Just Whitney . . .
WHITNEY HOUSTON
Producer(s): various
Genre: R & B
Catalog Number: Arista 14791

Edited by Michael Paoletta

RELEASE DATE: Dec. 10

Brevity is the order of the day for Whitney Houston. At 10 tracks, which collectively clock in at under 40 minutes, Just Whitney . . . appears and sounds more like a work-in-progress than a finished disc. Working with several producers-including Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott, Babyface, and Kevin "She'kspere" Briggs-Houston (the voice, that is) all too often gets lost in the mix. For the most part, Just Whitney . . . showcases an artist simply going through the motions. What was once a powerful and glossy instrument (her voice, that is) now lacks emotion and verve. Witness lackluster lead single "Whatchulookinat?," the bland "My Love" (featuring her husband, Bobby Brown), and a tepid cover of Debbie Boone's "You Light Up My Life." That said, current single, the Isley Brothers-referencing "One of Those Days," and the lyrically deft "Unashamed" ably prove that Houston still has the soul to turn it out.-MP