether "I Look to You" guzzles Grammys or falls off the charts in a matter of weeks, what really matters has already been accomplished - Houston has achieved a stunning, moving, entertaining return to form. She not only meets expectations but surpasses them.
Welcome home, Whitney. Please have a seat and stay awhile.
Get your copy today. I Look to You
I Look to You
Kelly Clarkson? Oh, how cute. Keri Hilson? Just adorable. Step aside. Jordin Sparks? Come back in a few years. Rihanna? Never in this lifetime.
After all this time, including seven years since 2002's uneven grab-bag "Just Whitney," the incomparable Whitney Houston shows up with her shining new studio album "I Look to You" and proves she has a talent that simply refuses to be written off.
It is true that Houston's voice is not the unstoppable instrument that it was 20 years ago. How many singers retain the full range, vibrato and ebullience of their youth into midlife? It is unfair to compare this fine vocalist, who tosses aside her younger chart rivals like nail clippings, to her 25-year-old self.
The plum list of top song writing talent on "I Look to You" - R. Kelly, Johnta Austin and Diane Warren being some of the most notable names - give Houston plush, state of the art material to wrap her signature voice around, and for the first time in eons she sounds maximally invested in savoring each syllable and absolutely delivering.
What makes "I Look for You" particularly remarkable is how well the self-conscious biographical thread the songwriters help Houston weave comes off seamlessly and without an ounce of pretense. Not only is this an unabashed comeback album, but Houston is ready to hit the clubs with her girlfriends, celebrate life and acknowledge her past missteps with a look to the future. This particularly informs the Alicia Keys-penned feel-good club thumper "Million Dollar Bill" and R. Kelly's soul-searching "Salute," both of which bookend the disc.
Houston's voice soars confidently with boundless joie de vivre. The kinetic "Nothin' But Love," which packs the nervous, unrelenting urgency of a ticking time bomb, is a particularly fine example. "There've been haters since this world's been goin' round" she confidently sings. "Why they take a dream and try to push it down? I ain't even tryin' to hold on to that now. I ain't got nothin' got nothin' but love for ya."
The songs rub against each other ideally. The emotionally manipulative yet achingly beautiful R. Kelly-penned titled track fits snugly between the warm island breeze of "Like I Never Left" featuring Akon (which is perhaps the most transparent example here of art imitating life) and the Stargate-produced velvety slow burn that is "Call You Tonight." The latter has the power to burn up the charts for months on end. Even the overly syrupy Diane Warren ballad "I Didn't Know My Own Strength" is an above-average selection, well-complemented by the mood of tracks that surround it.
She may not breathe new life into it, but Houston reminds that covering Leon Russell's unceasingly poignant classic "A Song for You" is worthwhile when the interpretive talent of the vocalist is sufficient. The choice to infect a portion of the song with hot dance beats (again, courtesy of Stargate) works surprisingly well. Other tracks, including the life-affirming "I Got You," which Houston co-penned, maintain the quality.
Whether "I Look to You" guzzles Grammys or falls off the charts in a matter of weeks, what really matters has already been accomplished - Houston has achieved a stunning, moving, entertaining return to form. She not only meets expectations but surpasses them.
Welcome home, Whitney. Please have a seat and stay awhile.
Get your copy today. I Look to You
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
If You're Not Looking For The Old, It'll Be Easy To Embrace The New
By J. Baker
If you're looking for the old Whitney when you get this CD, then you'll be disappointed. The range and caliber of her voice has inarguably deteriorated (I'm not going to speculate into all the debatable reasons why, but I'm sure a part of it has to do with age, vocal nodules, etc). As a result, the songs on this album seemed to have been chosen to fit with Whitney's new, much more limited voice. You won't find an I Will Always Love You or All the Man I Need song on this album. That's just not happening. At first listen, I was a little disappointed with many of the songs. But that was because I was comparing 40something Whitney to 20something Whitney, and I was expecting more ballads, even though few people nowadays even sing them. But on second listen, taking the album for what it was, not comparing her to who she was, but simply listening to the music, I realized this is an excellent album. So from this point in the review, I'll be talking about the songs on the album itself, not how Whitney of today compares with Whitney of yesteryear.
Of the two slow, ballad-like songs on the album only I Look To You is worth listening to. Though I love the message in I Didn't Know My Own Strength, it's a pretty mundane ballad and Whitney's voice is nearly monotonous throughout the entire song. No "wow" moments in there. It was great for getting her messge out, but I doubt you'll be putting it on repeat. On the other hand, her vocals in I Look To You are delivered much more soothingly, with much more impassioned vocals. It's also a very well-written song, R Kelly did a wonderful job on both lyrics and composition.
