Whitney Houston: 'Million Dollar Bill'

Released on Monday, Oct 5 2009

Published Tuesday, Sep 29 2009, 17:11 BST | By Nick Levine | 25 comments

From the opening notes of this comeback single, it's clear The Voice has changed. It's deeper than you remember, huskier too, and when it soars, it's like an eagle that's getting on a bit and had a long day at the office. Funnily enough though, this lived-in quality - and we all know how lived-in thanks to that Oprah interview - is actually quite appealing.

It also suits the romantic optimism of the song. Co-written by Alicia Keys, 'Million Dollar Bill' is a midtempo disco tune with a message as feelgood as a Nora Ephron movie. "If he makes you feel like a million dollar bill," Houston sings on the chorus, "Say oh-oh-oh-oh". This isn't the most exciting thing she's ever recorded, but it is classy, dignified and pretty timeless-sounding. Isn't that just what you'd want from Whitney in 2009?

> Click here to read our review of Whitney Houston's new album

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Your Views

25 Comments

Your Responses

Ross, on December 19th, 2010
Wow Whitney made a great comeback with this song.....Awesome one of the best of 2009 shame she has disappeared now :(

HipHop&R&BDiva , on February 3rd, 2010
CRAP CRAP CRAP CRAP I WOULD EVEN GO AS FAR AS SAYING IT'S THE WORST SONG EVER

christine, on December 8th, 2009
excellent music, whitney is back for good

Steven, Canada, on October 15th, 2009
This is the perfect song for her right now and the Freemasons mix is getting enthusiastic response even from the 20-somethings at the dance club I go to most often. More power to her!

MACAULEY MAIDSTONE, on October 14th, 2009
wat r people talking about this song is brilliant!! i love it its amazing well done WHITNEY!! xx

mr lover lover, on October 13th, 2009
Whitney Housten is a legend but this song is a terrible comeback i hate it i was expecting a lot more but its BEYONCE & RIHANNA world so it will not chart well and it deserves to fail...besides who cares if it does

Ernest Washington, Milton Keynes, on October 10th, 2009
I am loving this track. Its a retro slice of soul and a great comeback for Whitney. It will probably not chart well, but then again its not a pile of euro trash or a low rate british rap song- which is all that has been at the top of the chart this year. I think its great and good on Whitney for not selling out!

Adam, Bath, on October 8th, 2009
Dont really like the original version... BUT Absolutely LOVE the freemasons mix! Its AMAZING and gets you feeling damn fine!

Anonymous, on October 7th, 2009
Firstly She is Human and she's not in her 20's any more, so her voice will obviously not sound the same, the voice does darken when you get older. And considering every thing else she's been doing and gone through. It's amazing she's decided to make a come back. To be honest there are millions of people who just want to hear Whitney because it's been ages. The album is Amazing, especially comparing to the majority of stuff these days. My rating goes to The Song ..5/5. A nice little 'old skool' jam.

Gyn, on October 3rd, 2009
It's o.k. not quite as good as I was expecting and knowing what she can do, I was a little disappointed (not be harsh) Looking forward to hearing more off the albumn though.

John, Manchester UK, on October 3rd, 2009
Love both it and the album, which is quite a pleasant surprise. I was fearing weak ballads or crass stabs at ten-a-penny hip-hop. What we have instead is a lovely pop album. Well done girl!.

John, Bristol, on October 3rd, 2009
I agree, somewhat. However, the album is great. There are some cracking tunes including 'Call You Tonight' and 'Didn't know my Own Strength', that show Whitters can still hold a note. As for 'I Look to You', I'd love to see this get to number one. Relating to your comments on her voice, I think we need to remember that she is nearly 50! Reckon your mum could do better? Her new album is certainly as you say, classy and dignified, but also personal. I'm just hoping we don't get to see the inside of her bathroom, for quite some time yet. Good Luck Whitney!

Miles Pearce , on October 2nd, 2009
This is very good, i was expecting i will always love you part 2. An Up tempo song that makes u just scream along. loool. Its not amazing or brillant and dosen't come no where near to beating some of the single this year from lady gaga little boots etc. But listenable and terrific. Deserves good chart placing.

mbarneysmith - Mechanicsburg, PA, on October 1st, 2009
The intro needs to be shortened, because the rest of the song has everything you could want and more. It builds on itself, and you can help but sing and dance along, but just a little short. Two chorus' just doesn't go far enough to satisfy the need to hear more of her singing, and that capturing melody

Kevin, on October 1st, 2009
I don't think her voice has changed dramatically from the My Love Is Your Love era. If anything, she sounds alike. So she doesn't sound any major different, to me. I think she sounds fantastic. She exceeding my expectations. I didn't think she'd sound as good as she does. Whitney is the best. Always has been and always will be.

Andrew, Manchester, on October 1st, 2009
The Freemasons Remix is EPIC.

Jeremy Los Angeles, on September 30th, 2009
She can still sing circles around anyone out there and that is what we want from Miss Houston. She didn't disappoint. While these other so called "divas" put out forgettable crap and pretend their voices haven't changed at all in 15 years Whitney gave us the truth and that shines thru in this cd.

Gillian, on September 30th, 2009
Love it! Has a great old school vibe which suits her voice.

Jay, London, on September 30th, 2009
a very respectable comeback considering what she's ben through and the slack she still gets - never expected her to sound like she did 20 years ago but do like the new sound - it's more mature and soulful - the album on the whole is 'old whitney' which isn't a bad thing - 'i look to you' would have been much better if sung as a love song rather then being so much related (as it has been) to 'god' - but other then that it's good to have whitney back and a change from the so called young 'whitney wannabes' around these days.