WHITNEY , GIMME STRENGTH

We thought it would never happen , but after a long , dark stint in the lonely wilderness of pop , Whitney Houston is back. After the disastrous Just Whitney album , it seemed that Houston really did have a problem. But it seems thanks to legendary mogul and mentor Clive Davis ,whitney has finally banished her demons. Or at least we hope so. And thankfully Bobby Brown or a dirty spoon is nowhere to be seen.

Comeback record I Look To You finally sees the light of day on August 28th. Whitney has recently be doing the rounds at various listening parties where various industry types fell over themselves to heap praise on the troubled diva's return. Standing ovations were met at the launches in London , New York and Los Angeles.

Rolling Stone Magazine was at the New York listening party and had the following to say: "Million Dollar Bill" is a clattering, uptempo hip-hop-inspired number. It may be the fastest ever for Houston, who keeps up nicely, even if it occasionally sounds like the balladeer is doing some stretching. "

The album is littered with contributions from Stargate , Alicia Keys and R Kelly. Akon also duets on the already leaked "Like I Never Left ". It seems like an eternity since the brilliant " My Love Is Your Love " and the finger pointing strut of " Its Not Right But Its Ok ".

Confusion reigns slightly over what the lead single is to be. It was assumed that Diane Warren penned " I Did'nt Know My Own Strength " was to be the lead single. The song is your typical Whitney ballad , a call to arms for picking yourself back off the ground amidst much caterwauling. Music forum posters gave the tracka somewhat lukewarm response however and itseems te title rack " I Look To You " may be the first track lifted from the album. It'll be interesting to see how Whitney fares. shes been written off before and rumours persist that her drug addction has ruined and ravaged that soaring voice. But for all the current success of the new female pack such as Leona Lewis , Alicia Keys and Jennifer Hudson , aint none of them is Whitney Houston. She may have sunk under the radar but theres still an affection for Whitney. Shes soundtracked too many a wedding or even a funeral to be left ignored. As she croons on the R Kelly penned " Salute " - ' Dont call it a comeback , I've been here for years "