Whitney Houston - I Look to You Album Review

"Don't call it a comeback. I've been here for years," declares Whitney Houston on her six studio CD, I Look to You. And in a sense, she's right. In the seven years since her prior release Just Whitney, Houston has never left the public's eye. Her 2002 interview with Diane Sawyer sent shock-waves throughout the tabloid media with the now infamous line "Let's get one thing straight. Crack is cheap. I make too much money to ever smoke crack." Her reality show Being Bobby Brown debuted on Bravo in 2005 and showed Houston at odds with her then husband Bobby Brown. The two divorced in 2007 after years of alleged physical and verbal abuse on Brown's part. Whitney Houston, in 2009, told media sources she wanted to move to an island and retire, and who could blame her? Luckily for fans and casual listeners of the six-time Grammy award winning singer, she accepted an invitation from long-time friend Clive Davis to record a thoroughly enjoyable adult R&B CD in I Look to You.

The old school flavored "Million Dollar Bill" opens the 11 track set with a 70s, soul vibe sure to leave a lasting first impression. Produced by Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys, the song opens with a Issac Hays-like guitar riff that could've been from the movie Shaft. Houston, on the album's first vocal note, soars with a powerful reminder that she can still hold her own in the studio. On "A Song for You", a Leon Russell ballad, Houston revamps a song she's been covering since the early 90s into a disco number. Although she's no longer able to reach those stratosphere notes from her prime, Houston uses all she's got to deliver a gritty, respectable effort.

A recurring theme throughout I Look to You is perseverance, and considering the personal set-backs Houston suffered over the past few years, the diva has a lot to sing about. She addresses the so-called "haters" throughout the album, particularly on the track "Nothin' But Love" where she confesses "Shout out to anyone who tried to hate on me / ... even the one´s who tried to break me / Even the one´s who tried to take me down." On "For the Lovers", a song dedicated to, as Houston put it, "anyone who believes in love", the diva speak-sings "to all the haters in the place / I ain't singing to you." The song, with its throbbing base, is practically a descendant of the "It's Not Right, But It's Ok" Thunderpuss Remix. The album's closer, the anthemic "Salute", penned by R. Kelly, addresses Houston's past relationships as she sings "I can do better / You say i'll never do better / Yeah right, whatever."

The ballads on I Look to You are the album's low point. With Houston's voice now a hoarse, aged semblance of her Bodyguard glory days, what may work and work well for her on dance and mid-tempo tracks, doesn't on ballads. Houston deserves to be applauded for not using any auto-tune device for the heart-felt, intimate tracks "I Didn't Know My Own Strength" and "I Look to You", but such a raw, stripped down format focuses too much attention on the flaws in Houston's struggling voice. She enlists the famed songwriter Diane Warren for "I Didn't Know My Own Strength", which continues the recurring theme of self-empowerment on I Look to You. The song was given a performance on Oprah in 2009 and was one of the first to be released to the public. The title track, one of five songs written or produced by R. Kelly on the album, boasts a slightly better vocal delivery than "I Didn't Know My Own Strength." Houston finds herself at her most sincere and emotionally vulnerable here. She sings:

After all that I've been through
Who on earth can I turn to?
........................................
When all my strength is gone
In you I can be strong
I look to you.

The slow jam "Worth It" takes cues from Whitney Houston's 1999 hit "Heartbreak Hotel". Filled with numerous sassy, one-liners, "Worth It" is sure to be a staple on quiet storm radio stations or for after-hour club play. For the second verse, Houston delivers the album's most clever lyrics. She quips:

Some people feel it -- they let it show
Some people miss it -- they let it go
Some people doubt it -- Imma tell you now,
They don't know a thing about it
That's why they doubt it.

The line "I know somebody's gonna make love to this song tonight," is sure to get a roar out of a crowd if performed live.

