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Billboard: Review of "If I Told You That" submitted by: Lisa D. source: Billboard Date: January 12, 2001 WHITNEY HOUSTON & GEORGE MICHAEL If I Told You That (4:05) PRODUCER: Rodney Jerkins WRITERS: R. Jerkins, F. Jerkins III, T. Estes PUBLISHERS: EMI-Blackwood, BMI; Famous Music/EMI-April/Mic'l Publishing, ASCAP Arista 3834 (CD promo) Arista dips one more time into "Whitney: The Greatest Hits" for this novel partnership between the enduring pop/R&B diva and one of the great lost talents of yesteryear, George Michael. Produced and co-written by Rodney Jerkins, the track's instrumental palette is definitely of the moment, with a driving shuffle beat and layered vocals that make this song more than a passing reminder of something you might expect from Jennifer Lopez. The hook is catchy enough, with a chorus that's simple and easy to sing along with. But whatever magic might be found in this effort most certainly is going to come from the fine vocal performances. Houston scats and offers shout-outs that give "If I Told You That" a spontaneity and energy uncommon in most mainstream R&B music today, while Michael still stands tall as one of the finer soul men to step in front of the mike. This pairing is mightily inspired, and that in itself could turn this into a radio curiosity for pop and some R&B stations. It's just a shame that Houston and Michael weren't offered a song that was truly worthy of their great talents.   Site design by: Dolphin Webpage Designs © 1996-2001