The wait is over: Whitney Houston returns September 1

The long awaited, much anticipated comeback CD for Whitney Houston has an official release date: September 1. The album, appropriately titled "The Wait Is Over," will be out in time for Labor Day weekend on Arista Records.

That's roughly 89 days, 1 hour, 6 minutes and 46 seconds from the publication of this article. Give or take a few seconds.

But who's counting? Well, Whitney is. Her newly redesigned Web site features a countdown clock that actually ticks off the seconds until her album will be released. It also includes a flashy new video to build the hype for her return.

Entertainment Tonight reports that the album should return Houston to her roots. ET cites a comment from legendary producer Clive Davis, who told reporters earlier this year to expect classic Whitney. "We're not going to compromise who she is to fit into today's hip-hop radio market," he said. "The public wants Whitney material." Nevertheless, Houston reportedly collaborated with Black Eyed Peas singer will.i.am, songwriter Sean Garrett and R&B singer Akon for the album.

"The Wait Is Over" will be Houston's 7th studio album. Since her 1985 debut, she has sold more than 170 million albums, singles and videos and is considered music's "most awarded female artist of all time," with 6 Grammys, 2 Emmys, 23 American Music Awards, 16 Billboard Music Awards and hundreds of others.