Sparkle: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

"'We love you, Whitney,' Jordin Sparks declares at the end of 'Celebrate,' the song she shares with Whitney Houston on the soundtrack of the new 'Sparkle' (RCA), which now doubles as a postscript to Ms. Houston’s career. In 'Celebrate' Ms. Houston offers husky encouragement to Ms. Sparks, who stars in the movie — a remake of the 1976 'Sparkle' — as a rising Motown-style singer. But Ms. Houston got her own commanding showcase in the gospel standard 'His Eye Is on the Sparrow,' which revels in her voice. Backed mostly by just piano and organ — a choir shows up near the end — Ms. Houston moves from questioning to affirmation to serene faith. ... The new 'Sparkle' album has an implicit timeline, moving from nicely counterfeited 1960s Motown — especially Goapele’s 'Running,' with the hortatory flavor of Martha Reeves ... to a homestretch of Auto-Tuned, quasi-gospel R. Kelly songs, synthesizing what once was soul music" (Jon Pareles, "Playlist," New York Times, 8/5/12).

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