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I Look to You

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Untitled

I Look to You[3] is the long awaited sixth studio album by American R&B recording artist Whitney Houston. It 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. It will be released first in Germany by Sony Music on August 28, 2009 [4] before being released in United States on August 31 Arista Records and in the UK on October 19, 2009 by RCA. [5][6]

The album will be a mixture of big ballads and 80's dance music, reminiscent of her past hits like "I Wanna Dance With Somebody"[5]. According to Clive Davis, the album is not aiming to fit Houston into the current music market, but is instead remaining true to who she is, and the impact she has made on the record industry.[7] The roster of producers and writers includes Swizz Beatz, Johnta Austin, Alicia Keys, R. Kelly, Harvey Mason, Jr., and Akon who is also the only guest vocalist on the album.

On July 9, 2009 American television broadcaster ABC announced that in the week during the album's release Houston will perform at the 'Fall Concerts' series on its headline show Good Morning America to promote the new album and it is expected that the lead single "Million Dollar Bill" will be performed for the first time. [3]

Recording and conception

Rumor of Houston's return to music were first circulated at the start of 2007 and were then substantiated when Clive Davis confirmed that he would personally be involved in the project during an interview with Oprah on the Oprah Winfrey Show. It was not until February 2009, that Houston would make her official public comeback at Clive Davis's "Pre-Grammy Gala", this was her first major live appearance since 2004.[8] Houston performed a four-song set and despite Clive Davis stating she would perform tracks from her upcoming album I Look To You, she belted out her classic hits, "I Will Always Love You", "I Believe In You And Me", "It's Not Right But It's Okay" and closing the set with a rousing version of "I'm Every Woman". Onlookers included her mother Cissy Houston, Paul McCartney, Jamie Foxx, Antonio Banderas, Sylvester Stallone, Jennifer Hudson, Faith Evans, Fantasia and Barry Manilow.[8]

Speaking about why the album has been named after the song "I Look to You" Houston said: "The last several years spiritually, this song says all I wanted to say. There are times in life when we go through certain situations - some not so good. You have to reach for a higher strength, you have to reach deep inside yourself, spend time with yourself to make some corrections that go beyond your own understanding and lean on a higher understanding, for me song puts it all in check. If I did not have my faith I wouldn't be as strong today.[9] Additionally she told press in London that her latest album will reflect her emotional state and chronicle events in her personal life since her last musical release in 2002. She said "That makes it real. The changes that we go through, the transitions that we go through, the tests that we go through, being a mother, becoming a single mother. It all had its ups and its downs, but for the most part, I kept my faith and I kept my head up... I took my time. All the triumphs and the ups and downs and stuff, it's all incorporated on the album, and hopefully not only does it inspire me, but inspires a whole lot of other people." [10]

Musical content

The album has been in production for about three and a half years as stated by Houston herself during her Los Angeles album listening party. [11] The first song and a future single is called "Million Dollar Bill" and was written by Alicia Keys after the singer-songwriter personally asked Davis if she could make a contribution to the album. [11] The song was produced by rapper Swizz Beatz but critics commented that it does not sound like a typical "Swizzy" production its more old-school R&B but definitely is not an attempt to create a club banger. [11] Right from the start, it displays Houston's voice over a club-friendly beat that blends a rough-riding thump with R&B.[12]

"Nothin' But Love" was produced by contemporary R&B and hip-hop producer Nathaniel Hills (a.k.a Danja) and is described as an uptempo, danceable, hand-clapping beat. Critics have cited that Houston's vocals are on prominent display as she belts out several long runs. The song is very radio friendly. [11] "Calling You Tonight" is one of two songs written by Johnta Austin. It was a contender for the lead single and was produced by Norweigen production team Stargate featuring their trademark guitar riffs. Rolling Stone Magazine called it very contemporary having a Jennifer Hudson "Spotlight" feel to it. [11] The other Austin track on the album titled "Worth it" was produced by Eric Hudson and is a R&B piano ballad that is described as the dark horse of the album. [11] "I Didn't Know My Own Strength" penned by Diane Warren and produced with David Foster was recorded after Houston's separation from Bobby Brown and tells of triumph in the face of diversity. Warren told Vibe Magazine that she had penned the track especially for Houston and that it was an early favourite for the lead single.[13] Davis told Warren, that she had "written one of her great copyrights." [11]

