Second Listen Sunday : Whitney Houston, “Whitney Houston”

This past Friday marked the 40th anniversary of “The Voice,” a.k.a. Whiney Houston’s self-titled debut album hitting stores. So, in that regard, it was only right to give Nippy her flowers for this week’s Second Listen Sunday.

After being signed by Clive Davis in 1983, production on the album began. Whitney first caught listeners’ attention as a duet partner to established singers. In 1984, Houston collaborated with Jermaine Jackson on the song “Take Good Care of My Heart,” which explores love, vulnerability, and trust themes. That same year, she joined the legendary Teddy Pendergrass on the track “Hold Me.” In this song, she elegantly sings lyrics that depict a passionate and intimate encounter, where both singers express their longing to be held, touched, and loved by each other.

When the time came for her debut single, “You Give Good Live,” Houston kept the ballad momentum going. The song was written by La Forrest’ La La’ Cope and produced by Kashif. The opening lines set the tone for the song, expressing a sense of wonder and gratitude for the love received. Houston’s delivery is both tender and powerful, capturing the essence of being in love.

The second single in North America was a cover of “Saving All My Love for You. “Here, Houston explores themes of unrequited love and longing as she expresses deep feelings for someone not fully available. She highlights the emotional turmoil and sacrifices made in the name of love. Houston sings with genuine authenticity, as it was rumored that she was singing a song about Jermaine Jackson.

The album’s last ballad single is a cover version of “The Greatest Love of All.” The uplifting anthem demonstrates Houston’s capacity to explore significant themes through self-acceptance and resilience while delivering a memorable performance.

Houston managed to create danceable songs alongside her other works. “How Will I Know,” with its catchy hook and danceable rhythm, invites listeners to sing along and is pure pop perfection. “Thinking About You,” with its intense emotional focus on someone, illustrates how another person’s thoughts take control of your feelings. The song represents the fierce power of infatuation alongside a deep desire for mutual feelings.

Whitney Houston’s first album established her remarkable talent globally while creating a lasting legacy in the music world. The blend of emotional ballads with catchy pop songs and Whitney Houston’s extraordinary vocal talent produces a memorable listening session.

Final Grade: A

“Whitney Houston” is available on all streaming platforms.