Whitney Houston - Whitney Houston

When Whitney Houston arrived on the scene as a fresh-faced ing(nue in 1985, few could have predicted the level of superstardom she'd achieve or how fast she'd do it. Certainly the voice was there--supple, soulful, and when called upon, explosive. But the material on her debut album--and those that followed it, for that matter--was bland pop pap that mostly wasted her gift. Still there were numerous hits on Whitney Houston, including a trio of ballads: "You Give Good Love," "Saving All My Love for You," and the extraordinarily vapid "Greatest Love of All." The up-tempo "How Will I Know" was a mere trifle, perhaps, but it's one of her most winning performances. And that video. That dress. 'Nuff said. --Daniel Durchholz Amazon.com

No matter what they take from Whitney, they can't take away her dignity. This is probably her "greatest album of all"

I have been anxious to listen to Whitney Houston's debut album for a long time; I am so happy I finally got around to listening to it because I enjoyed it from start to finish. Here you will find the pop sound, the R&B, and a woman with a voice that is unmatched to this day. No, not even Patti LaBelle or Minnie Riperton compare. Whitney's voice hadn't completely matured on this album. You will find her vocals at their most mature on her biggest song to date, "I Will Always Love You." But, she still sounds wonderful, almost angelic, on each and every song. The production has that 80s sound to it, and this album is going to sound dated to some, but the quality of this album is simply undeniable.

Houston's first single is one of my all-time favorite songs by her and it is called "You Give Good Love." Everything about that song is superb, especially Houston's amazing delivery. To steal a line from that song, her voice is "never too much, will never be." The people of the world obviously think that "The Greatest Love of All" is this album's finest jewel because it is always sung at graduations, church services and commencements. "The Greatest Love of All" is lyrically the best song on this album because of the inspirational lines she sings just for the children. "Thinking About You" and "Take Good Care of My Heart" are good offerings, but they sort of fall short when comparing them to the rest of this album. "How Will I Know" was offered to Janet Jackson first, but she turned it down. Houston took the song and made it all her own; you would never know that this song was written for someone else. This song is kind of cheesy and very sappy, but it is definitely a guilty pleasure. It has that 80s "American Bandstand" feel to it. "Saving All My Love for You" is another one of her most definitive songs. It is an R&B classic.

When I say that this album is essential for music lovers, I mean every word. With this album, you will be taken on a journey to the mid 1980s and you will be enthralled from beginning to end. A classic. 4 shining stars.

Mikeisha's Top 5

1. "You Give Good Love"
2. "Saving All My Love for You"
3. "How Will I Know"
4. "Greatest Love of All"
5. "All at Once"

LOL, all of these songs were released to radio.
May 19, 2008

Whitney CD

I apologize that I didn't do this sooner. I've only bought things a few times on Amazon but anyway, the product was delived very fast and there were no problems at all. Thank you so much.

February 27, 2008

She has just begun

This album came out when I was just a baby. I remember it vividly. I love all her songs, but the greatest love of all brings tears to my eyes and I still love the song. She was just 21 when it was released. This cappulated her to where she is today. January 28, 2008

I could not be the only one on this, please read!!!

I have to agree that this is a five star album, being her best. But there is a reason I am giving this CD 4 stars. Hasn't anyone noticed that The Greatest Love Of All is not the version that was on the original LP. The version on this CD is the same song we always hear on the radio. The version on the original LP had a more simplistic feel, with soft piano chords and Whitney's voice brilliantly displayed. This original version from the LP is FAR SUPERIOR to version on this CD, or the greatest hits collection. Again, those versions of the song are the radio version. You have my word I am not lying to you. Actually, the LP version did appear on the original CD release from the 1980's. Mastering is one thing (as this CD really has to be remastered as well as the second album, both her best works), but not having the original version of a song that was released on the album is another. It's time to remaster the album as it was originally released, and to make everyone comfortable, put the radio version as a bonus from the prettiest female singer of 1980s and 1990s. Thanks for reading, Joseph October 22, 2007

WHITNEY AT HER BEST!!!

For me this is the Whitney's best album done; this was her debut album, and it's simply impressionant!! many of her best songs are here, beautiful ballads like YOU GIVE GOOD LOVE, GREATEST LOVE OF ALL, ALL AT ONCE and SAVING ALL MY LOVE FOR YOU; there are some happy tunes like HOW WILL I KNOW, TAKE GOOD CARE OF MY HEART (with Jermain Jackson) and SOMEONE FOR ME; I think all the songs are great and I wish this music will live forever. May 6, 2007

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