Whitney Houston 'I Look To You' Album Review

After a period of time where there was much speculation of drug use, anorexia, an outlandish reality series with her then husband, and a divorce, an artist who many loved from the 80s and 90s decided to make her musical comeback. Whitney Houston released her sixth studio album I Look To You, on August 31st, which was pushed up from its original date, to most likely make the 2010 Grammy Awards deadline. I Look To You debuted at number 1 on the Billboard 200 selling 305,000 copies in its opening week

The emotional title track written by R. Kelly, which was initially up for free download, speaks on how someone can find someone to turn to even during their hardest struggles. “I Look To You”, is definitely a song that will remind fans of Whitney’s covered hit “I Will Always Love You.”

Whitney Houston changes up the tempo for the retro sounding first single “Million Dollar Bill,” which actually has a slight 70s disco feel to it. Written by Alicia Keys and produced by Swizz Beatz helps to give the song a modern day touch alongside classic Houston vocals. A great choice for first single “Million Dollar Bill” showcases vocals fans love from Whitney, and has a nice mellow groove, all while still being able to get people on the dance floor.

Popular singer songwriter and producer Akon, marks the only featured vocalist on the I Look To You. The title, “Like I Never Left,” will initially make fans think the song will be about Houston’s return to music, though its actually a love song; about a couple who’s trying to mend and turn things back to how their relationship was. The slight island vibe compliments Houston and Akon’s duet well. Besides “Like I Never Left” Akon also produced “I Got You,” off the album as well.

Houston does a great job of keeping her music on the album youthful yet mature. On “Nothin’ But Love,” Houston tells those who love and hate her, she “ain’t got nothin’ but love for ya.” While the dance oriented “For The Lovers,” features slick lyrics and a catchy beat; as a fierce Houston sings, “to all the haters in the place, I ain’t singing to you baby.” Both songs were produced by Nate “Danja” Hills, who’s worked with everyone from Britney Spears to Madonna.

The majority of the eleven track album is comprised of mid-tempo songs, with, Pop, R&B, and Dance influences. Aside from the title track, “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength,” is the only other belted out ballad by Whitney Houston included on the album. StarGate who’s produced hits for Rihanna and Ne-Yo locked in two of the songs on I Look To You as well. The mid-tempo love song “Call You Tonight,” blends Houston’s vocals well with the guitar influenced production from StarGate. On the second, Houston covers “A Song For You,” originally by Leon Russell. The complex song starts off as an expected ballad, but quickly shifts into a Dance Pop song, which even adds vocals from a gospel choir near its end.

Overall, Whitney Houston delivers a solid album that both new & old fans and young & older people could definitely enjoy. I Look To You maintains Houston’s poise and doesn’t simply feature her trying to fit in with new day Pop stars, but finds a unique way to still make her music young. With already good sales, necessary promotion, and the right singles, this album could allow Whitney to take over the 2010 Grammy’s and regain her prominent spot in Pop music, which she truly never left behind.

Nominations for the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards

So the 2009 MTV VMAs air next month, on Sunday, September 13th, with invited back host Russel Brand. Who knows why MTV asked him to host again, he did a horrible job last year, but maybe they're giving him a chance to redeem himself. Which I doubt he'll do, but hey!

That aside, here are the videos/artist I THINK should win (in red), the artists who I WANT to win (in orange), and nominations who I THINK and WANT to win (in green). With Commentary on the categories below each

VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Beyoncé: "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)"
Lady Gaga: "Poker Face"
Eminem: "We Made You"
Kanye West: "Love Lockdown"
Britney Spears: "Womanizer"

• Hands down I think this will go to Beyonce. IMO the only other contenders would be Spears and Gaga. But "Poker Face" wasn't a huge video at all-song, yes. Video, no! It'd be nice to see Spears win, but there is little to no chance up against "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)"
  

BEST NEW ARTIST
3OH!3
Lady Gaga
Kid Cudi
Drake
Asher Roth

• I think this is another obvious category. Winner being Gaga. She has had the biggest year out of all of these artists. Yes Drake is currently big, and has a hit with "Best I ever Had," but that's more current compared to the massive singles "Just Dance," and "Poker Face." Though it would be cool to see 3OH!3, a Colorado based group/artist win this category!
  

BEST MALE VIDEO
Eminem: "We Made You"
Kanye West: "Love Lockdown"
Jay-Z: "D.O.A (Death of Auto-Tune)"
T.I. featuring Rihanna: "Live Your Life"
Ne-Yo: "Miss Independent"

• I find it kind of funny that there aren't any Pop videos in this category. And Ne-Yo reps the only R&B nomination. I didn't really like any of these music videos personally, too much. But song wise, "Live Your Life," should definitely win.
  

