There’s no doubt about it – Whitney Houston is a survivor. The singer with one of the greatest voices of our generation crumbled into what could be described as a drug-fuelled hell throughout the latter part of last and early this decade. Just watching the first of her two part interview with talk show queen Oprah Winfrey earlier today, we got a better understanding of just what the singer has endured. But with a little inner strength, plenty of faith and the love and help of those around her, Whitney Houston has turned her life around and is ready to once again stand confidently in the spotlight.
‘I Look To You’ is Whitney’s first album since 2002 and it’s clear from the chart performances around the world so far that the fans are glad she’s back – she’s at No.1 in the US, Canada, Germany and Italy.
The Alicia Keys co-penned ‘Million Dollar Bill’ opens the LP, with an unmistakable Whitney vocal stab – no doubt no accident. It’s bouncy, fun and retro and signals the singer’s return.
‘Nothin’ But Love’ takes the tempo down a notch, but gives an unashamed crystal ball as to what this album symbolises lyrically – strength from adversity. “I could hold onto pain but that ain’t what my life’s about, I ain’t blaming nobody if I ain’t got my stuff worked out”.
‘Call You Tonight’ is a pleasant enough poppy R&B number, ‘I Look To You’ (written by R.Kelly) is Whitney’s new ballad faith anthem, allowing her to showcase her vocals, and ‘Like I Never Left’ (featuring a guest vocal from Akon) is a sweet enough urban number about coming home.
Whitney belts out the ballad intro to ‘A Song For You’ like she’s never left, before it bursts into a flurry of big-beats, just ripe for the dancefloor. ‘I Didn’t Know My Own Strength’ is the obligatory “I was always strong enough to say goodbye” ballad on which Whitney’s vocals are raw and honest, if not a tad strained.
Though the power of Whitney’s vocal has been undeniably reduced over the past decade, she delivers ‘I Look To You’ with conviction and style. But after all the adversity, through the personal struggles and the battle to regain that voice, Whitney Houston has proven she’s a fighter, a survivor. Welcome back, Ms Houston – it’s been too long.
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Daniel says
When I first heard the title track a few weeks ago, I was beyond disappointed. I thought that song was dreary, boring with no memorable hook, lyrics, nothing… A day later I couldn’t have told you anything about it apart from the name… But then came the rest of the album. I will admit I was wrong. I don’t know how, but somehow, within the context of the LP, ‘I Look To You’ comes into its own. The running theme of overcoming adversity and walking to the light etc is a little heavy handed, but this is a memorable record. Each song has its place, and some will go on as Whitney classics, particularly Million Dollar Bill and I Didn’t Know My Own Strength. I am a semi-fan of Whitney Houston, but this album, despite my initial disappointment, may push me firmly into the affirmative..