REVIEW -- WHITNEY HOUSTON: I Look to You

WHITNEY HOUSTON

I Look to You

(Arista)

Don’t look for any self-examination on Whitney Houston’s first album in seven years -- a period in which the big-voiced singer went through a long bout of personal chaos, including a divorce from Bobby Brown and some unfortunate “crack is wack” and doodie bubble incidents. I Look to You pretty much picks up where Just Whitney … left off, with 11 love songs showcasing Houston’s prime asset. Her pipes aren’t what they used to be, but time has added a deep, smoky hue to her tone. And the best songs on I Look to You wrap themselves around Houston, coaxing her to come out and play. And play she does: Most of these songs are up-tempo R&B produced by old pros (David Foster) and flashy new kids (Tricky Stewart). Tops is “Million Dollar Bill,” a club jam co-produced by Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys that’s all about starting over with someone new. Appropriately, Houston sounds like she’s ready for a fresh beginning too. --Michael Gallucci