By this time in her career, Whitney Houston had a formula sound, and here she leans on it hard, surrounding herself with adult contemporary heavy-hitters like Diane Warren and Babyface. This wasn't the monster her previous... more » records were, most notably The Bodyguard soundtrack, even though it seems to be an overt attempt at satisfying the same audience. Her voice is as crystalline as ever, but overall it seems a somewhat soulless effort, even though the themes are much more secular than she's braved before. --Scott Wilson« less
By this time in her career, Whitney Houston had a formula sound, and here she leans on it hard, surrounding herself with adult contemporary heavy-hitters like Diane Warren and Babyface. This wasn't the monster her previous records were, most notably The Bodyguard soundtrack, even though it seems to be an overt attempt at satisfying the same audience. Her voice is as crystalline as ever, but overall it seems a somewhat soulless effort, even though the themes are much more secular than she's braved before. --Scott Wilson
"Editorial critic Scott Wilson is way off base with his review of this one. This is one of Whitney's most inspirational, soul filled and spirited projects. Although not her most recent, this is one of Whitney's most inspirational, soul filled and spirited projects. This one gives us only a glimpse of what Whitney could do if she really let her gospel roots dominate.
Her vocal delivery borders flawless. She articulately and powerfully belts them out, some with the added inspirational power of a gospel choir backing her up.
This soundtrack will raise your spirits high. In this soundtrack, Whitney shares her heart, soul and spirit with the listener. The inspirational energy and passion she emits on this album have yet to be matched on any of her others.
I hope she soon finds her way back to that spirit filled place."
Sparks interest in black gospel for church library
Darren | 09/22/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I very much enjoy this CD of black gospel songs. Its message is one of joy and faith. After listening to it while I walk every day I am energized. Furthermore, as a church librarian and personally, this CD has helped introduce me to black gospel and I am now adding some black gospel CDs to our collection at our predominantly white Lutheran church and to my own collection at home. Black gospel seems so sincere to me compared to contemporary Christian music which often seems kind of slick. Other church members feel the same way and have asked me to add these to our collection as well. Even my daughter responded to the lyrics--when she heard the song, "I Go to the Rock," she asked, "Mom, why are they singing about rocks?" So this album reaches everyone, you see, which is so very cool, don't you agree? Keep singing, Whitney, and the Georgia Mass Choir. You made a terrific album! Thanks!"
Back To Square One
Michael Kerner | Brooklyn, New York U.S.A. | 07/20/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Since her career started in the mid 80's, Whitney Houston dominated in true R&B form, a form that has kept her going for several years. Surprisingly, almost nobody remained familiar with Whitney's roots in music. When Whitney Houston starred in The Preacher's Wife in 1996, she showcased a true display of force dominance and honesty with her music. To be honest, the music was the most exciting music of Whitney's career in the movies, even better than the 1992 movie, The Bodyguard. While many people still don't label Gospel as a kind of force in music on the radio these days, the music Whitney Houston has shown on this album, is a great starter into Gospel music. The songs here are beautiful, from I Believe In You And Me, a cover from The Four Tops, to Step By Step, written by Annie Lennox of the Eurythmics.Although many people don't consider labeling Whitney Houston in the field of Gospel music, the music from The Preacher's Wife is about as good as it gets, from a category of music that still is heavily ignored."
So very nearly perfect!
riverwide | 11/28/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Just a quick review to say that this CD is almost flawless. I agree with so many of the other reviewers that a couple of weak tracks by Babyface and Diane Warren are all that hold this CD back. The gospel tracks are absolutely stunning. Now if only Whitney would go and record an all-out gospel album! Please?"
The Best Gospel Album to ever hit the face of this earth.
Tamone Bacon | GA | 09/29/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I don't mean to be any disrespect to the likes of Shirley Ceasar and Albertina Walker, but anyone who is a Whitney Houston fan, knows that she was meant to make an album like tthis. This is one of the best albums of the Gospel genre and the R&B world. Whitney really went back to her roots on this album and no matter what she is going through at this present day and time, she is still one of the greatest singers to ever grace this earth. She has crossed over into that treasure where people love her and want to see her doing well. Finally I would just like to say to everyone, especially African-Americans and true Whitney fans, lets nurse Whitney back to good spirits and success so that she can show Mariah Carey and Toni Braxton how its really done. WE ARE DOING NOTHING BUT MAKING IT WORSE BY MAKING FUN AND BRINGING HER DOWN. WE LOVE U WHITNEY! THANX FOR YOUR WORK!"