I Look To You

love this cd

Love Whitney!!

Today, I would agree with almost everything said in the first public review on the album page by J. Baker:I Look To You or copy and paste [...]Interestingly, I would have agreed completely on September 1st, 2009, especially concerning his feelings about Worth It and For the Lovers. However, I believe that reviewers should be careful to note that their review is an early one. For this matter, all critics, both in the media and public should take note. An album is often like a new drink: At first it takes on a flavor of unfamiliarity, uniqueness and qualities unlike any other. When most people first drink coffee or whisky, including myself, it often takes years to develop a palat for them. The same should be said about newly created music from artists, especially ones that have aged.For the first year or so that I heard Whitney's My Love Is Your Love album, I skipped 75% of the new genre she took on and went straight for the ballads. While Until You Come Back is probably now my favorite Whitney song ever, with each video released, performance of and remix made for the title track, Heartbreak Hotel, In My Business, Get It Back and If I Told You That, I grew a greater appreciation for them. Thunderpuss's remix, or transformation if you will, of It's Not Right but It's Okay remains a cultural thumbprint in 90s history.Similarly, I Look To You should be seen as an acquired taste. I would compare it to my love for coffee (I'm slowly getting there with the whisky) and of the MLIYL album. It's just months after the release of ILTY, and already I have grown a greater appreciation for Worth It and For the Lovers. The former took longer, possibly because of the large number of new mid-tempo grooves released to the public with the album. However, like cream in coffee, it rises... it just needs stirring.Larry Jackson, Co-Executive Album Producer, confirmed on his Twitter at the beginning of the month that it will be the next and third single. On the assumption Arista would release a mid-tempo after the first being a ballad and the second for the clubs, this may be disappointing to those who would prefer Call You Tonight or Like I Never Left to be next. Or even a mid-tempo dance groove like Nothing But Love, as is rumored to be the next single in Europe. But give Worth It a good second (or 20th) listen with fresh ears and you may just find yourself reaching for your lover's hand in the car. Now if she'd add some high chest voice notes to the climax like she did for the album version of LINL, we could have a real radio hit.Otherwise, I won't rehash what J. Baker said. Except to put it in other words. I Look To You ushers in Whitney's second act. As I sit here I can't find words to describe Act I. Diane Sawyer probably said it best in 2002: ethereal. Don't expect a repeat of it and you'll free yourself to enjoy a great album. Anything Beyoncé, Mariah, or Christina comes up short of Whitney's Act II.And let's hear some "second listen" reviews in the months and years to come from critics quick to put their stamp on the album last year.PS to Arista:Where's our duet with Celine? Both talents are International Treasures; we should feel almost entitled to a marriage of them in one song on one stage.

Whitney Houston is a masterful performer. She has always been known for her vocal ability to the point where her technique dominated over artistry. Well with I Look to You, the artistry shines with a mature and poignant vocal style. Of course age brings on a huskiness which she uses to good effect but she does not disappoint when required to reach higher notes. Her lower range allows her to bring depth to the songs so rather than marvel at her artistry we share the love. The songs are all joyous but not frivolous. The rhythm of "Million Dollar Bill" is infectious and gets the album off to a great start. The beats used throughout are just right so you can groove to it without feeling overpowered. A Song for You,a classic, is a surprise with the change from ballad to uptempo and ulitmately works! All the arrangements are well balanced between Whitney's strong vocals and the background elements. Even her duet with Akon "Like I Never Left" seems well suited to her strength which is to sell a song. Her voice and Akon's blend nicely despite their difference in tone. My favorite track is "I Look to You" which not only brings her an expanded lower range but is an inspiring piece by R. Kelly whether the message is directed to God or to a loved one. Most of this release does not seem too autobiographical, maybe because of her recent frank revelations about her personal life. My Love is Your Love is probably much more so, though she was not so revealing about her personal life then in 1998. "I Didn't Know My Own Strength" is the most personal just because she is a survivor, both in her personal and professional life. This album is clearly a labor of love and I thank her for sharing the joy.Recommended Tracks:Million Dollar BillI Look to YouA Song for YouI Didn't Know My Own Strength