Album Review: Whitney Houston – I Look To You

Posted by Rickified on 8/31/09 • Categorized as Reviews • 1,460 views

whitney-i-look-to-you

I Look to You is the sixth studio album by Whitney Houston. The album plans was first announced in March 2007 by Clive Davis, who revealed that the singer would be heading into the studio to record her first studio album in almost 7 years (since Just Whitney). The album is to be release in the US on August 31.

The roster of producers and writers includes Swizz Beatz, Alicia Keys, R. Kelly, Danja, Stargate, and Akon, who is also the only guest vocalist on the album.

First Impressions
Well, Whitney is dubbed as the ‘voice’ of all time (besides Mariah and Celine Dion), so is this long awaited album worth the wait??? I must say that it’s a decent effort, much more bearable than Mariah’s nonsense (It’s too early to judge but even “I Want To Know What Love Is” couldn’t save her). And Whitney doesn’t resort to gimmicks, prance around and sell sex.

On the first listen, the album feels nostalgic, yet contemporary. While there are modern influences from the producers like Akon to make the album sound current, the classic R&B sound of Whitney is not being robbed away. Which is a good thing, as she’s being herself and doesn’t try too hard to fit in the current dance sound. But it ain’t a throwback to the early Whitney eras either. So, the vibe sounds like classic R&B infused with contemporary elements.

Standout Tracks

Million Dollar Bill
The official first single, this song would probably bring in that million dollar bill. Alicia Keys pairs up with her beau, Swizz Beatz for this Alicia sounding track. It’s an old school R&B track, the ooh…ooh hook is catchy too. Fun and flirty, this reminds me of Alicia’s “Teenage Love Affair“, and something that Solange would do too.
Nothin’ But Love
The syth makes this song quite pop-ish. A midtempo track produced by Danja, it’s rather caribbean/dancehall-like.
Call You Tonight
Produced by Stargate, guess what does this song sounds like. It’s “Spotlight” (Jennifer Hudson) Part 2 to me. =) A good effort to produce it in this manner as this track allows a younger audience to get to know Whitney.
I Look To You
This is the classic Whitney that everyone is waiting to hear. Written by R. Kelly and produced by Christopher “Tricky” Stewart, this ballad is reflects her signature past ballads, though it’s not as strong as them.
A Song For You
It’s a cover of the Leon Russell original, given a new life by Whitney and Stargate. Starts off sounding like a ballad, but it’s a neo-disco track, bound to get everyone on the dancefloor. Deserves some remixes.
I Didn’t Know My Own Strength
Buzz single. Penned by Diane Warren, this song is made for her. Quite an autobiographical track. It’s subtle compared to “I Look To You”, which I prefer more.

Final Verdict
Her vocal prowess falters a little, which can be heard in this album. Guess it’s the damage done from the crack that she had. That’s no way to protect that money-maker instrument. If you think there’s are BIG ballads like “I Will Always Love You“, “Greatest Love of All” and “Saving All My Love For You“, look elsewhere. She couldn’t pull that off nowadays, thus having a rather controlled range in the vocals department. A pity I guess. Those were brillant songs.

This record would probably be a modest hit. I might be wrong. No experimental stuff going on here, just safe and listenable tracks from start to finish. Fans would be delighted by this record but younger listeners might have to take a chance. It’s good, just not great.

This album scores a 3 out of 5.

Tagged as: whitney houston

12 Comments

runwitme
August 31, 2009 • 8:03 pm

The beautiful voice that had sold millions of records was gone forever. What left was an abused. cracked and restrained vocal. It’s kind of sad really since she used to me my favourite singer. Song selections are good…Kudos to Clive. He still got the ears fo hits.

I wonder how the LIVE version would sound like. Can she really hold the notes or was that just studio manipulation.

Anyway, this album still have space in my mp3 player until the imperfect angel leaks…LOL!

3 out of 5.
Lokies
September 1, 2009 • 1:38 am

I personally adore this record! It’s a real gem for people who dig pure R&B. Anyhow, it was just great to hear that deep, rich, soulful voice again!
DMB1981
September 1, 2009 • 6:07 am

I personally thought this album was rubbish when i first heard it! It has slowly grown on me, but I still think it is her weakest record yet! The material sounds dated, and it is the song choice, lyrics etc that has let the album down. Vocals are good, but if these were the best 11 tracks Whitney was given over the past 7 years, then thats a concern!

Eagerly anticipating Mariahs new cd at the end of this month!
Ezkl323
September 1, 2009 • 9:20 pm

I love this album! Its pure R&B! She still knows how to bring a song to life with soul and a strong voice. She has mastered her new deeper, richer sound. At least she is still singing and not whispering like Mariah and Janet. We cant compare 46 year old Whitney to 26 year old Whitney…..just like you cant compare any other female singer’s voice in their youth and once they’re older. As a singer, Whitney is still the BEST! Madonna has her dancing and performance to fall back on….if we judged her singing…well thats a different story!

Whitney is a masterful singer. This album is soulful and tight!

Fav tracks:

For The Lovers
Call You Tonight
Worth It
Million Dollar Bill
Nothing But Love
Salute

Welcome back our PERFECT angel!
choonbo
September 7, 2009 • 1:19 am

You hold yourself back if you are hung up on the past. Enjoy the present and look to the future. I am tired of reading comments on the Internet about Whitney’s voice not being what it used to be. BORING. It is what it is and for whatever reason her voice is the way it is today (age, drugs etc) you deny yourself the chance to really enjoy this album if you keep looking for something to match her signature classics. Free your mind and the rest will follow (with thanks to En Vogue). Singers with great vocal technique who can belt out a tune are a dime a dozen (e.g. Christina, Leona, even Mariah) but they lack the soul and unique phrasing that makes Whitney stand out, particularly in her later albums. It’s the voice of a person who has lived… (‘A Song For You’, ‘I Look To You’ and ‘Salute’ are fine examples on this record.) No amount of technique and vocal coaching can give you that. The album ‘I Look To You’ is thoroughly enjoyable, and the remixes that have come out so far (thanks Dirrtyremixes) give clubbers plenty to rejoice about. Can’t wait til they release remixes for ‘A Song For You’. Our girl has come home.