"Like I Never Left", the first track to be leaked on the internet, is also the only track to feature another vocalist. Akon, the track's producer and feature singer, was contacted by Whitney Houston to write a song similar to "My Love is Your Love", her 1998 mid-tempo hit, and to give the song an "island" feel. "Like I Never Left", although pleasant, doesn't hold up to any of Houston's old hits (or Akon's for that matter), but is still a soothing addition to I Look to You. Akon's other produced track, "I Got You", does a better job of rivaling "My Love Is Your Love", as it sees Houston confidently taking a stand on the strength of love. She sings, righteously:

When your love is strong
And it comes from the heart
Ain´t no man strong enough
Ain´t no time long enough
To tear it apart.

My personal favorite, aside from "Million Dollar Bill", is "Call You Tonight". With its light lyrics, production, and subject matter, the song is a welcome departure from the more adult themes found throughout the album. Houston meets a potential lover or friend and promises to call him as soon as she gets home. On the song's climax, she sings, "So if you wanna know / Then stay by the phone / Stay by the phone."

Whitney Houston's six studio album serves as another soundtrack to a movie in which Houston plays the lead role. And no, we're not talking The Bodyguard or The Preacher's Wife, but the blockbuster that has been Whitney Houston's life over the past seven years. Her triumphant return to the music world may not be perfect, but it's certainly enough to add weight to her already iconic legacy.

Janet Jackson Update

Janet Jackson is gearing up for 2010 with a new album, movie, and book to be released next year.

The "All for You" singer has kept a low profile lately with the passing of her brother, music icon Michael Jackson. She made a brief appearance at the BET Awards in June, speaking on behalf of her family on her brother's untimely passing. All the while, Jackson has been in the recording studio with long-time collaborators Jimmy-Jam and Terry Lewis.

Jam and Lewis are responsible for Jackson's 1986 breakthrough Control, which was Grammy nominated for Album of the Year in 1987 and won the production duo a Grammy for Producer of the Year.

Reuniting with her old collaborators may signal a return to form for the diva. Jackson's latest releases, 20 Y.O. in 2006 and Discipline in 2008, were both critical and commercial failures and included little or no input from Jam and Lewis. Also in the latter album, Jackson did not write or co-produce any songs, a move uncommon for someone who has been writing and co-producing since her mid-80s breakthrough.

According to her official website, Jackson's new album is set to be released "during the first quarter of 2010".

Another release slated for 2010 is the Tyler Perry production Why Did I Get Married too?, a film detailing the life of four couples struggling to maintain their relationships. Janet Jackson takes the lead role as the marriage counselor Patrica who tries to keep the couples from divorce. Singer-songwriter Jill Scott, who suffered her own failed relationship this year with ex-fiancé John Roberts, is also in the main cast.

The movie is a sequel to the 2007 number one box office hit Why Did I Get Married? in which Jackson also took the lead role.

Why Did I Get Married Too? wrapped up production this summer and is slated to be released April 2, 2010, according to IMDB.

The "Together Again" singer has been writing more than songs lately as she puts the finishing touches on her new book titled The True You. The book is co-authored by famed novelist David Ritz who wrote the 2005 biography Brother Ray about music legend Ray Charles.

Jackson has her fair share of rumors to discuss or dispel in The True You, but according to her official website, the book will won't go any further than discussing her issues with self-esteem. Although her website does warn of unknown aspects of her career being revealed in the book, it's not expected that Jackson will provide any personal information on her already famous and highly publicized family.

To receive future updates on Janet Jackson, you can follow her newly registered account on Twitter.

Justin Nozuka - Golden Train

Singer-songwriter Justin Nozuka questions his lover's devotion in his latest single "Golden Train" from debut album Holly. "But tomorrow if a golden train comes to take you away," he coos, "would you go or would you stay?" I'm not sure why the überly-talented artist would bother posing such a no-brainer question. I mean, who wouldn't choose Justin Nozuka over some golden, magical train that'll probably only come once in a lifetime? Sure, you'd go along a mythological ride through some romantic paradise, but couldn't you get the same sensation from one of Nozuka's songs? "Golden Train" starts as a whisperous lullaby with only Nozuka's soothing vocals and a calm, acoustic guitar in the background. He goes into a rougher (yet strikingly sentimental) guitar picking style during the middle of the piece, increasing his tempo and adding country western elements to give the song a clap-along feel. Nozuka delivers what could potentially be the strongest effort from his debut CD in "Golden Train". The lush, warm harmony of voice and guitar throughout the song is sure to delight viewers of the popular VH1 Top 20 countdown show where Nozuka's songs are frequently spotlighted.