In the Summer 2009 edition of Rap-Up Magazine, Akon spoke about working with Houston for her upcoming album. In the the interview he called her "down to earth" as well as revealing that he had worked with her on two songs for the album one of which "Like I Never Left" was previously leaked to the Internet. Akon commented that it was officially supposed to be a single.[14] In its unfinished form it didn't muster well with critics who felt that it was not a direction that Houston should go in. However the new version that was played at the album parties was more complete with added bass. Davis said Houston wanted an island song, so they reached out to Akon.It is cited as being a real grower. [11] R Kelly contributed two songs to the album the first being "Salute". It is a conceptual song in that it is militaristic, with its marching beat. and R Kelly has his vocals featured ("Eh eh eh"). Houston uses the song to give a clear message particulary clear in the line "Don’t call it a comeback, I’ve been here for years." The other song "I Look to You" is central to the album and became the title too because of its deep meaning. Houston says that the powerful piano ballad that sums up the album and is all she wants to say at this stage of her life. [11]. "A Song for You" is a cover of the 1970's song of the same name by Leon Russell however it was unexpected, starting off slow with a piano intro, then speeds up towards the middle before its climax at the end. [11]

Pre-release promotion

On July 14, 2009 Houston travelled to Knightsbridge in London, England for an official album listening party. The evening was hosted at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel by Sony Music chief creative executive Clive Davis.[7] In total nine songs were premiered including "Million Dollar Bill", "Nothin' But Love", "I Didn't Know My Own Strength", "Like I Never Left" (featuring Akon), "For the Lovers", "I Look to You", "Worth It" and a cover of Leon Russell's "A Song for You".[7] "Call You Tonight" (produced and demo by Johntá Austin) was also played and cited as a likely lead single. Davis pointed out that "we didn't try to fit Whitney into the market" and much of the songs were still unfinished. The album was yet to be mastered and mixed.[7]

On July 21, 2009 Houston hosted a listening party with Clive Davis in New York City. Amongst those in attendence were Clive Davis, Alicia Keys, Kaseem "Swizz Beatz" Dean, Cissy Houston, Dionne Warwick, Martha Stewart, Steve Harvey, Vivica Fox and many representatives from the American press. The preview of the album triggered a standing ovation especially when "Million Dollar Bill" was played. The song written by Keys and produced by Swizz Beatz was amongst the songs which received critical acclaim [15]

Finally on July 23, 2009 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Bevery Hills, LA the final star-studded listening party took place. The evening was attended by Halle Berry, Jane Fonda, Stevie Wonder, Magic Johnson, Jackie Collins, Barry Manilow, Brett Ratner, Beverly Johnson, Diane Warren, Penny Marshall, Brian McKnight, David Foster amongst others. Again the album was played almost in its entirely. The title track "I Look to You" garnered a standing ovation. [11]

Reviews

Rolling Stone Magazine was at the New York listening party and had the following to say: "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. It received a standing ovation setting 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, Emanuel Kiriakou 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. [1] MTV's Shaheem Reid comments revolved around the first track 'Million Dollar Bill', saying that "Houston sings of looking for love and finding a man with potential. "If he makes you feel like a million-dollar bill, say, 'Oh, oh/ Oh, oh,' " she sings on the hook. "It's been a long time since love has come my way. I've been looking and searching for a man to touch this place." Right from the start, 'Million Dollar Bill' displays her billion-dollar voice over a club-friendly Swizz track that even got Alicia Keys up and dancing while taking video with her personal camera as the words she wrote boomed through the speakers. [12]

Showbiz 411's Richard Freidman was also at the event. Of the evening he said "It was Whitney’s night. She looked stunning and a little stunned as the audience warmly embraced her and welcomed the new songs. Besides the Alicia Keys hit, the standouts include an absolute knock-out cover of Leon Russell’s "A Song for You", which could do for Whitney what “Let’s Stay Together” did for Tina Turner’s 1984 comeback. There’s also a sleeper mid-tempo number called "Nothin’ but Love", two excellent tracks from R Kelly including the beautiful title song, and Diane Warren’s David Foster-produced "I Didn’t Know My Own Strength". [16] Billboard Magazine's Mark Surtherland wrote "The overall feel of the album was notably contemporary, while retaining Houston's trademark vocal flourishes. The up-tempo songs "Nothin' 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.'" [7]

Releases

At the beginning of July 2009 the album was slated for September 1 release in the United States as noted at the official album parties, on Houston's official website and also by the official press release. [5][7] However under these circumstances the album would not be eligible for the Grammy nominations for 2009/2010 as the cut off date for entries is August 31, 2009. Therefore on July 28, 2009 Houston's official website announced that the US release date would be moved to the August 31, 2009 which would make the album eligible.[6]

On July 23, 2009, selected US radio stations exclusively premiered the title track "I Look to You". It received a promotional release to US radio on July 27, 2009[17] and until July 31, 2009 the single was available to download from Houston's website exclusively in the US, Canada, Austria, Spain, Sweden, Germany and Italy.[6] Upon it's release the became Houston's first top 20 hit on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart in nearly a decade[18], it will be fully released to US radio on August 11, 2009. The song will be released in the UK on August 31, 2009 as opposed the original plan to release the album on this date.[19] It is a promotional single to create a buzz for the album and hence has no video or cover art.

