The first (unofficial) single from Whitney Houston’s long-awaited I Look to You leaked onto the web today. And the song is aptly-titled: "I Didn't Know My Own Strength."
While the song may not feature the vocal acrobatics of "the old Whitney," who emerged twenty-five years ago, the Diane Warren composition is an inspirational testimony of Whitney's successful victory over her personal demons and dramatic episodes.
Some fans may find David Foster's production to be "basic," by contemporary standards, but the arrangement places the focus where it should be: on Whitney's voice.
To be certain, Whitney doesn't razzle and dazzle, as she has done on classic cuts, like "I Will Always Love You." But the “strength” of her performance proves, once and for all, that she can still sing. And that, in and of itself, is a major blessing (and selling point), since the absolute "worst" was feared and—to a certain degree—expected.
If given a proper release, I wouldn't be surprised to find “Strength” on Gospel stations across America, similar to Mariah Carey’s introspective “Fly Like a Bird” (2006). In fact, the beautifully understated production seems like the perfect set-up for a spine-tingling live performance at the MTV Music Awards, which will take place around the time of her album’s release: September 1, 2009.
Hopefully, mainstream stations will embrace “Strength” as well, in the midst of these trying economic times, because radio could really use a song with substance that inspires the masses to become their better selves.
Although Whitney did not write the lyrics to “Strength,” Diane Warren informed VIBE Magazine that she wrote the song specifically for Houston. The chorus is as follows: "I didn’t know my own strength / And I crashed down, and I tumbled / But I did not crumble / I got through all the pain / I didn’t know my own strength / Survived my darkest hour / My faith kept me alive / I picked myself back up / Hold my head up high / I was not built to break / I didn’t know my own strength.”
So far, amongst my peers at least, reactions to Whitney’s “comeback” single have been fairly mixed. No matter your take, I am simply happy that she has found her “strength” in God, who watches over us all. May I Look to You bring Ms. Houston much success!
Article comments
1 - Donald Gibson
A live performance (be it on an award show or in concert) will prove, once and for all, that she can still sing. The idea that she sounds good (or even great) on a studio-cut and edited track is to be expected.
2 - Josh Hathaway
True enough, Donald, but if she couldn't cut it in the studio that would also have told us something. There are still questions to be answered and I'm hoping she answers them in an emphatic way. I can't help but root for her even though I wouldn't call myself a fan. Her voice, at its height, was a National Treasure and force of nature. She may never sing like that again but I'd like to see her make that comeback.
3 - Ronald
I love this blog. Whitney is a force to reckon with. She can outsing anyone. Her voice is still as pristine and powerful as before. RELEASE THE SINGLE NOW!
4 - Glen Boyd
I will always love you guys. Sorry, couldn't resist...
5 - Butch
Hands down the best singer in the world today! I haven't heard a better song. This tune will debut #1 on billboard. I don't know why so many black folk try and be negative. Support our sister and be positive.
6 - Curt
I betcha it's a huge hit. 'whitney's voice and phrasing of lyrics is incomparable. That's why it's so hard for others to do Whitney songs. Whitney is Whitney and her true fans will love this single and I'm sure the album as well.
7 - Matt
I heard it and Houston had better get her Grammy speech ready this is a true Winner for song of the year!
8 - Thomas J Gibson
I listened to this song for 3 hours straight as I traveled, nothing else! This is one of those songs that empowers people to get up when you fall. This time she's not blasting the media, she is simply telling us all that she fell down and through her faith she got back up. NO Whitney will never sing I Will Always Love You like she recorded it or the way she sang it in that era. But this woman has a gift only God can give and in this song she in her own way is praising Him for bringing her through troubled times. I love the song. Yes the production is basic but the voice is what we are zooming in on. To me she can still sing the alphabet and I will be satisfied. The idea of it being played on Gospel stations may be exactly what she needs given the fact that she grew up singing in the church. Maybe we expected too much from the first single who's to say the rest of the CD isn't filled with soaring vocals? I love the lyric and her delivery. She holds back some but you can tell she wants to go there and a live version is when she's gonna do it! Watch!!!
9 - Angel Pimentel
I have listened to the song like 50x and I have to say that this women's voice is a gift from the man upstairs.. she will get better with time. when Natalie Cole came back from her fight with drugs she didnt sound the same at the begining but she worked hard and sounds better today then she did in her hey day so I have faith in Whitney as well..
10 - Ava B
I'm so proud of her many said she could not do it, others said it's about time, I say your time has come, your trials were hard and long and by the grace of God you have pulled through, I pray this pray for you, may you never fail in any thing that you do, I pray that you will always find the strength from within to over come all odds, you are a STAR Ms.Houston and you were ment to shine,god granted you many talents now may he give you the strength and knowledge to push forward and use these talents to better yourself, your loved ones and those who love you.
11 - walknkimshoes
I loved WHITNEY to the point that I relate to her darkness ,which have came to light.
12 - BANC
The lyrics to this song are amazing. the meaning behind it all for Ms. Houston prove that she is and always will be a strong woman. unfortunately i have to disagree that her vocals are as string as they used to be. Although she still sounds great...i dont know if Whitney will ever sound as prestine as she did when she broke out in the 80's. Many blessings to Ms.Houston.... keep your strength!