Janelle Monae News

As recently posted on her Twitter page, "Lettin' Go" singer Janelle Monae recorded a new song with her production team The Wonderland Arts Society. The song is to be included on her first full length album. Monae is also looking for a drummer. More info on auditions here:

http://wondaland.blogspot.com/2009/08/chan...time.html#links

Should I Be a Communications Major?

Is there any irony in a quiet, reserved person wanting to major in communication? A few weeks ago I would've said yes, but as I analyze myself and my new surroundings in this strange wilderness of a university, I realise just how much of a communication major I am.

First let me explain what it means to be a communication major. Communication itself is rooted in information being processed and then broadcasted to many people. A communication student's main goals would include learning to do interviews, note taking, and other journalism techniques, as well as learning public relations skills or other information based skills depending on the specific concentration the student chooses. My concentration is journalism, but I couldn't be a reserved journalist in a sense that I would sit in some quiet office in complete isolation writing my articles. What would I write about? Unless it's about back pain from excessive sitting or muscle cramps from typing, my scope would be pretty limited without me actually stepping out into the world and gathering information, which is at the root of all communication. But what I didn't realise until recently is that gathering information is all I seem to do now.

My epiphany came after attending a party on campus yesterday. I didn't dance. I wasn't the life or death of the party. I just stood there, observing. I analyzed the multi-colored strobe lights, the well choreographed routine of the frat boys as they pranced around the room, the multitude of faces and personalities, among countless other details. A few classmates, the ones I recognized, caught my eye and I spoke with each of them, but I wasn't fully immersed in the liveliness and informality of the occasion. And then I started to wonder why. I didn't notice at the time that I wasn't the only one dancing or even the only one that didn't show up with a friend (my friend and I were separated at the entrance). So for the next thirty or so minutes, I walked around self-loathing, figuring I had unresolved issues from my childhood or that I wouldn't make it to my next counseling session without a mental breakdown. It wasn't until I got home, reflected on the situation, analyzed it, and began writing, did I realise how I wasn't alone in my shyness and furthermore, how deep of an analysis I had gathered from a party I thought I wasn't paying attention to.

I always examine the many facets of my life and world and wonder why. I draw on this curiosity to write my blogs and will undoubtedly draw on it to write my class assignments, too. And honestly, maybe my lack of confidence WILL hinder my success as a journalist once I obtain my communications degree, at least to an extent, but as good back up, I'll always have my wondering mind and its insatiable thirst for information.

Top Ten Britney Spears Songs

10.)Born to Make You Happy -- I discovered this one on the internet in 2009, makes me wanna buy those older CDs

9.)Me Against the Music -- I love Madonna's contribution, tight dancing in the video, catchy and urgent chorus

8.)Baby One More Time -- I remember vaguely when this video premiered, an absolute classic

7.)Ooh Ooh Baby -- from the blackout cd, my fav Britney CD, this is the track that stood out the most to me

6.)Oops I Did It Again -- I believe I remember watching the TRL episode where this video was retired, catchy song -- still hasn't left my head

5.)Stronger -- we need this britney back STAT. that chair routine was iconic

4.)Crazy -- I always daydreamed this video randomly growing up, the ending choruses and climaxes are to die for

3.)Sometimes -- this is a sweet song with a sweet video that I'm sure evokes strong, nostalgic feelings in fans now

2.)Gimme More -- the "it's britney bitch" part is something I'll always remember and take me back to my high school days

*drum roll*





1.)Don't Let Me Be the Last to Know -- melodic verses, strong sentimental value for me