Most of the other songs pretty much fit with the trend of today's music: dance/club songs. Million Dllar Bill straddles the line between good and great. It may take some getting used to due to the 70s disco beat at the beginning, but when you get into the song it'll definitely have you "going left, right, up, down, got you spinning 'round and 'round."
"Nothing But love" has a great beat to it, and her vocals are excellent. You'll definitely be bumping this in the car. It's motivational, and the lyrics attack all the haters that we know have attacked Whitney. Definiely one of the best songs. Also at the top of the list: A Song For You. If only for the note she holds at the end. The song is one of the few that showcase her vocals. Maybe Whit decided to go all out because she's been singing it for so long. Who knows? But she's hitting some clear, high notes and holding some long vibrato notes. It's also got a great, fast, disco-type beat about a minute into it. And seriously, you gotta hear that note she holds at the end. It's like 20 seconds long. That's Whit for you.
My favorite song on the album is Call You Tonight. It's mid-tempo, has a smooth beat that'll have you swaying back and forth, trying to sing along with Whitney, but failing of course. It's also cross-generational. Not with the message of the lyrics, but with the flow of it. I'm 25 and played this for my married 51-year-old mother who listens to gospel music all the time and she loved it.
My mother did not, however, like some of the lyrics in Salute, which I really enjoyed. In particular, she had a problem with the line "you think your s*** don't stink, but it do." I'm not sure if it was the incorrect grammar, or the fact that Whitney said it but my mother replied upon hearing it, quote, "that doesn't sound right." I love it though. I think some of the lyrics are lazy(R.Kelly wrote it) but "Queen of the Night" Whitney sings it and you can tell she's feeling it. It sounds like a response to both her ex and the media.
There are other gems on this album, including Like I Never Left. But I heard that when it leaked last year, so it's pretty old to me now. But if you haven't heard it, it'll definitely be one of your favs. I could do without Akon singing on it though.
Worth It and For the Lovers are good, not great. They're both mid-tempo, she seems to do her best work on mid-tempo songs. For the Lovers sounds like a club dance song and will have you swinging yor hands, so maybe you shouldn't drive and listen to this one, might have an accident. Worth It is about, well...as Whitney sings "somebody's gonna make love to this song tonight." Great vocals in here too, and you can hear her easily shift from chest voice to head voice, a trait which she's known for.
I don't know how I feel about I Got You. It's got a smooth Jamaican-type vibe to it. It's not bad, but she's not really singing in it...just kinda talking and doing a hollow, calling out type thing. You may sway to it, but I'm glad it's at the end of the CD. I just wish it wasn't before Salute.
Overall, Whitney and Clive did a great job picking songs for this album. Only a few songs are lacking (as can be expected with any album), but all the great ones make up for it. The songs also mesh well with Whitney's voice, and brings her into the music industry of today without sacrificing her class.
If you're looking for the old Whitney when you get this CD, then you'll be disappointed. The range and caliber of her voice has inarguably deteriorated (I'm not going to speculate into all the debatable reasons why, but I'm sure a part of it has to do with age, vocal nodules, etc). As a result, the songs on this album seemed to have been chosen to fit with Whitney's new, much more limited voice. You won't find an I Will Always Love You or All the Man I Need song on this album. That's just not happening. At first listen, I was a little disappointed with many of the songs. But that was because I was comparing 40something Whitney to 20something Whitney, and I was expecting more ballads, even though few people nowadays even sing them. But on second listen, taking the album for what it was, not comparing her to who she was, but simply listening to the music, I realized this is an excellent album. So from this point in the review, I'll be talking about the songs on the album itself, not how Whitney of today compares with Whitney of yesteryear.
Of the two slow, ballad-like songs on the album only I Look To You is worth listening to. Though I love the message in I Didn't Know My Own Strength, it's a pretty mundane ballad and Whitney's voice is nearly monotonous throughout the entire song. No "wow" moments in there. It was great for getting her messge out, but I doubt you'll be putting it on repeat. On the other hand, her vocals in I Look To You are delivered much more soothingly, with much more impassioned vocals. It's also a very well-written song, R Kelly did a wonderful job on both lyrics and composition.
Most of the other songs pretty much fit with the trend of today's music: dance/club songs. Million Dllar Bill straddles the line between good and great. It may take some getting used to due to the 70s disco beat at the beginning, but when you get into the song it'll definitely have you "going left, right, up, down, got you spinning 'round and 'round."
