Whitney Houston's Comeback Album 'I Look To You'!

[Beast_enchantment]

Thought i'd post some info for those interested



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The album is entitled I Look To You and is scheduled for release on Sept 1st. This is Houston's first studio Album in 7 years since 2002's Just Whitney.

Whitney and her mentor Clive Davis attended the launch of her album in London last night, where press representing 25 countries and fans listened to 9 new tracks.
'Million Dollar Bill'
'I Look To You'
'I Didn't Know My Own Strength'
'Like I Never Left' (previously leaked)
'Nuthin' But Love'
'Call You Tonight'
'For The Lovers'
'Worth It'
and a cover of 'A Song For You'

The overall feel of the album was notably contemporary, while retaining Houston's trademark vocal flourishes. The up-tempo songs "Nuthin' But Love" and "A Song for You" received the best reaction from the invited audience of international media, while Davis particularly praised slower songs like the Warren-penned ballad "I Didn't Know My Own Strength" and R Kelly's title track, hailing Houston as "the premium balladeer of our time."

Whitney Houston received a standing ovation for her new efforts which have been sorely missed this decade.

Pictures from the Launch:

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The track 'I Didn't Know my Own Strength' that was leaked some weeks ago was thought to be the first single, but it has been announced that a new song 'Million Dollar Bill' will be released on the 25th July.

'IDKMOS' is here:

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and here is a demo of the title track 'I Look To You' by R. Kelly:

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So, who's excited?

[AwallaceUNC]

Thanks for posting this. Really great info. I've been looking forward to Whitney's comeback album for a long time. "I Didn't Know My Own Strength" is amazing. This is the first time I'm hearing it and I'm pleasantly surprised that not only is she including this kind of ballad on her CD (I would have expected the lame kind of R&B crap Mariah has turned to), but she sounds so good singing it (despite reports that her voice has lost its luster).

The jury is still out on "I Look to You". I don't care much for R Kelly's singing, so I'll need to hear Whitney singing it.

Has audio of "Million Dollar Bill" been leaked anywhere yet?

-Aaron

[Beast_enchantment]

Thanks for posting this. Really great info. I've been looking forward to Whitney's comeback album for a long time. "I Didn't Know My Own Strength" is amazing. This is the first time I'm hearing it and I'm pleasantly surprised that not only is she including this kind of ballad on her CD (I would have expected the lame kind of R&B crap Mariah has turned to), but she sounds so good singing it (despite reports that her voice has lost its luster).

The jury is still out on "I Look to You". I don't care much for R Kelly's singing, so I'll need to hear Whitney singing it.

Has audio of "Million Dollar Bill" been leaked anywhere yet?

-Aaron

No audio yet for 'MDB' but im very excited for this track. Apparently the audience went wild after it was played.
'I Didn't know My Own Strength' is a stunning song that i've played daily for two weeks now, lol. And it gets better on repeat plays, but i'm glad it's not the lead single. Whitney needs something loud and proud and funky to really convey the new message, "I'M BACK!"
I think 'I Look to you' will be the crowing achievement of the album, from what i've heard. Not a fan of R. Kelly's singing either, or R. Kelly as a matter of fact, but the lyrics and the melody are so captivating. But we'll see. There's alot more tracks to be unveiled yet.

[Beast_enchantment]

A new report from a fan who attended the Launch:

Hey guys, just got back from Mandarin Hotel. Saw Whitney- she looked beautiful- very tall- slim. Her hair didn't look as big as the pics- it actually reminded me of MLIYL hair- the brown bob.

Heard 4 songs. Listened to the party at the back of the Mandarin hotel- very weird standing there! felt like a pap! eeek :s

Anyway, the songs. Bear in mind I wasn't at the event but could hear the songs from the back of the hotel- and traffic was going through hyde park.

First was an untempo- very catchy- very rememberable. Lots of inflections- the ohhhs, the falsetto. Good voice. Lyrics went 'stand up...let me see you put your hands up'. My favourite. Cheering after it finished.

