Houston, We've Got a Problem.
For the diehard Whitney Houston fan, "Just Whitney" is another great album from the talented diva. But for the more observant and casual listener, it's something completely different. The first album to be released without mastermind Clive Davis, "Just Whitney" barely avoids disaster. The album feels rushed, the ballads drag, hooks are scarce, and the more uptempo tracks could use some serious remixing. Lyrically, it's a mostly joyless affair, and the often defensive and self-centered tone makes the album all the less pleasant. "You criticize my actions/but I don't see you standing in my shoes," snaps Houston in "Tell Me No" before she chants, "I ain't gonna stop/til I'm done/ I'll reach the top/ I'm number one!" She also takes out the boxing gloves in "Whatchulookinat," a bitter blow to her critics that makes Michael Jackson's "Leave Me Alone" appear subtle. Thankfully and deservedly, it was shunned by radio. But there are a couple bright spots. She's in fine form in the decidedly low key "One of Those Days," which samples "Between the Sheets" from the Isleys, and Missy Elliot co-writes "Things You Say," a strikingly soulful slow jam that gives off a welcome vibe of the old school. Elsewhere, Houston treads water on forgettable tracks like "Love That Man" and a thankless cover of "You Light Up My Life" that even Kelly "American Idol" Clarkson would pass up. Whitney's last CD, 1998's "My Love Is Your Love," was more than a comeback album. It was an event that successfully put her back on the map and into the hearts of listeners everywhere. But on this 39-minute album, she takes a strange step backwards. "Just Whitney" is neither right nor okay.
Yes! Yes! Yes!
Whitney Houston is back! Thank God! This latest album from the Diva Supreme is a welcome surprise. Overall, the album has an R&B feel. The production is very good and definately NOT overproduced like a few reviews have claimed. The songs are testaments to Whitney's new lease on life and love. They are very good!Without going into the analysis of each song, I'll sum up by saying that this album is DELICIOUS! Whitney's voice is as strong as ever, and her vocal clarity is as sharp as I ever heard her.
I did give this album 5 out of 5 stars, however, I don't agree with the order of the songs. In my opinion, it should've been 10,8,7,1,4,5,3,9,6,2. But I'll take it any way I can get it!
Nevertheless, there is something on this album for everyone. Classic Whitney! She returns to her pre-"Bodyguard" roots with an attitude emphasizing her new anthem "Tell Me No". Tell her she can't and she'll prove that she can. And she does on "Just Whitney".
Get it you won't be disappointed!
'Just' Is Just OK'
Once in her life, Whitney Houston was able to sing songs like "I'm Every Woman" without skipping a beat. The notes that are supposed to be the big ones on "Just Whitney" last about 5 seconds, and while the songs are good, Whitney could do better. "Unashamed" is one of the best on the CD, and the most underrated. Despite the title, "Whatchulookinat" is a good song. "One of Those Days" was the first single off "Just Whitney" and OK. "Love That Man" and "Dear John Letter" are good, with catchy bass loops. Bottom Line: Ain't Her Best, But Ain't Bad.
We're looking at you Whitney, and waiting for a great album
I have had every album that this powerhouse vocalist has released. The fiery vocals on "Whitney Houston" to the tempered ballads of "Whitney" to the less-successful foray into light R&B/dance of "I'm Your Baby Tonight" up to the deep funk and honesty of "My Love Is Your Love," along with those amazing soundtracks in between, have all been pretty amazing. This however is not. It's the first album of hers I do not have, and do not want.
She can still outsing a lot of other artists out there. But she isn't doing it like she was. Even on "My Love..." her deeper grittier voice sounded better. It was believable and impressive. Not here. Everyone seems to like "On My Own" but it sounds flat and lacks any oomph. It's a less dramatic "I Will Always Love You." The material doesn't help any. "Whatchulookinat," suffering from the title alone, sounds like it was made in 1995. It has an annoying accusatory tone that comes up again on "Unashamed" and "Tell Me No." She keeps trying to sound proud and empowered and I'm just not buying it. This album features another song with Bobby Brown - remember that horrible "Something in Common" song? - which is just as annoying. All in all, this (along with the follow-up holiday album) are ultimately forgettable. Now that the diva has admitted her troubles and is working on improving herself, we are sure to get another album out of her that will blow us away.
a DECENT ALBUM
HER 5TH STUDIO ALBUM IS A DECENT ALBUM NOT BETTER THAN MY LOVE IS YOUR LOVE
BUT STILL WORTH BUYING IN MY OPINION .
THE HIGHLIGHTS ARE
ONE OF THOSE DAYS, THINGS YOU SAY,TELL ME NO, LOVE THAT MAN , TRY IT ON MY OWN,AND YOU LIGHT UP MY LIFE
Whitney Houston recaptures some former glory on her first studio album, thanks to her undiminished vocal prowess and a cadre of impressive producers that includes Kevin "She'kspere" Briggs, Babyface, Teddy Bishop, and Troy Taylor. Houston's pipes shine in the big break-up ballad "On My Own," which is cut from the same mold as 1993's massive "I Will Always Love You." But while her vocal chords are intact, some of the material here leaves much to be desired, including a flat version of Debby Boone's "You Light Up My Light" and the Missy Elliot-penned and -produced "Things You Say." On the plus side, the feisty "Tell Her No" finds Houston on defense, but she's much more interesting with her back against the wall as she huffs: "I can't wait for the day I can rub things in your face." The embattled diva doesn't attempt to gloss over her foibles, as evidenced by "Unashamed" ("Listen here and listen good/ I'm unashamed of the life that I lead, unashamed of the strength of my need"), "Love That Man," and "Whatchulookinat," a body slam at the tabloids that have documented Houston and hubby Bobby Brown's very public falls from grace. Houston may not have recovered her hegemony of the charts, but this album proves she's once again pointed in the right direction. --Jaan Uhelszki