There have been further changes to the availability of the album in the UK too, although initially set for an August 31, 2009 release the album will now be released on October 19, 2009. [20] It is believed that deadlines and schedules meant that it would be impossible for Houston to release and promote the lead single "Million Dollar Bill" before the album's release.

Official singles

  • "Million Dollar Bill" was confirmed by Houston's website to be official lead single and will be released to U.S. radio on August 18, 2009.[2] It will be released as a digital download in the UK on August 24, 2009.[21] It is being prepped for a worldwide release with a video expected to follow shortly.

Track listing

# Title[11] Writer[11] Producer(s)[11] Length
1. "Million Dollar Bill" Alicia Keys Kasseem "Swizz Beatz" Dean 3:24
2. "Nothin' But Love" Fernando Garibay Nathaniel "Danja" Hills 3:35
3. "Call You Tonight" Johntá Austin Stargate 4:08
4. "I Look to You" Robert Kelly Christopher "Tricky" Stewart, Harvey Mason, Jr. 4:25
5. "Like I Never Left" (featuring Akon) Claude Kelly Aliaune "Akon" Thiam 3:49
6. "A Song for You" (Cover of original song by Leon Russell) Leon Russell H. Mason Jr. 4:11
7. "I Didn't Know My Own Strength" Diane Warren David Foster 3:40
8. "Worth It" J. Austin Eric Hudson 4:39
9. "For the Lovers" 4:14
10. "I Got You" C. Kelly [citation needed] Akon [citation needed] 4:12
11. "Salute" R. Kelly Tricky Stewart 4:10
Bonus tracks
  1. "I Didn't Know My Own Strength" (Remix) iTunes Pre-order track[22]

Source: Whitney Houston's Official Website

Release history

Country Date Label(s) Format
Germany [4] August 28, 2009 (2009-08-28) Sony Music CD release, Digital download
Italy[23]
United States [6] August 31, 2009 (2009-08-31) Arista
United Kingdom [24] October 19, 2009 (2009-10-19) RCA [7]

References

  1. ^ a b "Whitney Houston Returns: Diva Debuts "I Look to You" in New York". Rollingstone Magazine. March 7, 2009.
  2. ^ a b "FMQB: New single "Million Dollar Bill" release". FMQB. August 11, 2009.
  3. ^ a b "Clive Davis: 'You Won't Forget' Whitney Houston's New Album". ABCnews. July 14, 2009.
  4. ^ a b Union Street "Whitney Houston präsentierte ihr neues Album in London!". July 16, 2009. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help); Unknown parameter |Work= ignored (|work= suggested) (help)
  5. ^ a b c "Whitney's New Album Features Alicia Keys, Akon". Showbiz411. June 5, 2009.
  6. ^ a b c d "Album gets bumped up and first single promotion". official website. July 28, 2009.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g "Whitney Houston Premieres New Album In London". Billboard Magzine. July 14, 2009.
  8. ^ a b "Whitney Houston Returns to the Stage at Clive Davis' Pre-Grammy Bash". Rollingstone Magazine. March 8, 2009.
  9. ^ "Whitney's Official Channel". Youtube.
  10. ^ "Houston: 'New album about my ups, downs'". Digitalspy. July 27, 2009.
  11. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n "Preview: Whitney Houston - 'I Look to You'". Rap-Up Magzine. July 23, 2009.
  12. ^ a b "Whitney Houston Debuts I Look To You At NYC Listening Party". MTV. July 21, 2009.
  13. ^ "WHITNEY HOUSTON NEW SINGLE CONFIRMED". Showbiz411. April 5, 2009.
  14. ^ "Akon on Whitney Houston: 'She's Straight 'Hood'". Rap-Up Magazine. June 25, 2009.
  15. ^ "Whitney Houston Lifts Off in New York". Rap-Up Magzine. July 21, 2009.
  16. ^ "Whitney Houston Debuts New CD, Gets ABC Special". Showbiz411. July 21, 2009.
  17. ^ "the first single". Rap-Up Magazine. July 24, 2009.
  18. ^ http://www.billboard.com/#/charts/r-b-hip-hop-songs?begin=11&order=position
  19. ^ "Whitney UK release of "I Look to You" song". August 15, 2009. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |Work= ignored (|work= suggested) (help)
  20. ^ "HMV: The new album due in october". HMV. August 13, 2009.
  21. ^ "Whitney UK release of "Million Dollar Bill" song". August 15, 2009. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |Work= ignored (|work= suggested) (help)
  22. ^ "Houston: Exclusive Remix with iTunes Pre-orders". July 16, 2009. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |Work= ignored (|work= suggested) (help)
  23. ^ "HMV: Italian "I Look to You" release". August 10, 2009. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |Work= ignored (|work= suggested) (help)
  24. ^ "Play: Whitney's UK release". play.com. Augustg 13, 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)


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