"I decided long ago, never to walk in anyone's shadow. If I fail, if I succeed, at least I'll live as I believe..." Greatest Love Of All - Whitney Houston
At the beginning of the week, I had already chosen what my album of the week was going to be. Then again, I was swayed to the other side when I heard a song from Ms. Whitney Houston. Here I was, reminiscing and singing "All At Once" from the top of my lungs in the shower. Don't worry, I remembered right quick that my forte is writing and NOT singing–reality kicked in. So on that note, the album of the week without further adieu is:
Boy, where do I start. This is the Whitney that we all know and love, the one everyone cares to remember. Let us be a bit nostalgic for a moment shall we? Remember the fresh face that came to light, care of the power mogul Clive Davis? I still remember the night I was up waaaay past my bedtime, and was allowed by the grace of my Mommy, to watch Whitney Houston's debut singing the hell out of "Home" on The Merv Griffin Show. Watching Whitney looking a bit apprehensive at the jump in that poofy purple outfit, was a bit uncomfortable, but once she settled into the song and took off her confidence shined through. I don't usually do this, but I had to show those who don't remember, what I am really talking about.
This was all pre her biggest mistake of all–Bobby Brown, pre crack-is-wack and pre rehab. This album is just all Whitney Elizabeth Houston, graceful, beautiful and oh that voice. Whitney was the kind of artist that could sing a phone book and win a Grammy for it. It is amazing to think now that many producers actually passed over working with the new songstress. Thanks to a duet with Teddy Pendergrass entitled "Hold Me", her voice was finally pressed on vinyl for the world to hear. But the song that catapulted Miss Houston into fame, was her smash hit "You Give Good Love." A song that cannot be mistaken as one of Whitney's best, it was one of the ultimate song choices for the back in the day quiet storm tape. I must say (and I know I will get cracked on for this), that I was one of the few who jumped on the Jermaine Jackson bandwagon and have his work on vinyl (I said it!!). Jermaine is no Michael, but "Take Good Care Of My Heart" is a smooth finger-snapping feel good track, while "Nobody Loves Me Like You Do" is serious!
Whitney had quite a few hits off of this album with "You Give Good Love", "Saving All My Love For You", "Greatest Love Of All", "How Will I Know" and "All At Once." Nevertheless, apart from the hits, the other singles are definitely noteworthy. Whitney was known for her duets with Jermaine and Teddy, her angelic voice complementing the high and nasal vocal of Jermaine and the sexy gritty growl of Teddy. This phenomenal album went an incredible and unprecedented 13 times multi-platinum and is perhaps the best album ever from Whitney Houston. Nothing can be substituted, replaced or even come close.
So with all of the talk of Whitney's new album being released during the upcoming holidays, accompanied by her rousing performance in Malaysia and her disastrous performance in Trinidad–what are we left with? What direction do we go? Do we believe that The Voice can make a come back with an album worth the wait and weight in Grammy's? Forget the Grammy's how about the weight in support from her fans? Or will her attempt finally be the last nail in the coffin for her already dimmed out light? Only time will tell...
So the flashback of the day is my ultimate favorite Whitney Houston song. Pure, from the heart and straight up love. I had my hair cut like this AND bought myself a monogramed sweater, all because of Whitney! Y'all let me know what your favorite Whitney track is. Enjoy! :
Have a wicked weekend...
Tha Connoisseur
