Whitney Houston - Just Whitney

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 Amazon.com

loved the album

I loved the album, but it wished it had more songs on there. It was upsetting at times to hear the music that we ought to expect I still love her music and now with Bobby gone, she will be better than ever. January 28, 2008

crack is wack

crack is wack whit's lost it here her music sucks now we are tired of watching her and that trainwreck husband of hers will one of them please OD already and take brit and lindsay lohan with you. August 22, 2007

Bravo, Whitney!

I had been out of the Whitney Houston loop for a while, and I just discovered this CD...just came in the mail today, actually! I loved it! Whitney's voice has changed a bit, but that happens over the years! I think her voice is still the best out there! March 29, 2007

3.5 stars

I really don't understand why people were saying this was terrible. No, this is not Whitney's best, but it is definitely not terrible. It is actually quite decent. Her vocals are actually not that bad. No, she does not belt like always, but that's not always the answer anyway. Some of the production is a little karaoke-like and I really wish that Bobby Brown was left out of "My Love," but the highlights here are definitely worth the buy.

On "Whatchulookinat," Whitney expresses her feeling of betrayal by the media. It is nice to hear Whitney a little angry. (What a change from all the love ballads she always does). "Try It On My Own" and "Tell Me No" are both showstoppers in my book. She rebelliously refuses to listen to ignorant people's advice; she is no longer the same little girl and they do not understand her. "One of Those Days" is a nice little laid-back groove. "Things You Say" is a beautiful, harmonious Missy Elliott-produced mid-tempo track, laced with Tweet's background vocals. "Love That Man" is enjoyable. "Unashamed," "Dear John," and "You Light Up My Life" were a little bland; they didn't do too much for me.

Overall, this is an enjoyable album. By no means is it bad, like people kept on saying when it was released. It is at least average. A few songs fall short, but there are many highlights on here that made it worth the purchase for me. March 16, 2007

Tell Me No

Tell Me No is probably my favourite track on this album. Not just because Whitney has the #1 vocals in the universe, but because I can relate to what she's saying. When "hater" poke at you, use that as motivation to PROVE THEM WRONG!!! January 3, 2007

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