Million Dollar Bill
| "Million Dollar Bill" | |
|---|---|
| Song |
"Million Dollar Bill" is a song performed by multi platinum seeling American R&B recording artist Whitney Houston, from her sixth studio album titled I Look to You. It is scheduled for release as the official worldwide lead single from the long awaited album on August 18, 2009 through Arista Records in the US[1] and August 24, 2009 through RCA Records in the UK.
The song was written by Grammy-award winning singer-songwriter Alicia Keys and was produced by hip-hop producer Swizz Beatz with an old school R&B beat that shows Houston still possess the powerhouse voice that made her so famous earlier in her career. The song received critical acclaim at the album's three listening parties and was cited as a "big comeback record".
Critical reception
From the New York listening party Rolling Stone Magazine said "'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. It received a standing ovation setting the tone for much of the album."[2] MTV's Shaheem Reid comments revolved around the first track 'Million Dollar Bill', saying that "Houston sings of looking for love and finding a man with potential. "If he makes you feel like a million-dollar bill, say, 'Oh, oh/ Oh, oh,' " she sings on the hook. "It's been a long time since love has come my way. I've been looking and searching for a man to touch this place." Right from the start, 'Million Dollar Bill' displays her billion-dollar voice over a club-friendly Swizz track that even got Alicia Keys up and dancing while taking video with her personal camera as the words she wrote boomed through the speakers.[3]
Nick Levine of Digital Spy said "Written by Alicia Keys and produced by Swizz Beatz (probably best known for Beyoncé's 'Check On It' and 'Ring The Alarm'), it's a midtempo disco track with an unabashedly feelgood message. "If he makes you feel like a million dollar bill," Whitney sings on the chorus, 'Say oh-oh-oh, say oh-oh-oh'. The Voice is deeper and raspier than you might remember, but she's still capable of going for a money note. 'Million Dollar Bill' won't be storming any barns in a hurry, but it's a classy, dignified and thoroughly likeable comeback effort. Whitney, it's good to have you back."[4]
Charts
| Chart (2009) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs[5] | 71 |
Release history
| Region | Date | Format(s) | Label(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | August 16, 2009 | Radio premiere (BBC Radio 1) | RCA, Arista |
| United States | August 18, 2009 | Airplay[1] | Arista |
| United Kingdom | August 24, 2009 | Digital download[6] | RCA, Arista |
| October 5, 2009 | CD single[4] |
References
- ^ a b c "Radio Industry News, Music Industry Updates, Arbitron Ratings, Music News and more!". FMQB. Retrieved 2009-08-17.
- ^ "Whitney Houston Returns: Diva Debuts "I Look to You" in New York". Rollingstone Magazine. March 7, 2009.
- ^ "Whitney Houston Debuts I Look To You At NYC Listening Party". MTV. July 21, 2009.
- ^ a b "Music - The Sound - So, this new Whitney Houston single..." Digital Spy. Retrieved 2009-08-17.
- ^ "Whitney Houston - Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Chart". Billboard Magzine. 2009.
- ^ "Million Dollar Bill: Whitney Houston: Amazon.co.uk: MP3 Downloads". Amazon.co.uk. Retrieved 2009-08-17.