Has Whitney Houston Found Her Comeback in "I Look To You"?

The comeback of Whitney Houston is in full force, with listening parties all over the world and positive reviews for her upcoming album I Look To You.

Clive Davis and co. are apparently ready to kick it up a notch, releasing one of the tracks to select radio stations this week. The song is a ballad called "I Look To You", written by R. Kelly. Although not confirmed as a lead single (many are reporting "Million Dollar Bill"), it appears may be released in some capacity in the future. The question is, should she?

For starters, "I Look To You" confirms what "I Didn't Know My Own Strength" had suggested: Whitney Houston's voice has changed, probably forever. Her tone has never been as deep as it sounds here. Those expecting the same pipes blew the roof off that Dolly Parton track may be disappointed. That said, it doesn't mean her new sound is unlistenable; quite to the contrary, it's actually interesting and even fresh to hear this new Whitney. She still masters the lost art of emotive vocals. Sure, it will take some getting used to, but the fact that she still has a voice after everything she went through in this decade is nothing short of astounding.

The song itself isn't that different from "Strength", except for the fact that is actually good. Yes, it's another inspirational ballad, but it far more melodic and far less sappy than what was originally offered to us all. It's a piano arrangement, but there is some synth lines toward the middle end to flesh it out, which makes it sound contemporary enough to evade the "out of touch" label that many have already assigned Whitney's album. The lyrics don't derive from the basics of the emotional and touching ballad, with some metaphorical references that could either cause an eye roll or a tear, depending on your life outlook. I wouldn't list it amongst R. Kelly's greatest songwriting achievements, but it is great enough for someone of Whitney's caliber.

Of course, the quality of the lyrics really don't mean bupkis where Whitney is concerned, as long as she is singing well. Her voice has changed, yes, but she still has it. By it, I mean the ability to use her voice to beautifully convey emotions. She seems to be focusing more on that aspect of singing instead of the vocal acrobatics that she's known for. Even in the climax, she scales it back, highlighting the words of the song. Not to say that Whitney never connected with her music, but it's present, more than it has in a long time (I'm going back to the movie version of "I Believe In You and Me").

Truthfully, "I Didn't Know My Own Strength" made me nervous that this hard-earned comeback would end up failing, but this new song is restoring my faith in "The Voice". Now all we need to hear is "Million Dolllar Bill", produced by Swizz Beatz and written by Alicia Keys.

I Look To You is due for a September 1st release, and will be her first studio album since 2002's Just Whitney.