Second was I LOOK TO YOU!! HEARD THE WHOLE THING! It is a beautiful song! Her tone was high. no raspiness, no haorseness, falsetto was clear, powerful and strong. Much better than the Kelly rendition (I know it was only a demo). There were drum beats and piano in it. Powerful. I was worried that the high pitch might sound forced, but it didn't- it was gorgeous.

Thirdly, another uptempo song- couldn't hear mcuh becuase the traffic was busy at this point. Lyrics of what I coul catch were 'I will tell you now...I know a thing about it...something real..' sorry not very good but the noise was bad! There were bass beats too.

Fourth- Great song. Started out like SBS- ballad- then went into uptempo. This one I really loved. Lyrics went 'I will love you forever...your a friend of mine..when this life is over'. At theend of the song there was a long 'you'- pretty much the same as ILFTB. Also somewhere in the middle was a 'you, you..youuuuu' falsetto on the last you. was great.

After this, big cheering. Then I heard Clive introduce Whitney- lots of cheering- she said ' Thank you so much...thank you so much... I'm honoured to be here'. Thats all I caught. Then after about 10 minutes. Lots of cheering. Then Clive said 'Is Whitney Houston back or not!' (could have been or what). Everybody cheered.

After that people were talking, the played IWALY, SAMLFY. Then 3 carts pulled up at the back of the hotel- I waited. Saw Whitney getting into a black mercedes. She looked slim, tall, was wearing a dark blazer, tight greyish skirt, black tights, and black heels. Her hair actually looked like the brown bob from MLIYL era.

http://talk.livedaily.com/showthread.ph ... 88&page=17

This has gotten me extremely excited!!!

[Beast_enchantment]

News footage of the event! She looks and sounds great

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[my chicken is infected]

I haven't decided yet, but I'm hoping and praying that she sounds good and the material is worthy of her talent. I've been a fan of Whitney my entire life and will always root for her.

She may never recapture the vocal glory of The Bodyguard days, but with vocal coaching and the right material that fits within her abilities as they are now, she can still sound better than most of the popular singers right now do on their best days.

And she's also looking fantastic these days. Amazing what dropping 170 pounds of dead weight can do for a woman.

[Beast_enchantment]

I haven't decided yet, but I'm hoping and praying that she sounds good and the material is worthy of her talent. I've been a fan of Whitney my entire life and will always root for her.

She may never recapture the vocal glory of The Bodyguard days, but with vocal coaching and the right material that fits within her abilities as they are now, she can still sound better than most of the popular singers right now do on their best days.

Yeah, i don't think she'll ever get the full power back but she is definitely still in a league of her own. she can still hold a note for an incredibly long time.

And she's also looking fantastic these days. Amazing what dropping 170 pounds of dead weight can do for a woman.

lmao more like 220 - that guy got fat!

[Beast_enchantment]

The official track listing for I Look To You has been released!

"I Look To You" Album Sequence!
Whitney's new album, "I Look To You," will feature 11 brand new tracks along with a star-studded list of contributers. Remember to join Whitney's Email List to be the first to get album updates and more!

I Look To You (available Sept. 1)
1. Million Dollar Bill
2. Nothin' But Love
3. Call You Tonight
4. I Look To You
5. Like I Never Left (feat. Akon)
6. A Song For You
7. I Didn't Know My Own Strength
8. Worth It
9. For The Lovers
10. I Got You
11. Salute

Would've been better if there were a couple more but im not too fussy, lol - i'm sure they'll all be great and no fillers.

[Beast_enchantment]

<center>Whitney Houston held her second listening event of her new album in NYC last night. Once again she received a standing ovation from an audience of 500 celebrity guests, fans and press!

