Can You Really Call It A Comeback?

Anyone who knows Whitney Houston, knows why she is named "The Voice." There is no voice like hers. Houston returns to the music scene with "I Look To You." Deemed the biggest comeback for an internationally well known singer, many were quite concerned about her vocal chops due to the rumors of drug use and the general wear and tear of a voice over the years. Houston proves with "I Look To You," that she still has it. While some songs embody her rich mezzo-soprano more than others, "I Look To You" promises to be quite a comeback for New Jersey born singer. Whitney delves quite extensively into her range on many of the tracks.

The opening track, "Million Dollar Bill," is a strikingly disco sounding song that embodies fresh sounding Whitney. The opening belt of the singer's voice proves not only that she still has it, but it never left. Houston captivates the listener with her lower register on "Nothin' But Love," where she reflects on her life and those who love her and hate her. Produced by Danja, the song embodies a killer synth and the lower tone of Ms. Houston fits right in. The song will probably be a grower for most.

"Call You Tonight," is probably the heaviest produced track on the album. It is produced by Stargate, known for producing mega hits for Beyonce and Ne-Yo. Written by Johnta Austin, the song exudes guitar riffs and Whitney's voice shines. The song is very radio friendly. The title track, a ballad, speaks to the trials and tribulations that Houston went through during her seven year hiatus. She reached for power and it arrived. The song enamours the listener with what all Whitney fans have come to love about her - the power that she puts in her songs. While there are no electrifying key changes as in "Where Do Broken Hearts Go," or "I Will Always Love You," Houston delivers. The track gets better on each listen.

Houston revisits her reggae-esque style on "Like I Never Left," produced by Akon. The song fits the singer as she instructs a former lover to embrace her. "A Song For You," is a well known power ballad, however, Houston opts not to belt out dramatics on the track and instead chooses to turn the song into a house anthem. There are several key changes in this song. It reminds the listener of "I'm Every Woman."

"I Didn't Know My Own Strength," is probably where Whitney's voice is at its raspiest. The pureness of her voice makes the song worthy of a listen. She speaks of her faith and how she made it. "Worth It," is probably the best song on the album. Whitney sings in a higher register than what is known to most listeners who have only heard her on the radio. This song has a lot of adlibs, a falsetto that is phenomenal and Houston shows the listener why she is Whitney Houston. The last two minutes of the song are mind blowing.

"For The Lovers," is a club track for the singer. Reminiscent of "So Emotional," Houston gives a shoutout to the lovers. A very nice track. "I Got You," is an epic song for the singer. Produced by Akon, the song fits the album. A dark horse for the album. The final track, "Salute," is a piano driven song where Houston radiates.

Overall, the cd is very modern and amazing. While the singer's voice is not where it was once, Ms. Houston, shows that a 46 year old deemed "The Voice" can still belt it better than most. Worth a listen and a purchase.

Final Grade: A