Album Review: I Look To You

By Kelcie Willis | VOX Staff

Courtesy of WhitneyHouston.com

After years of abuse, mockery and scandal, Whitney Houston has made a solid comeback to the music scene with her latest album, “I Look to You,” (released Aug. 31, 2009). Houston’s first record in seven years topped the charts, selling more than 305,000 copies within its first week, according to the Billboard 200 chart. The album’s first two singles, “I Look to You” and “Million Dollar Bill” also made the Billboard Hot 100 list.

“I Look to You” is a mix of R&B with a tinge of gospel. I particularly enjoy the Jordin Sparks-esque pop-oriented song, “Call You Tonight,” which I picture myself listening to on a late night car ride home. “A Song For You,” a remake of rock singer Leon Russell’s 1970 original, is over-produced. Her high notes are appealing, but the arrangement is too big and takes away from Houston’s vocals, which may be a ploy to cover up from her diminished vocal ability.

“I Didn’t Know My Own Strength” seems to have been written in effort to be a power ballad, but didn’t follow through well. Houston’s best effort to sound up-to-date is “For the Lovers,” which, as the title suggests, is an ode to couples in love. I admit, she’s not blasting off vocally, but she can still soar pretty well. My biggest criticism about the CD are the songs that don’t quite suit her: either they’re too modernly produced (such as the Akon produced “Like I Never Left”) or just don’t sound like Whitney (like “Salute” which sounds like it was penned for Rihanna).

Overall, this is a decent comeback record and will likely satisfy those who wanted one last record from a once spectacular, now better-than-average, R&B songstress. I recommend this album for lovers of adult contemporary music, or people who want to hear Houston sing new songs.

Kelcie, a junior at Stephenson High, would love to become an entertainment journalist, but is tempted by the career of being a publicist.