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Whitney Houston Returns: Diva Debuts “I Look to You” in New York
7/22/09, 9:08 am EST
Photo: Mazur/WireImage
It looked like the ’90s. It felt like the ’90s. It even sort of smelled like the rich and thriving ’90s. And for one brief evening it was, as J/RCA Records celebrated the return of their crown jewel, Whitney Houston. And they did it in style. At a lavish, star-studded listening event legendary record man Clive Davis, Chief Creative Officer of Sony Entertainment Worldwide presented nine tracks from Houston’s new album, I Look To You, to a crowd of nearly 500 at the Allen Room in midtown Manhattan’s Time Warner Center.

It has been seven years since Houston released a studio album, 2002’s Just Whitney. In that time she’s faced some daunting personal struggles, including allegations about drug use, some shockingly candid appearances on her then-husband’s Bravo reality show, Being Bobby Brown, and a 2007 divorce from Brown. Rumors have also been floated that her historically powerful singing voice has begun to fade. Hearing I Look To You, a modern-sounding and crisply produced comeback, should prove any doubters wrong. Whitney’s voice is as soaring and capable of gliding power as it was 25 years ago when Davis first began work with the singer.

Standing behind a podium on a stage decorated only with a chair to sit in as the music played, Davis discussed I Look To You’s long journey. “We’ve been working for three years,” he said. “You have to wait for great songs to show up. I understand this is an artificial setting. But this is what we’ve done.”

The night’s first song was also its feistiest. Written and produced by new industry power couple Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz, “Million Dollar Bill” is a clattering, uptempo hip-hop-inspired number. It may be the fastest ever for Houston, who keeps up nicely, even if it occasionally sounds like the balladeer is doing some stretching. The song set off a frenzy in the hall, sending Martha Stewart, Houston’s cousin Dionne Warwick, Oprah pal Gayle King, and Keys into ecstatic dance. It received a standing ovation. It also set the tone for much of the album.

With contributions from Akon (the tropical “Like I Never Left,” which leaked last year), Norwegian R&B hitmakers Stargate (”Call You Tonight”) and two tracks from R. Kelly (the chippy kiss-off “Salute” and the steely title track produced by Tricky Stewart and Harvey Mason Jr.) Houston seems to be aiming for a younger audience and the radio. Though her pipes are always up front — seven of the nine songs have booming vocal bridges — it’s rhythm that drives the album. One exception is the recently leaked “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength.” Written by Diane Warren and produced by David Foster, it is a classic Houston ballad: tenacious, swelling, a bit corny.

One thing that nearly every song has in common is theme. The writers on the album — Johnta Austin, Kelly, Warren — watched Houston’s struggles in recent years and have written songs that reflect a sense of perseverance and redemption. “I want you to love me like I never left,” she sings, winking at her fans.

Whitney finally appeared after the conclusion of the last song, a house-y cover of Leon Russell’s “A Song For You.” Striding onto the stage in a shimmering vinyl dress, Houston was gracious and beaming, thanking everyone and blowing kisses before talking about Davis and her mother Cissy’s encouragement to restart her career. She was brief. But it was unmistakable: Whitney is back.

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Shoes are fabulous!

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Cissy Houston & Dionne Warwick!


It's been a few years since an artist has had this much media attention. Twitter was crazy last night. Everyone is talking about Whitney! At last!!</center>

[Beast_enchantment]

NEW 30 SECOND CLIP OF WHITNEY'S TITLE TRACK 'I LOOK TO YOU' ON GMA!!!

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She sounds absolutely amazing! There are many moments when you can distinctly hear 80/90s Whitney. And that final "Youuuuuuuu" was very Bodyguard!
I am seriously impressed with her vocal improvements!

[xxhplinkxx]

So... as excited as I am for Whitney's long awaited comeback, I've heard two of the new songs, I Look To You and Million Dollar Bill, and... they're not that great. :/

Not exactly the bad ass Diva-licious Whitney I was expecting. I'm hoping those will come later... ?

