Houston falters, but still a diva

First of all, let me make this clear: Whitney Houston is not the same diva she once was.
She has been through years of alleged drug abuse, an embarrassing reality show with her ex-husband and she completely dropped off the radar of popular music in recent years.

But she is still a diva.

“I Look to You,” Houston’s first new release in six years, is a solid comeback for the singer. Houston’s voice has definitely changed over time and may disappoint some listeners.

However, her husky tone adds some emotional gravity and belies the often syrupy lyrical content.

Houston and her producers have also managed to make her music relevant once again, without mimicking the mini-divas of today or allowing a guest star like Lil’ Wayne to keep her afloat.

“Million Dollar Bill,” the standout track from the album, has a fun, funky vibe that is relentlessly catchy after a couple of plays.

“Bill,” like much of the album, shows a positive side of Houston not seen in years.

As she sings for the “lovers” and the “haters” in one track, she “ain’t got nothin’ but love.”