Whitney Houston Just Whitney Sealed Import!

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, , 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 's "You Light Up My Light" and the -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 '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

Track Listings

1One Of Those Days2Tell Me No3Things You Say4My Love - Whitney Houston Featuring Bobby Brown5Love That Man6Try It On My Own7Dear John Letter8Unashamed9You Light Up My Life10Whatchulookinat