[Beast_enchantment]

So... as excited as I am for Whitney's long awaited comeback, I've heard two of the new songs, I Look To You and Million Dollar Bill, and... they're not that great. :/

Not exactly the bad ass Diva-licious Whitney I was expecting. I'm hoping those will come later... ?

Trust me, they are there!

Whitney's album is available to stream on www.whitneyhouston.com


New promo pic:

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Whitney on set of her new music video for "Million Dollar Bill"

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twitters:

robertrave: Just left shoot for Whitney Houston's new video for Million Dollar Bill. She's back in every sense of the word!
about 4 hours ago from TwitterBerry

http://twitter.com/robertrave

very tired from a longggggg day on the set of whitney houston's new music video =)
about 3 hours ago from web

http://twitter.com/MinyoungC

Album review:

BILLBOARD.COM

Whitney Houston's 'I Look To You': First Listen

by Gail Mitchell, L.A. | August 24, 2009 10:27 EDT


Finally, the moment is almost here: the release of Whitney Houston's long-anticipated new studio album after a seven-year break. "I Look to You" (Arista/RCA Music Group) will arrive in stores Aug. 31.

Here's a track-by-track rundown of what's in store:

1. "Million Dollar Bill" (3:24)

Opening the proceedings is this club jam that practically screams remix. Produced by Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz, it's accented by a catchy hook on which Houston emphatically notes, "If he makes you feel like a million dollar bill, say it." The song contains a sample from "We're Getting Stronger" as performed by Loleatta Holloway.

2. "Nothin' But Love" (3:35)

Behind the production helm are uptempo specialists Fernando Garibay and Nate "Danja" Hills. Houston proclaims that after everything she's been through, she has nothin' but love for family, teachers and "anyone who tried to hate on me/ Even the ones who tried to break me take me down."

3. "Call You Tonight" (4:09)

This is a lilting mid-tempo tune about love, a cornerstone subject in Houston's storied career. Her assured, distinctive vocals are front and center on this Stargate production.

4. "I Look to You" (4:26)

The first single and title track is one of two R. Kelly compositions on the album. It's a simple, inspirational ballad that comes closest to Houston's iconic "I Will Always Love You"; co-produced by Tricky Stewart and Harvey Mason Jr.

5. "Like I Never Left" featuring Akon (3:49)

Akon produced this easygoing, mid-tempo groove about reconciling lovers. His musical tenor is the perfect complement to Houston's resonating, gospel-honed voice. She also co-wrote the song.

6. "A Song for You" (4:11)

The album's only cover is a classic penned by Leon Russell and recorded by a number of artists, most notably Donny Hathaway. Houston puts her own stamp on the track, starting slow and then revving up the tempo. Remindful of Houston's 1993 cover of "I'm Every Woman," this is another Stargate-produced track.

7. "I Didn't Know My Own Strength" (3:40)

It wouldn't be a Whitney Houston album without at least a couple of ballads. This dramatic anthem -- heavy on the piano, drums and synths -- was penned by Diane Warren and produced by David Foster.

8. "Worth It" (4:39)

An understated but still sassy and saucy Houston goes to work on this mid-tempo song about knowing when love is worth it. She sings, "This is for the lovers just getting on their feet; for the lovers 20 years deep." It's produced by Eric Hudson (Kanye West, Ne-Yo, Mary J. Blige).

9. "For the Lovers" (4:13)

Houston ratchets up the beat on this outing, whose contemporary, infectious rhythms signal another potential club and/or top 40 single. Nate "Danja" Hills produced.

10. "I Got You" (4:12)

With its atmospheric backdrop, this cut is a heart-felt declaration about the never-fading chemistry between two former romantic partners. Akon steps back in as producer on this mid-tempo selection, also co-written by Houston.

11. "Salute" (4:10)

Minimal accompaniment -- keyboard, drums and guitar -- provides the backdrop on the second of R. Kelly's contributions. With conviction in her voice, Houston is ready to shed no more tears as she salutes a departing lover. You can fill in the blank.

