Reviewing new albums from legends and artists who have had a profound impact on music is a relatively difficult task. The bar that has been set from projects released in their prime are unusually high. The expectation of anything labeled “comeback” is arguably “unreasonable.” Such is the case with Whitney Houston’s new project, “I Look to You.”  At first listen, I found myself constantly comparing it to Whitney albums of years past and fighting with the legacy.  So I walked away from it for a while and came back to listen with fresh ears. 

“I Look to You” is a solid pop/R&B album from an artist who - outside of her prime and on her worst day - is still technically better than most of the artists the industry has dubbed as today’s “greats.” The title track is a haunting and inspirational statement that is sung perfectly. It’s decidedly low and a bit raw; traits uncharacteristic of a Whitney Houston recording, but appropriate for the song’s message. I’ve always maintained that music should not only sound good, but like any art, it should also make you feel something.  

“Million Dollar Bill,” written and produced by Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz, is a clean, fun track that showcases the pop sensibilities that were always signature Whitney Houston. Another standout track is the Akon-written and produced, “Like I Never Left.” Aside from Akon’s acquired taste vocals, the song feels like a vacation. It’s difficult to explain, but if I were to put a relaxing afternoon on the beach to music, “Like I Never Left” would fit the bill.

To be clear, as with any album, there were a few missteps.  The most glaring is the cover of Donny Hathaway’s classic, “A Song for You.” The song begins beautifully and will make you begin to think that like the Whitney of yesterday, she’s about to take an already legendary song and make it a classic again, her way (i.e. - “I Will Always Love You,” “I’m Every Woman,” “I Believe In You And Me,” etc.). However, as soon as the first verse ends, the hook descends into a slow house-music ball of confusion that borders on sacrilege.  I understand the goal was to “make it her own” or to do something different, but like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches or your favorite cereal, it should be left as is.

Overall, if giving “I Look to You” an academic score, it would get a B+.  I’ve heard people say, “Whitney’s too old to sing this style of music,” as if she was always a classic soul singer like Patti LaBelle or Aretha Franklin.  Pay attention; Whitney was a soulful pop singer in her prime and in true Whitney fashion, she sought the producers and writers needed to create a 2009 edition of herself.  For where her voice and life are right now, “I Look to You” works.