BEST FEMALE VIDEO
Beyoncé: "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)"
Lady Gaga: "Poker Face"
Taylor Swift: "You Belong With Me"
Kelly Clarkson" "My Life Would Suck Without You"
Katy Perry: "Hot 'N Cold"
Pink: "So What"

• To me this is probably the biggest category of the night. Because in their own right all of these songs were huge successes, I mean they all reached number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 except "You Belong With Me" [Peak #3], and "Hot 'N Cold" [Peak #3]. Also all of the artists, have had a decent or great year with their recent music. So it could be a toss up, or it could be obvious with Beyonce winning, maybe Gaga has a chance to win.
  

BEST HIP-HOP VIDEO
Eminem: "We Made You"
Kanye West: "Love Lockdown"
Flo Rida: "Right Round"
Asher Roth: "I Love College"
Jay-Z: "D.O.A (Death of Auto-Tune)"

• This category I would think that MTV would just give the award to Eminem, since he has made a musical comeback; and really is an "MTV artist." But with Kanye's tantrums maybe they'll award him-thought that video was lame. Kind of a lack luster/boring category to me. I just don't want Flo Rida to win, song is beyond annoying by now! Jay-Z maybe...huh?
  

BEST POP VIDEO
Beyoncé: "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)"
Britney Spears: "Womanizer"
Cobra Starship featuring Leighton Meester: "Good Girls Go Bad"
Lady Gaga: "Poker Face"
Wisin y Yandel: "Abusadora"

• I have no idea who the last nominee is or song... How did Cobra Starship get nominated song is just finally hitting on...? Think it'd be nice to see Spears win (at least one award on the night), but again would surprise me one bit if Beyonce takes this home...or maybe Gaga-seems to be the theme of the night (probably Beyonce, maybe Gaga)!
  

BEST ROCK VIDEO
Coldplay: "Viva La Vida"
Kings Of Leon: "Use Somebody"
Green Day: "21 Guns"
Fall Out Boy: "I Don't Care"
Paramore: "Decode"

• Coldplay had the biggest song, and year, but Kings Of Leon have rebounded with "Use Somebody." I will say, "Viva La Vida," is another song, beyond overplayed by now. It'd be interesting to see Fall Out Boy, or Green Day win. My guess is Coldplay! Some of these songs I really do like, but I don't really 'want' or care which one wins...sorry!
  

BEST CHOREOGRAPHY
Beyoncé: "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)"
Britney Spears: "Circus"
Ciara featuring Justin Timberlake: "Love Sex Magic"
AR Rahman & Pussy Cat Dolls featuring Nicole Scherzinger: "Jai Ho! (You Are My Destiny)"
Kristina DeBarge: "Goodbye"

• Seems like Beyonce has the category hands down again. Brintey's video came off more as a performance routine, Ciara's video was purely sexual (I really wanted to see her dance along side Justin-now that would be winnings worth in my eye), Pussy Cat Dolls, just didn't have a big enough year to win IMO, and oh boy Kristinia doesn't even deserve to be nominated-get out of here with that! Beyonce's video was 100% dancing- and huge (success wise), screams winner.
  

BEST DIRECTION
Beyoncé: "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)"
Lady Gaga: "Paparazzi"
Green Day: "21 Guns"
Cobra Starship featuring Leighton Meester: "Good Girls Go Bad"
Britney Spears: "Circus"

• OK seriously how much direction did it take to make the music video to "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)." Not much IMO, this is a category where I think Britney's "Circus" is a perfect winner. Most likely Gaga could take it home since MTV is trying to make her a huge VMA winner-my guess is she'll be the nights biggest winner (especially after someone mentioned the fact that Beyonce won't be attending the awards, and MTV is big on giving awards to attendees).
  

BEST EDITING
Beyoncé: "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)"
Britney Spears: "Circus"
Miley Cyrus: "7 Things"
Coldplay: "Viva La Vida"
Lady Gaga: "Paparazzi"

• Again, how much edited did it take to create Beyonce's video. And no, photo shopping does not count ("If I Were A Boy" would be a better nomination)! Wow Miley is nominated, won't win! Kind of a toss up on this one between Spears and Gaga who should win, and who I think will. This is one category where I would be mad to see Beyonce win!
  