"Nothing But love" has a great beat to it, and her vocals are excellent. You'll definitely be bumping this in the car. It's motivational, and the lyrics attack all the haters that we know have attacked Whitney. Definiely one of the best songs. Also at the top of the list: A Song For You. If only for the note she holds at the end. The song is one of the few that showcase her vocals. Maybe Whit decided to go all out because she's been singing it for so long. Who knows? But she's hitting some clear, high notes and holding some long vibrato notes. It's also got a great, fast, disco-type beat about a minute into it. And seriously, you gotta hear that note she holds at the end. It's like 20 seconds long. That's Whit for you.
My favorite song on the album is Call You Tonight. It's mid-tempo, has a smooth beat that'll have you swaying back and forth, trying to sing along with Whitney, but failing of course. It's also cross-generational. Not with the message of the lyrics, but with the flow of it. I'm 25 and played this for my married 51-year-old mother who listens to gospel music all the time and she loved it.
My mother did not, however, like some of the lyrics in Salute, which I really enjoyed. In particular, she had a problem with the line "you think your s*** don't stink, but it do." I'm not sure if it was the incorrect grammar, or the fact that Whitney said it but my mother replied upon hearing it, quote, "that doesn't sound right." I love it though. I think some of the lyrics are lazy(R.Kelly wrote it) but "Queen of the Night" Whitney sings it and you can tell she's feeling it. It sounds like a response to both her ex and the media.
There are other gems on this album, including Like I Never Left. But I heard that when it leaked last year, so it's pretty old to me now. But if you haven't heard it, it'll definitely be one of your favs. I could do without Akon singing on it though.
Worth It and For the Lovers are good, not great. They're both mid-tempo, she seems to do her best work on mid-tempo songs. For the Lovers sounds like a club dance song and will have you swinging yor hands, so maybe you shouldn't drive and listen to this one, might have an accident. Worth It is about, well...as Whitney sings "somebody's gonna make love to this song tonight." Great vocals in here too, and you can hear her easily shift from chest voice to head voice, a trait which she's known for.
I don't know how I feel about I Got You. It's got a smooth Jamaican-type vibe to it. It's not bad, but she's not really singing in it...just kinda talking and doing a hollow, calling out type thing. You may sway to it, but I'm glad it's at the end of the CD. I just wish it wasn't before Salute.
Overall, Whitney and Clive did a great job picking songs for this album. Only a few songs are lacking (as can be expected with any album), but all the great ones make up for it. The songs also mesh well with Whitney's voice, and brings her into the music industry of today without sacrificing her class.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
WELCOME BACK REAL MUSIC,WELCOME BACK WHITNEY
By J. Malele
I'm from New Zealand so you could imagine just how frustrated I was that the free download for this song on Whitney's official website does NOT apply here. However I have purchased this single & it has been on replay ever since. A very inspirational yet moving ballad from the Great Legendary Miss Whitney Houston:) I've pre-ordered 8 copies of her new album to give away as gifts to friends & familly. I'm glad real music is back....and it is here to stay. Welcome Back Nippy:)
By T. Yap
This is the "look" of success: relying not on the latest beat or recycled clichés, Houston returns to what brought her first to the dance. A well-written inspirational piano-led ballad about finding solace in God despite a turbulent past, Whitney showcases once again her gorgeous vocals that soar with subtle vulnerability as well as rombustic passion. Though written by R. Kelly, Houston sings it as if it's her life's anthem: the way she nuances each note with affection is just life transforming. When all the songs from the many diva-wannabes fade, this is the kind of music that will be carved in people's consciences. Following in the tradition of some of Houston's mammoth ballads ("I Will Always Love You" and "One Moment in Time"), this is music that matters-the kind of song that leaves its mark.
By Duffy
One of the greatest voices of our era,has returned! The passion in her title song can be felt strongly! I love it! Whitney's got talent,whitney is talent! Very inspirational!
I'm from New Zealand so you could imagine just how frustrated I was that the free download for this song on Whitney's official website does NOT apply here. However I have purchased this single & it has been on replay ever since. A very inspirational yet moving ballad from the Great Legendary Miss Whitney Houston:) I've pre-ordered 8 copies of her new album to give away as gifts to friends & familly. I'm glad real music is back....and it is here to stay. Welcome Back Nippy:)
By T. Yap
This is the "look" of success: relying not on the latest beat or recycled clichés, Houston returns to what brought her first to the dance. A well-written inspirational piano-led ballad about finding solace in God despite a turbulent past, Whitney showcases once again her gorgeous vocals that soar with subtle vulnerability as well as rombustic passion. Though written by R. Kelly, Houston sings it as if it's her life's anthem: the way she nuances each note with affection is just life transforming. When all the songs from the many diva-wannabes fade, this is the kind of music that will be carved in people's consciences. Following in the tradition of some of Houston's mammoth ballads ("I Will Always Love You" and "One Moment in Time"), this is music that matters-the kind of song that leaves its mark.
