Just Whitney [CD+DVD, Limited Edition]

Ignore what many critics have said: this is a good album. The danger here is that many are reviweing 'Just Whitney' against 'My love is your love' and expect Whitney to carry on from there. She doesn't. This CD is more of a continuation from 'I'm your baby tonight' rather than 'My love is your love'.

However, you need to get past the truly dreadful 'Whatchulookinat'to realy appreciate this album. It just goes to prove that Whitney should stick to singing the song, not writing them. Whatever possesed Arista to issue this as the lead off single from Whitney's 1st album in 4 years is beyond me.

'Tell me no' is the standout heretrack on this set. Love the rock guitar 'solo' at the end. I don't generally like hip hop so I wasn't holding out much hope for the Missy Elliot produced track called 'Things you say'. Surprisingly it is very good. Not hip hop at all but quite bluesy and expansive with a lot of space fro Whitney's voice. What would a Whitney album be without a good old traditional ballad. In this recording it comes in the forms of 'On my own', 'Unashamed' and the Debbie Boone cover 'You light up my life'. Of the trio 'On my own' is the probably the best one in my opinion. You almost expect the refrain from 'I will always love you'

'One of those days' just hits a joyous summer groove and 'Dear John Letter' is excelent. These are typical R&B mid tempo songs sung perfectly to showcase the voice.

Whitney is back with a new album. She doesn't put out an album often but when she does the results are always top notch and she truly doesn't disappoint this time round either. First single 'Whatchulookinat' kicks off the album reminding you that Whitney still has attitude. But this is only the mere tip of the iceberg. 'On My Own' is Whitney doing the searing ballad and she sounds every bit as good as she did singing, 'I will always love you' and 'The Greatest love of all'. 'Unashamed' is another brilliant showcase for her vocals which are back to goosebump time. She does a cover of the Debbie Boone classic 'You light up my life' and surpasses that version with ease. Elsewhere is the more uptempo 'Love that man' which is reminiscint of 'I wanna dance with somebody', 'How will I know' and 'Step by Step'. Then Whitney gets us into a more down tempo mode for the slinky 'Things You Say' which cries out for a late night listen with the lights down low... But truly spectacular is the brilliant 'Tell me No' which Whitney sings with such defiance and which contains a brilliant guitar solo at the end which is in the same league as the excellent 'Santana'. 'Dear John letter' is a funky soul number that has an irresistable and addictive beat that gets under your skin after a few listens and just won't let go.
She teams up with hubby Bobby Brown for the uptempo 'My Love', which showcases two brilliant singers who just happen to be married. No schmaltz either on this song which comes a great surprise.
Then there's upcoming single 'One of those days' which coasts along on a relaxed and sublime melody and with those trademark Whitney vocals caressing the beat. This great song (My personal Favourite) contains The Isley Brothers 'Between the sheets' as a sample, which is pure genius. (Whitney even gives MR BIG a mention in the song!)
Alongside the music Cd is a DVD which contains two Whitney Video's (the rare 'Love to infinity' mix that has a great 'Whitney-through-the-years' video montage).
This album is an extension of Whitney new and Whitney old and blends together surprising well. The diva is back and with her demons now out in the open, anyone can see (and hear), that this time she really has something to sing about and it is 'JUST WHITNEY'.

Just Whitney is as close to the old Whitney as i've heard from later albums, maybe not as strong on the vocals as times but still great.
Highlights for me - tell me no / unashamed / one of those days..
This is a good rounded set from Whitney and if it's not in your collection you're missing out.