[universALLove]

WHITNEY HOUSTON HAS GRAMMY IN HER FUTURE



Whitney Houston better clear out more space on her mantle for some Grammys. If initial reviews are any indication, the pop diva is back on the path to Grammy gold.

Houston’s seventh studio album I Look to You, due Monday, is receiving high marks from critics including the Los Angeles Times, USA Today, and Chicago Sun-Times.

“The best giant ballad is the Warren-penned, David Foster-produced ‘I Didn’t Know My Own Strength,’ an exhibition of battle scars that’s richer for the weary, injury-protecting quality of Houston’s vocal,” wrote L.A. Times music critic Ann Powers. “If she does earn the Grammy she’s virtually been promised for a song from this set, it should be for this one.”

USA Today’s Steve Jones rated it 3.5 stars out of 4, saying, “It’s loaded with tunes that are perfect for recapturing the magic that once made her a transcendent star.”

The Chicago Sun-Times’ Jim DeRogatis offered more praise. “The sound throughout is clean, modern, unfettered, and consistently designed to keep the focus on Houston’s singing, whether it’s on the moderately bouncing club tracks or the requisite ballads.”

The August 31 cutoff for the 2010 Grammy Awards nominations prompted Clive Davis to release the album a day ahead of its original September 1 date. I Look to You will now be eligible for next year’s ceremony.

Davis hosted a series of high-profile listening events for the album in July, which drew the likes of Halle Berry, Stevie Wonder, and Alicia Keys. The first singles, “I Look to You” and “Million Dollar Bill,” have achieved most-added status at radio, while the album is already No. 2 in music on Amazon.com’s Bestsellers list.

Houston has won six Grammys over her illustrious career, her most recent one in 1999. It looks as though the decade-long dry spell is about to end.

http://www.rap-up.com/2009/08/27/whitne ... er-future/

[Beast_enchantment]

Whitney's finally at No.1 on Amazon!!!!!

[MutantEnemy]

I am really excited for this album, I've liked everything I've heard so far so...YAY!!! IDKMOS is my fave so far...

[Beast_enchantment]

Freemasons remix of "Million Dollar Bill"!

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This is phenomenal!

[Beast_enchantment]

On the cover of Ebony:

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p.s. now no. 1 on Itunes!

[universALLove]

Very pretty

p.s. now no. 1 on Itunes!

Yay! Congrats

[Beast_enchantment]

^^

I LOOK TO YOU:

#1 - iTunes USA
#1 - Amazon Bestsellers
#1 - iTunes Germany
#1 - iTunes Austria
#1 - iTunes Denmark
#1 - iTunes Greece
#1 - iTunes Italy
#1 - iTunes Luxembourg
#1 - iTunes Netherlands
#1 - iTunes Norway
#1 - iTunes Portugal
#1 - iTunes Sweden
#1 - iTunes Switzerland
#1 - iTunes Belgium
#2 - iTunes USA
#2 - iTunes Finland
#3 - iTunes France
#3 - iTunes Ireland
#1 - Tower Records Bestsellers
#1 - FYE Top Pre-orders

Now that's worth congrats!

[universALLove]

^^

I LOOK TO YOU:

#1 - iTunes USA
#1 - Amazon Bestsellers
#1 - iTunes Germany
#1 - iTunes Austria
#1 - iTunes Denmark
#1 - iTunes Greece
#1 - iTunes Italy
#1 - iTunes Luxembourg
#1 - iTunes Netherlands
#1 - iTunes Norway
#1 - iTunes Portugal
#1 - iTunes Sweden
#1 - iTunes Switzerland
#1 - iTunes Belgium
#2 - iTunes USA
#2 - iTunes Finland
#3 - iTunes France
#3 - iTunes Ireland
#1 - Tower Records Bestsellers
#1 - FYE Top Pre-orders

Now that's worth congrats!

Woah! Go Whitney! Show them haters all they're worth