
What to say about this album. Yeah, sure its not a comeback album.... WHATEVER!
Why not just call it "Whitney: The Redemption"
So I have listened to this album several times. Its slickly produced and well done. Look Clive Davis and Whitney Houston are a POWERFUL TEAM. In a way its almost too calculated and slick for me in a way. Also its *reads* as a deeply personal album. On first listen you really do think you are hearing lots of new things about Whitney. But ultimately its more universal than that. Which I think in the short term is somewhat disappointing. But then I would have wanted to listed to songs bitching about Bobby Brown. Who now faces a future as a semi Ike Turner and has been on some new VH1 Celebrality show.
But I do like the album more than on first listen. Also, its going to get lots of attention. It also has a few dance mix ready tracks.
You will be hearing "Million Dollar Bill", "Nothing But Love" and "I Didn't Know My Own Strength" on big dance remixes. Personally I think certain ballads dont make great dance mixes. But if they can make a dance remix out of "And I Am Telling You I Am Not Going", then they can do one of "I Didn;t Know My Own Strength".
Look, I am personally THRILLED to see Whitney put her life back together. Its going to be hard to get past all the personal stuff in her life and get back to her music. But if you do, its well worth a listen.
Its a good album, but its not GREAT.
But hey, now that she has here life together, I think the next one will SHOCK. Also, her voice is different. I think when she adapts to her voice, she has the chance to make MANY great albums in the second half of her life. I'm thrilled she is back. Some of the tracks from "I Look To You" will become parts of her concerts forever. Will any become standards.... Who knows.
Also, there is still a part of me that feels this album is too calculated, and almost "Written for Oprah" and her fans. Well I'm a big old queen who loves me some Oprah! But the album has moments that are rooted in a gospel tradition, I just wish if she really wanted to have a gospel touch that she really went for it. I would have loved a full on gospel song on the album.
Yet, I listen to two other albums to compare to this. The first was Heather Small's "Proud". Get it. Its a great little I need some instant self esteem number. The lead track "Pround" is a GREAT track, you have heard it as its the theme song for "The Biggest Looser" and was featured on "Queer as Folk". Whitney's "I look to you" can stand against this album well.
Then I compared "I Look to You" to "Bitter" by Meshell N'Degeochello. Meshell's album is much more powerful and touching. But I am certain that "I look to you" will sell far better. Its more accessable. But I have such a deep connection with "Bitter". Its a tougher listen, but it delivers more.
Overall, "I Look To You" marks the return of Whitney Houston from the shadows! Thanks goodness.
Welcome Back Whitney, we missed you!