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So, the first “single” has dropped, and I got to tell you, I’m even less impressed than I was with “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength”.
This song would have been on point probably if Raphael Saadiq had produced it, because Swizz Beats can’t give the song the right feel/swing that they were going for. From the opening note though, Whitney hits it, but not strong enough. It’s on the verses though where Whitney sounds like OLD Whitney.
It’s impossible to NOT compare a legend like Whitney to her previous body of work though, sad as it is to say that. Whitney is falling tragically short with all these attempts which makes me wonder if a “comeback” is even needed.
However, Alicia Keys + Swizz Beats — this is a prime example of when you shouldn’t mix business with pleasure. The harmonies and overdubs seem a bit disjointed on this song. Swizz isn’t from the right era to turn out a joint like this, and while Alicia is an old soul, this sounds like a demo she knew better not to put on an album. Her usual attempt at snagging a Motown feel and bringing it into the new millennium on this occasion doesn’t quite pan out.
It’s a breezy cut though, but…summertime is almost over. It’s a couple months too late for this song, and a couple years too late for Whitney’s voice. I wish her luck but I don’t think I’ll be purchasing this album!
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August 7, 2009 The78MsJ
I agree I was underwhelmed and just a little sad for dear auntie Whitney like that aunt who still tries to dress young and go out to the club and hang with the young people cause she not ready to accept her older age gracefully.
August 7, 2009 Ratchet
I kinda agree (especially with it Raphael Saadiq who should have produced it), but I LOVEEEEEEEE the song. Literally every chance I have to play it, I do so. It just could have been better because Alicia’s lyrics kinda lack and Swizz’s production is a bit one-note.
The thing about it is that Whitney is still the best SINGER in the world. Her voice itself has diminished, but she knows what the hell it will, won’t, can, and can’t do, which is why she can still murder any song given to her with what she has, like she did those treacle-laden songs she had in the 80s.
Oh, “I Look to You” and “Million Dollar Bill” are both the first singles, Arista is pulling a Beyoncé.
August 7, 2009 KBJr.
“Million Dollar Bill” is exactly the kind of single Whitney should be releasing. Age-appropriate, throwback, inventive, catchy, and well song. I can’t disagree with you more IPS, upon first listen, I was duly impressed.
It does have a demo feel, because I’m imagining just how much harder the remix is going to sound or how much better it could have sounded if they just went straight electro-disco-house with it. With that said, the verses are hot, and the chorus is catchy. I won’t predict this being a major R&B or POP Airplay hit…but for Whitney fans (old and new) this should be pleasing.
August 7, 2009 eric
love the song “million…” just like old school when she did “I’m every woman” Old school, yet whitney
August 7, 2009 kelis
I like it. But I agree that Swizz shouldn’t have produced it. And Alicia… ehh… her lyrics irk the ish out of me sometimes. But Whitney sounds great.
August 7, 2009 evade
Alicia Keys is an amazing songwriter, this song was feel good. It wasn’t meant to be DEEP and thoughtful..just happy. I love it…If you’re not in love, I can imagine you not feeling this song..but man makes me feel like and more than a “Million Dollar Bill”
August 8, 2009 Des
what a bunch of hateration…can you do what she’s done? The problem with people like you, dear “writer”, is that you clearly don’t realize that true singers mature over time. If you don’t like, don’t buy…but why all the hate??? I think there are others who write better than you and provide more unbiased reviews, but I’ll leave it at that. Get a hug or encouragement or something…geez.
August 8, 2009 Nehemiah
REVIEWER, u are completely off with this one! this song is great, age-appropriate, current but different…and Whitney’s voice sounds amazing…
August 9, 2009 djtenn
Come on guys! It’s not 1985. But if you want to compare Whitney to Whitney, put this track against “Thinking About You,” which was produced by Kashif. It follows the same light-feathered, bass line driven form as “million dollar bill.” But, it works better on MDB because her voice is kind of ‘feathery’ and that fits with the live instruments used on the track. (enough critiquing)..
This is a darn good first single. It is age-appropriate and definitely has multi-demo appeal. It just feels good. No need to think of the ‘voice’ from 25 years ago, what about the voice that you have simply come to love and recognize song after song after song after song. I hope there are more uptempo tracks on the album. Looking forward to it.
August 11, 2009 fatblkboy
hmmm…i guess i’ll reserve my commentary to keep from being attacked. *slips IPS a lo-five under the table*
i’ll be buying the album anyway…
August 11, 2009 The IPS
LOL @ slipping me a lo-five. Nut!
August 19, 2009 The man
All this talk who should have done the song and who should have wrote it just stop it please. Whitney is back healthy and sounds great. The song is catchy hott as hell and whitney just opening the song kills it. Whitney is and always will be THE VOICE!
August 21, 2009 Jay
I have to say, i couldn’t disagree with the reviewer more on this one. Upon first listen, i was hooked. This is a great song, and the perfect “first” single for her. So glad they went this route with the single choice instead of those dreary ballads. This is age appropriate, funky, sounds different than anything else on the radio (THANKFULLY). I’m looking for this to be a multi-format smash, from an artist that everyone thought was done. I can’t wait for the remixes!