By Duffy
One of the greatest voices of our era,has returned! The passion in her title song can be felt strongly! I love it! Whitney's got talent,whitney is talent! Very inspirational!
Monday, August 10, 2009
Truly An Inspirational Cd! Whitney's Best For All People!
Matthew Adams says:
Here this is coming from a white guy i heard this at a CD hearing, this is truly an inspirational CD. I am planning on owning it and buying copies for my church and my wedding to my girl friend. Truly Whitney's Best! I look to you....
Daniel Mckenzie says:
I just can't wait to own this album! i heard "I Look to You", and i just fell in love with whitney all over again. This is what I've been missing.
Michael Kerner says:
I definitely am looking forward to Whitney's comeback. From what I've heard so far, the songs sound beautiful, and I've missed hearing Whitney Houston sing like this in awhile. I'm glad she decided not to permanently retire, especially because of how much people made her that crack is whack joke that got way out of hand. It definitely is better than the wannabes like Beyonce', Jordin Sparks and others have made in their records recently.
Here this is coming from a white guy i heard this at a CD hearing, this is truly an inspirational CD. I am planning on owning it and buying copies for my church and my wedding to my girl friend. Truly Whitney's Best! I look to you....
Daniel Mckenzie says:
I just can't wait to own this album! i heard "I Look to You", and i just fell in love with whitney all over again. This is what I've been missing.
Michael Kerner says:
I definitely am looking forward to Whitney's comeback. From what I've heard so far, the songs sound beautiful, and I've missed hearing Whitney Houston sing like this in awhile. I'm glad she decided not to permanently retire, especially because of how much people made her that crack is whack joke that got way out of hand. It definitely is better than the wannabes like Beyonce', Jordin Sparks and others have made in their records recently.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Whitney Houston Is Back!
With over 170 million combined albums, singles, and videos sold worldwide during her career with Arista Records, Whitney Houston has established a benchmark for superstardom that will quite simply never be eclipsed in the modern era.She is a singer's singer who has influenced countless other vocalists, male and female.
Houston is triumphed by the Guinness Book of World Records as music's "Most Awarded Female Artist of All Time" with an amazing tally of 411 awards. She holds both the biggest-selling U.S. single of all-time (her career defining rendition of Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You") and one of the top 10 best-selling albums of all time (The Bodyguard soundtrack) to her many credits. She's also the only artist to chart seven consecutive #1 Billboard Hot 100 hits, hold seven consecutive multi-platinum albums. She reigns as the first female artist to have entered the Billboard 200 album chart at #1. Whitney's highly anticipated new studio album features a wide array of A-list producers including Stargate, R Kelly, Akon, Eric Hudson & Johnta Austin, Fernando Garabay & Harvey Mason Jr., Tricky Stewart, Swizz Beatz, David Foster and Diane Warren. On September 1, 2009, the Legend, the Icon, the Worldwide Superstar returns with her best work yet.
I Look to You
Amazon.com Widgets
Houston is triumphed by the Guinness Book of World Records as music's "Most Awarded Female Artist of All Time" with an amazing tally of 411 awards. She holds both the biggest-selling U.S. single of all-time (her career defining rendition of Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You") and one of the top 10 best-selling albums of all time (The Bodyguard soundtrack) to her many credits. She's also the only artist to chart seven consecutive #1 Billboard Hot 100 hits, hold seven consecutive multi-platinum albums. She reigns as the first female artist to have entered the Billboard 200 album chart at #1. Whitney's highly anticipated new studio album features a wide array of A-list producers including Stargate, R Kelly, Akon, Eric Hudson & Johnta Austin, Fernando Garabay & Harvey Mason Jr., Tricky Stewart, Swizz Beatz, David Foster and Diane Warren. On September 1, 2009, the Legend, the Icon, the Worldwide Superstar returns with her best work yet.
