FOR WHITNEY…

It was a huge shock for us when it was announced that legendary diva Whitney Houston had died at just 48. Like many colossal talents, she was taken from us way too soon and surely had so much more to give. Most people talk about Whitney’s amazing voice, which became synonymous with her belting ballads, but for us, when Whitney upped the tempo she created some amazing pop records. Here are the songs that never failed to get us shimmying…

 

I Wanna Dance With Somebody

Truly a song that unites the young, old and crosses any social divisions you can think of. A delicious cacophony of 80s hi-hats, horns and Whitney’s commanding vocal; spin this at the end of the night and there won’t be a square inch left on the dance floor

So Emotional

A darker, moodier and rockier cut from the once good girl of pop. Check out those vocal groans and that killer guitar solo, tragically missing from the much of the music world after 1989.

Love is a Contact Sport

A lesser known cut from Whitney’s second, self-titled album. The production struts, swoons and swings whilst Whitney’s powerhouse vocals storm across the track. Then the drums and a killer key change. Amaze!

My Name is Not Susan

Whitney giving it New Jack Swing? Oh yeah, it happened! This hip-hop flavoured number may not have sat well with her ‘Saving All My Love For You’-leaning fans, but it was certainly a welcome breath of fresh air for us.

How Will I Know

Sugary sweet lyrics and a bubblegum 80s production comingle in four and a half minutes of pop joy. Does anyone else get the urge to shimmy down the road in glittery leggings, shoulder pads and an Elnett-reinforced perm to this? No? Just us then…

It’s Not Right, But It’s Ok

As soon as this song kicks in with that unmistakeable Rodney Jerkins production, you know you’re in for four joyous minutes of Whitney at her neck-snapping, attitude-filled best. This was the relaunch of Whitney as a contemporary singer who resonated with a younger market. This diva had a new lick of glossy paint and she was fiercer than ever!

Love Will Save The Day

Ms Houston has an early bout of feistiness, screeching “here’s my advice”, as she preaches about love being the solution to all life’s problems… it’s usually the cause of most of ours, but still a great song to dance to.

Million Dollar Bill

And she was back! Whitney reinvented herself once more with this deliciously hip-jutting, funky cut written by Alicia Keys. In fact, the album this came from was probably Whitney’s ‘coolest’ record to date, it’s just a shame she couldn’t get it together for the promotion.

Step by Step

If you’re ever feeling down about life, this Annie Lennox penned track is powerful enough to put a smile on the face of even the most miserable Grinch. A storming, gospel inspired production and Whitney, once more, brings it home with that voice.

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