DISCS ETC: BIG VOICE, SMALL MERCIES
WHITNEY HOUSTON JUST WHITNEY ... ARISTA

By Simon Price

It might sound strange to speak of a Whitney Houston comeback being "disappointing" - having any hopes for America's once-favourite foghorn does seem crazy - but after "It's Not Right But It's Okay," touched by the genius of Rodney Jerkins, "Whatchulookinat?" was a let down. Paranoia is never pretty, and the single's stance - biting back at media reporting of her [alleged] descent into drug lunacy - continues into the Santana collaboration "Tell Me No." The biggest surprise is that, aside from a sickly duet with her husband on "My Love," she never really lets rip with the Houston Holler. Small mercies. Be thankful.