Even when factoring in the heightened ? and possibly unrealistic ? expectations around Ms Houston?s first studio album in seven years, the final result disappoints on many levels, and will disappoint even her most loyal fans (among whom I count myself).

Fans of Houston's traditional "big-voiced ballads" may be catered to with the inclusion of the wannabe-anthem "I Didn?t Know My Own Strength" and tender "I Look To You", but those who can bear to admit the truth will admit the songs are big, but the voice can't seem to live up to the songs any more.

On tracks like "Strength" and "Nothin' But Love", 2009 Houston swings between sounding like she's forgotten how to hold a tune, and straining to get her voice to perform at '80s (or even '90s) strength.

Despite promises from record exec Clive Davis ? who discovered the gifted singer in the early '80s and turned her into a global superstar by overseeing her first four albums ? that the eagerly-anticipated album wouldn't try to make Houston "hip", the truth is the songs try hard to please old fans while drawing in today?s teenagers.

The result is an album that won't score big with either group.

Another gripe: after so many years spent shopping for the "right tracks" for Houston's comeback, surely Houston and Davis could have come up with more songs? 11 tracks? Seriously? Is that any way to thank the rabid fans who've waited seven years and will ensure this mediocre album sells a few million copies?

Houston still holds the record for the most consecutive number one US singles (seven, between 1985 and 1988), and fans were expecting a hit-filled return to form after her extended break to sort out her personal drug demons. Instead, the album is devoid of anything that sounds like a big hit single.

"Million Dollar Bill", written by Alicia Keys, provides the biggest hit potential, but even this upbeat '70s-sounding track sounds weak when considering Houston's back catalogue ? and what fans know she's capable of.

Houston sounds most comfortable on "Call You Tonight" (written by Johnta Austin, who co-wrote Mariah Carey?s 2005 megahit "We Belong Together") ? possibly because her voice serves the song without harking back to previous glory or awkward attempts to make Whitney hip (which do pop up on a few other tracks).

If you're a big Houston fan, prepare to be slightly to very disappointed. If you're not, this album won't win you over ? rather listen to her first two albums to try and understand why so many fans will still forgive this legendary singer nearly any sin.

What do you think of Whitney Houston's new album? Love it or hate it? Let us know!