Like I Never Left (feat. Akon)

This song about reconciling lovers features the Senegalese-American musician Akon, who also co-wrote and produced the track. Houston also has a writing credit on this sunny, easygoing number. Akon spoke to MTV News about working with Houston on this song about trying to rekindle a relationship: "She was mad cool. Down to earth, yet conservative, polite. She felt like a high school friend. She felt mad approachable, cool as hell. We had a great time working. The chemistry was right on point."

To some this song might appear Whitney is singing about her ex Bobby Brown, but Akon denied this was the case. He told MTV News: "She's not singing about nobody. She really ain't. Actually, we switched some words around so people don't think she was singing about Bobby. This record is more of a record that anyone going through that situation would be able to relate to. It's just the fact that she got out of a situation is what made it more relevant."

Houston admitted to MTV News that when I Look to You executive producer Clive Davis originally suggested Akon as a collaborator for this track, she wasn't too sure. She said: "When Clive told me I would be working with Akon, I thought, 'Hmm, interesting, um, all right.' " Houston added: "I wanted the record like (her 1999 Wyclef Jean produced hit) 'My Love Is Your Love' with an island feel. I wanted an island record because 'My Love Is Your Love' is so huge... it has its own fashion with Wyclef. I wanted that feeling, but I didn't know who [could do that]. And Clive came and said, 'Akon is the guy that we're going to work with.' And I was like, 'OK, Akon. OK, I can deal with that.' "
The collaboration was a success and Houston told MTV News: "He's a gentleman. He did his work very well. We did it very quickly, very diligently, and I'm very proud of that record. It's a great record." Akon also collaborated on another I Look to You track, "I Got You."