I Look to You
Whitney Houston is a Representation Of Ladies All Over The World With Her Style And Grace
I Look to You
Matthew Adams says:
I heard it this morning and was impressed but I love all the songs. What I like about the entire Album is that the songs whether you like them or not is very positive, and can cross over even to Christian radio. The songs and CD "I Look to you" has longevity to it. The more and MORE you listen to it you love it. Kudos to radio stations for embracing it and for Houston for just making a GOOD Inspirational CD and not following other artist by selling sex. You can make a great CD without the sexual overtones. Houston should expect several Grammy nominations, the engineering is great too. I expect at least between 10- 15 Grammy nominations for "I Look to You" adding in the engineering and Christens/production nominations.
J. Hou says:
Because she is showing them that you can have a career in singing and acting, without having to take off your clothes or sing about sex. She took drugs, yes, but she has come back and relied on her strength. That is why the entire music world is awaiting her return and cheering her on.
Whitney Houston was one of the first few black singers who crossed boundaries from the soul/R&B genre into mainstream pop. She was cast in an inter-racial relationship with Kevin Costner's character in The Bodyguard. That was uncommon at the time, but it did not raise any eyebrows. People should remember what she has contributed to the music industry - her career has produced the best soundtrack of all time and she has broken barriers for other singers to follow.
Dee says:
J. Hou is absolutely correct! Whitney was/is sexy, but she does it in a subtle way(Have you seen her new cd cover? GORGEOUS!!). She has never had to take off all of her clothes to get attention.
She is probably the only DIVA that can receive a standing ovation without singing or saying anything. Why? Because she has a presence about her that demands respect.
Welcome back, Queen!
B. Williams says:
Whitney has paid her dues to the record industry and learned from some rather difficult and very public mistakes. She has returned to the music scene EXTREMELY HUMBLED and willing to except responsibility for her actions. The way she is doing it is soooooooooo classy and admirable. The only other celebrity that has returned "GRACEFULLY" to the public eye after a fall is Vanessa Williams (aka Whilimenia Slater). I am so proud of Whitney and happy for her. She will be #1 again and her performances will get even better!
Aurora3.5 says:
Whitney looks absolutely great and the voice is still there. The younger women in the music industry should look at how she is marketing herself and learn from it. She's so graceful and well versed. She doesn't walk around with her cleavage and rear-end hanging out to get attention.
Love and Light Whitney...welcome back where you belong!!!
Matthew Adams says:
I heard it this morning and was impressed but I love all the songs. What I like about the entire Album is that the songs whether you like them or not is very positive, and can cross over even to Christian radio. The songs and CD "I Look to you" has longevity to it. The more and MORE you listen to it you love it. Kudos to radio stations for embracing it and for Houston for just making a GOOD Inspirational CD and not following other artist by selling sex. You can make a great CD without the sexual overtones. Houston should expect several Grammy nominations, the engineering is great too. I expect at least between 10- 15 Grammy nominations for "I Look to You" adding in the engineering and Christens/production nominations.
J. Hou says:
Because she is showing them that you can have a career in singing and acting, without having to take off your clothes or sing about sex. She took drugs, yes, but she has come back and relied on her strength. That is why the entire music world is awaiting her return and cheering her on.
Whitney Houston was one of the first few black singers who crossed boundaries from the soul/R&B genre into mainstream pop. She was cast in an inter-racial relationship with Kevin Costner's character in The Bodyguard. That was uncommon at the time, but it did not raise any eyebrows. People should remember what she has contributed to the music industry - her career has produced the best soundtrack of all time and she has broken barriers for other singers to follow.
Dee says:
J. Hou is absolutely correct! Whitney was/is sexy, but she does it in a subtle way(Have you seen her new cd cover? GORGEOUS!!). She has never had to take off all of her clothes to get attention.
She is probably the only DIVA that can receive a standing ovation without singing or saying anything. Why? Because she has a presence about her that demands respect.
Welcome back, Queen!
B. Williams says:
Whitney has paid her dues to the record industry and learned from some rather difficult and very public mistakes. She has returned to the music scene EXTREMELY HUMBLED and willing to except responsibility for her actions. The way she is doing it is soooooooooo classy and admirable. The only other celebrity that has returned "GRACEFULLY" to the public eye after a fall is Vanessa Williams (aka Whilimenia Slater). I am so proud of Whitney and happy for her. She will be #1 again and her performances will get even better!
Aurora3.5 says:
Whitney looks absolutely great and the voice is still there. The younger women in the music industry should look at how she is marketing herself and learn from it. She's so graceful and well versed. She doesn't walk around with her cleavage and rear-end hanging out to get attention.
Love and Light Whitney...welcome back where you belong!!!
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