SPARKLE - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (2012)

This Salim Akil directed film was not released locally in cinemas, and we continue to wonder why, because it is, after all, Whitney Houston’s fifth and final feature film before her death on 11 February. What we have then, is this soundtrack album to remember the much loved singer by.

Inspired by American female singing group The Supremes, you can bet the soundtrack to this movie contains a whole lot of powerhouse vocals. Interestingly, the 37 minute (yes, we wished the album’s runtime could have been longer too) disc kicks off with singer rapper Cee Lo Green’s “I’m a Man”. Pardon us, but we just can’t get the multi talented record producer’s “Forget You” (you know what this radio edit version’s real title is) when we heard the album’s opening track.

Elsewhere, you’ll find new recordings of four songs from the original film’s soundtrack. While you may not have seen the 1976 version, these tunes will leave you impressed with the performers’ wide range of vocals. The new music on this album is more notable, simply because of Houston.

“Celebrate”, a duet with R & B pop singer and American Idol winner Jordin Sparks is a soulful tune you’ll fall in love with easily. Written and produced by R Kelly, this is easily the signature song on the album. Houstonalso recorded “His Eye Is On The Sparrow” (also written and produced by R Kelly), is, in retrospect, a heartrending composition which makes this album a must own for any fan of the legendary singer.

We are just wishing that there would be more material on this recommended album that we can remember Houstonby. Meanwhile, you may want to hunt down the movie to see her final performance on screen. 

ALBUM RATING:

Recommended Track: (11) His Eye Is On The Sparrow – Whitney Houston

Review by John Li