With the success of her first two albums , Houston became an international crossover superstar , appealing to all demographics . However , some black critics believed she was " selling out " . They felt her singing on record lacked the soul that was present during her live concerts . At the 1989 Soul Train Music Awards , when Houston 's name was called out for a nomination , a few in the audience jeered . Houston defended herself against the criticism , stating , " If you 're gon na have a long career , there 's a certain way to do it , and I did it that way . I 'm not ashamed of it . " Houston took a more urban direction with her third studio album , '' I 'm Your Baby Tonight '' , released in November 1990 . She produced and chose producers for this album and as a result , it featured production and collaborations with L.A. Reid and Babyface , Luther Vandross , and Stevie Wonder . The album showed Houston 's versatility on a new batch of tough rhythmic grooves , soulful ballads and up-tempo dance tracks . Reviews were mixed . '' Rolling Stone '' felt it was her " best and most integrated album " . while '' Entertainment Weekly '' , at the time thought Houston 's shift towards an urban direction was " superficial "
1989 Soul Train Music Awards
1989 Soul Train Music Awards
Whitney Houston