My Room Mate

My room mate's kind of a short, chubby guy with a slightly mohawked afro and perfectly circled eyes -- like they were drawn -- and really dark, evened out skin. He's friendly, a little masculine, but not an overly exaggerated masculine. The first thing he did when he moved in was shake my hand and ask if he woke me up (it was pass 10:00 o'clock). I'm not sure if he's interested in being friends, because he hasn't slept overnight yet, and he doesn't say goodbye when he leaves; he just walks out hastily. That's a tad ominous in the south -- to not speak when you enter or leave a room, even more so if it's a friend or roommate or someone you're dealing with everyday. But on the plus side, he's not intrusive in the least bit. I don't see him stealing any of my things or snooping around where he doesn't belong. I've left my laptop out, and it wasn't bothered. There's a bottle of quarters I use for the laundry machine downstairs, and it hasn't been tampered with. He's also pretty messy (like me), so I gather he won't be nagging me about my unkept bed when he has dirty clothes left on his. I'm sure we'll get along and might even become friends. I mean, why not? He even brought in a T.V.

A Short Video of Me

Amel Larrieux - Have You

To answer Larrieux's question, as asked in the refrain of her song "Have You", yes, I HAVE actually been wanting to hear that someone else is feeling the way I do. Having moved into my dorm and away from family, I feel a little bewildered in this new environment. I'm making a lot of dumb mistakes, sorta like the ones Larrieux confesses to in this new song. During one verse, Larrieux woefully reflects on her past decisions, singing, "I spilled secrets by accident. I kept some that I wish I hadn't," and in another verse, Larrieux confesses, jokingly, "I forgotten to pay my parking tickets." Throughout the song, Larrieux discusses her shear embarrassment in making light-hearted mistakes, as well as more deeply personal ones, maintaining her honesty from the first, to the very last lyric of the song. Amel Larrieux's new song, "Have You", a potential single from her currently unreleased fifth studio album, is sure to leave a warm impression on those privileged enough to have discovered this gem.

Review: Janelle Monae "The Audition"

The Audition, the 2003 debut album from the then teenage Janelle Monae, is a collaboration between the eclectic artist and her musical partners The Wonderland Arts Society. The album showcases Monae's versatility and range as a recording artist as she tries her hand at conventional R&B as well as futuristic, cyber-pop. I never figured Monae could handle any traditional R&B or would attempt to, but the soul felt throughout her debut is undeniable and comes across effortlessly through slow jams like "You Are My Everything", the album's tragic closer about a failed relationship. Monae covers Debarge on the old school track "Time Will Reveal", adding a playful hook to the already infectiously melodic tune. Another standout, Cloud 9, also has a giddy hook which Monae sings a capella on the proceeding interlude. The song's harmonies, particularly her background vocals, complement the main vocals well as background vocals are suppose to, not providing an unnecessary distraction or cluttering the track. By the bridge, Monae soars, giving the song a climax one might fast forward to in later listens, singing, "Ever since you walked in my life, boy, I swear I ain't been the same. Ain't it funny how things do happen. You came in and you rearranged ... my heart." The Audition also carries early recordings of Monae's goofed up, hyperactive take on R&B, as heard on her 2007 buzz single "Violent Stars Happy Hunting" and the grammy nominated "Many Moons" from 2008. Fans of this cyber-pop approach will delight in "My Favorite Nothing", a track featuring Monae's signature sped-up tempo and theatric vocals and overrall cartoonish pattern. Party Girl, the opening track, is just as fun and animated with a glistening bridge where Monae sings, "This time I fought for love", accompanied by dramatic horns in the fashion of a James Bond theme song. There are a few acoustic jems on the CD as well. The most inviting, "It's Not Fair", works well with the limited instrumental resources Monae has as she frequently uses background vocals to fill the track, allowing the listener to assume the lone guitar backing was intentional and not a budge cut. The track Lettin' Go, Monae's first commercially available single, is bound to leave an impression on even the most skeptical listener. The song takes cues from Michael Jackson's Off the Wall title track with it's late 70s disco flare and bouncy production. It's easily digestible and purely pop bliss. The song sent shock-waves through myspace and peer-to-peer networks, giving Monae a bit of online buzz to begin her blossoming career. Although The Audition has not been released commercially and probably never will be, it'll certainly be a jem for Janelle Monae fans as the superstar readies a more proper debut.

The Audition: http://www.mediafire.com/?cltdly4odem