"Like I Never Left" (CD single)

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Comeback single about a loving reunion shines.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Kids say

Not yet rated

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this is a subdued duet about a romantic reunion that never gets graphic -- despite Akon's involvement. The mature R&B sound might not instantly appeal to kids accustomed to singles loaded with musical fireworks, but it just might offer a good introduction for those who probably know Houston more from her off-stage exploits than her powerhouse voice.

  • The song details a romantic reuniting ("We can pick up where we left off before the day that I told you it was over/packed my things and moved away"), but the lyrics can also apply to Houston's own past struggles and her latest attempt to revive her career.
  • Not applicable.
  • Houston and Akon sing about loving and touching each other in very mild ways: "And I want you to love me like I never left/And I want you to hold me like I never left/And I want you to touch me baby, like I never left."

What's the story?

Five years. That's how long it's been since Whitney Houston graced the radio waves with a new release. Although she's managed to remain in the public eye due to her erratic behavior and ill-fated marriage to Bobby Brown, Houston's vocal strengths, for the most part, have been MIA for close to a decade. But there are signs the old Whitney is back. She's reunited with her music mentor Clive Davis and is slated to debut her comeback album later this year. For this single, Houston teams up with Akon for a duet about redemption, forgiveness, and getting back to where you want to be -- all appropriate themes for Ms. Houston.


Is it any good?

 

Unlike many artists who have to rely on lots of musical bells and whistles, Whitney Houston at her peak was able to carry a song with her dynamic voice alone. On this newest single, there are glimpses of this vocal power; however, Houston also shows off her musical maturity with a mellow single of controlled vocals that soothe the listener, rather than overwhelm with killer high notes. It doesn't have the driving beats, suggestive lyrics, or overly-dramatic vocals common to many of today's R&B hits, but it's easy on the ears. And, the redemptive theme is perfectly suited to Houston -- without being entirely autobiographical. Welcome back, Whitney, it's good to hear you again.


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What families can talk about

Families can talk about how this single can help to market Houston's comeback. Why do you think one of Houston's new singles is titled "Like I Never Left"? Do you think it's a good idea for Houston to directly address her absence and comeback in her music? Will she be able to regain the popularity she experienced two decades ago, or have musical tastes changed?


This review was written by Jacqueline Rupp
Parent of 9 year old
November 13, 2008
 
Poor Whitney
Not a great song---I miss the old whitney. It's all your fault BOB BEEEYY Don't do crack---crack is whack!

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Adult
February 16, 2010
 
perfect for aybody.
I love to hear her sing that song. I heard her sing that song with a little girl; by the name of connie talbot. is there anyway i could hear that?

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Adult
October 31, 2008
 
Expected More
I am glad Whitney is healthy again. The song is ok---but expected more from her. Nothing too bad for kids---but probably most kids won't be into her anymore.

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This review was written by Jacqueline Rupp
Artist:Whitney Houston
Release date:July 27, 2008
Label:Arista
Genre:R&B
Parental advisory:No

This review was written by Jacqueline Rupp
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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