Few entertainers in entertainment history can match the legendary Whitney Houston.
Considered a cultural icon and one of the biggest names in the music industry (no wonder she’s been dubbed The Voice), Houston remains one of the most successful performers of all time, with sales exceeding 200 million units worldwide and accolades that include two Emmy Awards, six Grammy Awards and 28 entries into the Guinness Book of World Records. And, throughout her career, she’s embodied some of the most recognizable songs on the planet – well, how can you not remember the classic “I Will Always Love You” when you think about it?
Influencing names such as Beyoncé, Jennifer Hudson and Rihanna, Whitney sadly passed away in February 2012 following accidental drowning, caused in part by cocaine use and heart problems. Today, August 9, she would have been 59 years old.
To celebrate his eternal legacy, we’ve put together a simple article listing eleven essential songs to know about Houston’s career.
Check out our picks below and let us know which is your favorite:
“I KEEP ALL MY LOVE FOR YOU”
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Album: Whitney Houston (1985)
To strong critical response and a huge following with listeners, “Saving All My Love For You” was originally recorded by Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr., for the duo’s 1978 collaborative album, won a Grammy for the best female pop vocal performance and was praised for the artist’s melodic production and, of course, the absolutely perfect interpretation.
“HOW WILL I KNOW”
Album: Whitney Houston (1985)
Originally intended for fellow recording scene legend Janet Jackson, “How Will I Know” was a perfect fit in Houston’s hands. Infused with interesting-sounding synth-funk, R&B and dance-pop, the track is about the anguish of a woman trying to figure out if the boy she loves also harbors the same feelings for her. she. The track conquered the top of the charts and was decorated with several awards – guaranteeing the singer a New Artist statuette at the 1986 VMAs.
“I WANT TO DANCE WITH SOMEBODY (WHO LOVES ME)”
Album: Whitney (1987)
The great mix of dance-pop and R&B of “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” marked an era and, to this day, appears in many playlists of listeners who are rediscovering or revisiting Houston’s discography. Released in 1987 as the official single from the ‘Whitney’ album, the track brought in Narada Michael Walden as a producer and spoke of a candid romantic narrative that took the artist to the top of the charts in countries like the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom. In addition to skyrocketing sales, the song earned the performer her second Grammy statuette in the Best Female Pop Vocal Performance category.
“WHERE THE BROKEN HEARTS GO”
Album: Whitney (1987)
“Where Do Broken Hearts Go” has a somewhat ironic history: when Frank Wildhorn and Chuck Jackson, songwriters of the song, wanted Houston to record it, the artist didn’t want to get involved in the song, saying there was no special message to broadcast. In 2000, she even commented in an interview that she hated the track. Still, the result couldn’t have been different: in addition to securing the performer her seventh consecutive number 1 in the United States, the track was highly praised by critics and remains a favorite with audiences.
“SO EMOTIONAL”
Album: Whitney (1987)
The incredible “So Emotional” certainly could not be left out of our list. Released as the third single from their 1987 self-titled album, the song was written by Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly and, in a short time, became a cultural landmark that is remembered to this day as one of the most best products of Houston’s career. It’s clear the song would top charts around the world and receive a warm reception from critics, who praised the anthemic and powerful nature of the iteration.
“ALL THE MAN I NEED”
Album: I’m Your Baby Tonight (1990)
The 1990s would represent a major shift in Whitney’s career, as her fame crossed oceans and reiterated her preponderance on the mainstream circuit. “All The Man That I Need”, although first performed by Linda Clifford nearly a decade earlier, was revisited by Houston on her third studio album. In addition to reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100, she was nominated for several awards, including a Grammy category.
“I’M YOUR BABY TONIGHT”
Album: I’m Your Baby Tonight (1990)
Despite the mixed reception upon its release, “I’m Your Baby Tonight” remains fresh in the memories of Houston fans. The song also marks the artist’s career, as it allowed him to move from pop and dance to a dynamic amalgamation of urban pop and contemporary R&B (which would rule the following decade). Taking the No. 1 spot on the Hot 100 (his eighth on the list), the track also bears similarities to Michael Jackson and was nominated for a Grammy Award.
“I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU”
Album: The Bodyguard (OST) (1992)
When we think of Whitney Houston, the first song that comes to mind is ‘The Bodyguard’ theme song, “I Will Always Love You”. Although originally performed and written by the iconic Dolly Parton, the song was given a more anthemic appearance by Houston’s vocals and became one of the most commercially and critically successful tracks of all. time. Appearing on many top song lists, including magazines such as the NME, The Guardian and Billboard, she was also a recipient of their Grammy Awards: Best Female Pop Vocal Performance and Record of the Year.
“WHEN YOU BELIEVE”
Album: The Prince of Egypt (OST)
Of course, we couldn’t omit one of the partnerships that marked the 1990s from our list. “When You Believe” was performed with emotion and grace not only by Houston, but also by another legendary artist, Mariah Carey, as the theme song for the animation “The Prince of Egypt”. Featuring compositions and verses by Stephen Schwartz, the track also appeared on Houston and Carey’s albums “My Love Is Your Love” and “#1’s”, respectively, and, despite mixed reviews, won the award for Best Original Song at the Oscars and became a milestone. in the careers of both performers.
“ALTAR OF BROKEN HEARTS”
Album: My love is your love
“Heartbreak Hotel” brought Houston into a resounding alliance with two of the song’s other powerhouses, Faith Evans and Kelly Price (both appearing on the chorus and bridge). Steeped in R&B and pop, the track was part of the lead singer’s fourth album and brought to light a plot involving heartbreak. Along with the commercial success, earning it a No. 2 spot on the Hot 100, the track was well received by pundits and earned two Grammy nominations, including Best R&B Song.
“IT’S NOT CORRECT BUT IT’S NOT SERIOUS”
Album: My love is your love
The third single from “My Love Is Your Love”, Houston’s fourth album, is one of her favorite songs. Despite the sheer number of songwriters, Darkchild’s production speaks louder and manages to pull together the fun and powerful narrative directed by Whitney. Here, the main character discovers her husband is cheating on her with another woman in a vibrant R&B and neo-soul elation. The track is considered one of the singer’s finest and is on Q Magazine’s list of 1001 Greatest Songs of All Time.
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