BEST SPECIAL EFFECTS
Beyoncé: "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)"
Gnarls Barkley: "Who’s Gonna Save My Soul"
Lady Gaga: "Paparazzi"
Eminem: "We Made You"
Kanye West ft Mr. Hudson: "Paranoid"

• WOW, again! What special effects did "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)," have, please tell me(what that little ramp Beyonce ran up)? I think Gaga will win this category...maybe Eminem, but kinda doubt that! Would have me mad if Beyonce wins this too!
  

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Beyoncé: "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)"
Coldplay: "Viva La Vida"
Green Day: "21 Guns"
Britney Spears: "Circus"
Lady Gaga: "Paparazzi"

• Gaga's "Paparazzi" video was most movie like, but I do think "Circus" was filmed in a movie (performance) like concept, so those two would be good picks. Beyonce again should not win this category, because...just no, no need for an explanation (now if "If I Were A Boy" was nominated, OK- that would make more sense)!

BEST ART DIRECTION
Beyoncé: "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)"
Britney Spears: "Circus"
Lady Gaga: "Paparazzi"
Gnarls Barkley: "Who’s Gonna Save My Soul"
Coldplay: "Viva La Vida"

• Oh goodness by now it seems like I'm ragging on Beyonce for these nominations- but what art, besides the black and white concept did "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)" have, the leotards? To me, Britney Spears "Circus" had an artsy quality about it. Also "Paparazzi" was also a well thought out video, with specific art and direction in mind, so either of those are winners in my mind! [I could see Britney win this award, and it not be televised, if she doesn't attend!]
  

BREAKTHROUGH VIDEO
Death Cab For Cutie: "Grapevine Fires"
Gnarls Barkley: "Who’s Gonna Save My Soul"
Anjulie: "Boom"
Cold War Kids: "I've Seen Enough"
Chairlift: "Evident Utensil"
Bat For Lashes: "Daniel
Major Lazer: "Hold The Line"
Passion Pit: "The Reeling"
Matt & Kim: "Lessons Learned"
Yeah Yeah Yeahs: "Heads Will Roll"

• Point simple, I'm not excited about this category! Haven't heard any of these songs, let alone seen their videos!
  

BEST VIDEO (THAT SHOULD HAVE WON A MOONMAN)
U2: "Where The Streets Have No Name"
Dr Dre: "Nuthin’ But A ‘G’ Thang"
Beastie Boys: "Sabotage"
Bjork: "Human Behavior"
Radiohead: "Karma Police"
George Michael: "Freedom"
Foo Fighters: "Everlong"
Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers: "Into The Great Wide Open"
OK Go: "Here It Goes Again"
David Lee Roth: "California Girls"

• This is a lame new category to me. NEXT! I mean seriously, Monster Single Of The Year (2007) was a better lame idea category than this!
  

Well, overall the night will be a big way for MTV to show how much they love Lady Gaga, by giving her the most amount of awards. I think this was a obvious thought, because MTV put Beyonce into categories with "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)," where it clearly would have been a better option to nominate "If I Were A Boy." Beyonce should be mad at MTV for that! Or was it because the video was released to early, before the deadline, cause I thought it came out alongside "Single Ladies" hmmm (and I just checked it did)! Be mad Bey, cause MTV is posing to make Gaga look like she had a way bigger year than you. I'm just hoping Britney can win some for her year too, cause "Womanizer" and "Circus" were huge songs, and deserve to win. Let's hope the show will be good this year will great!

So what DO YOU THINK of the nominations, and VMAs in general?

Leave comments below!

Clearly Inspired by The King Of Pop

Michael Jackson has inspired so many current artists. In remembrance and memorial to Michael Jackson, here is a look at a few (in no particular order)...

Britney Spears
Spears has become one of the biggest selling artists in the 2000s and partly because of her tours which feature what many think Spears does best, dance. A lot of her dancing has been influenced from Michael Jackson.

Chris Brown
Brown has been labeled in some cases a younger version of MJ. Once again his dance moves catapult him towards this comparison. At the 2007 MTV VMAs he performed to "Billie Jean," in tribute to MJ.

Justin Timberlake
Timberlake has become another entertainer who's gained many MJ comparisons from his particular dancing. Along with 'N Sync, he even performed with one of his idols, MJ.

Usher
Very similar to MJ, Usher grew up in the spotlight and became the star he is today right in front of the public. As he grew up, his dancing became more respected and appreciated; from his distinctive moves such as his handstand, he's obviously been influenced by MJ.

Ne-Yo
Ne-Yo alike MJ has became a prominent and popular songwriter. As he has been dancing for some time now, he really showed off his MJ moves and swag with the live performances and music video to 2008s "Closer."

