Whitney Houston is widely regarded as one of the greatest vocalists of all time. However, there was a time when some people accused her of “selling out” due to her pop music career.
This criticism is rooted in the belief that pop music is a lesser form of music compared to other genres such as soul, R&B, and gospel, which were Houston’s musical roots. Some fans and critics felt that by venturing into the realm of pop music, Houston was abandoning her musical heritage and compromising her artistic integrity.
Additionally, pop music is often seen as being more commercial and focused on mass appeal, rather than artistic expression. As a result, some fans felt that Houston was sacrificing her musical credibility for financial gain. This sentiment was further compounded by the fact that Houston’s pop music was more mainstream and radio-friendly compared to her earlier work, which was rooted in soul and R&B.
However, it is worth noting that Houston’s pop music was still heavily influenced by her soul and R&B roots, and she continued to infuse elements of these genres into her pop music. In this sense, her pop music can be seen as an extension of her earlier work, rather than a departure from it.
Furthermore, it is important to remember that music is a form of art, and as such, it is subjective and open to interpretation. What may be seen as “selling out” by some people may be seen as a natural evolution and expansion of an artist’s musical journey by others.
Ultimately, the criticism of Whitney Houston as a “sellout” is subjective and based on personal opinions and beliefs. While some may see her pop music as a departure from her musical roots, others may see it as a continuation of her musical journey.
Sources:
- “Whitney Houston: A life in pictures” BBC News (https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-17371366)
- “Whitney Houston: The Voice That Changed Pop Music” Rolling Stone (https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/whitney-houston-the-voice-that-changed-pop-music-250019/)