Rihanna
While Rihanna isn't really the dancing music superstar, she sampled the MJ made famous "Ma Ma Se, Ma Ma Sa, Ma Ma Coo Sa" chant in her hit "Don't Stop The Music." Following, she also used the dark eerie vibe from "Thriller" in her music video to "Disturbia."

Ciara
Unlike many others Ciara has listed both MJ and his younger sister has big influenced to her style of dance. While some label her the new era Janet, in a recent interview with ThatGrapeJuice she actually picked MJ over Janet!

Ashanti
While Ashanti isn't really compared to MJ for her dancing, she was definitely lyrically inspired by The King Of Pop. Her 2003 hit single was titled "Rock Wit You (Awww Baby)" similar to MJs 1979 hit single "Rock With You." She also remixed the song to feature a beat more similar to MJs version and a bridge featuring his lyrics.

Beyonce
Beyonce is one of the biggest females when it comes to putting on a show filled with dance routines and memorable performances. Similar to MJ's moonwalk, Beyonce's dance routine for "Single Ladies" was inspired from a past similar number she saw. She has recently claimed him as one of her heroes.

Omarion
Even though Omarion isn't currently in the spotlight as he used to be, Omarion's dancing has been clearly inspired from MJ. If you watch his videos including "Touch" you can see resemblances to how MJ would effortless move in Omarion as well.

As you can see many artists have been and continue to be influenced and inspired by The King Of Pop. Michael Jackson will stand forever as the guideline of what an ultimate global star is and should be like. And if that statement seems to big for me to make, just look at some of the extremely popular stars who have emulated Jackson in some way, shape or form. [Do you know someone who deserves to be on this list? Drop a comment, and list your name and you will receive credit if added to the list]

R.I.P. Michael Joseph Jackson
August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009

Barbadian Exploration: Livvi Franc "Now I'm That Bitch"

So ever since Rihanna came into super stardom, the U.S. has gotten other female variants from her native Barbados. First we had Shontelle, who had mediocre success with her song "T-Shirt" (which actually was a good catchy song to me). Sadly her follow singles "Battle Cry," and "Stuck With Each other" [featuring Akon] which actually sounded like a "Hate That I Love You" knock off (but still good), didn't receive much attention at all.

Next up from Barbados, is Livvi Franc. Who actually writes her own lyrics. Which is a plus to all of the people who always bring up the fact that Rihanna is a Def Jam puppet. Franc's debut single, "Now I'm That Bitch" features Latino Hip Hop star Pitbull, and brings a fierce attitude to men all around the world, as she claims to be 'that bitch;' but in a positive way of course.

I must admit the song is rather catchy, and already has became a U.S. dance hit. The line in the song that I must say makes the song, is not the title, "Now I'm That Bitch," it's when Livvi Franc says, "You were to fly then, so fly away now." Gotta love that line! We'll see what the future holds for this Barbadian artist. Will she become as successful as Rihanna, I doubt it, but who knows she may have a better first round than Shontelle...maybe!

BET Awards 09: Monica Outshines Keyshia Cole (Without Trying)

It was really something when Keyshia Cole and Monica sang their duet live on the 2009 BET Awards. You think since they were performing a sincere ballad that it would have been one of the nights highlight performances. Well it was for one of the two.

I personally think Keyshia Cole was up on stage trying to out-sing Monica. Which is just wrong. Monica has been in this game for so many years, and to her, Keyshia is a baby! Well too bad for Cole because she ended up sounding off, very "screamy" with her vocals; as Monica just glided through her vocals (and was even told in the post show by Foxx and Latifa to put out an album now!). Not to mention what was up with her [Keyshia's] hair-do!

BET Awards 09: Janet Speaks On Michael

Sadly, the best part of the 2009 BET Awards was actually its saddest part! Near the end of the program they've had Janet Jackson come out on behalf of the Jackson family and speak on how the family is coping and showing respect for her brother, Michael. Janet was completely shaken, and you could visibly see the pain she was going through. You could tell how close they were as siblings, and the moment was very touching.

While it was a very sad moment to see Janet like this, it was great to hear from her and hear her respects and strength she is holding for her family, in their time of need. Rest In Peace Michael Jackson, and to his family, you are in many peoples thoughts.



I must admit, as she was first being walked out by Jamie Foxx, I definitely thought she was Diana Ross.

BET Awards 09: Keri Hilson Needs More Stamina

What do you know... Once again Keri Hilson's live performance, just wasn't cutting it. She was sounding like she was out of breath once again. She never truly dances so hard (like Ciara) yet she is always out of breath.

Her performance showed her respect and love for the late Michael Jackson which was nice, but she still shouldn't have been dancing if she couldn't sing throughout it. Work on your stamina Keri!