Disco de Whitney Houston: “Whitney Houston”

I reviewed the previous edition of Whitney's first album and I gave it only four stars because they did not have the original version of The Greatest Love Of All on it. The original version is not as electronic for the masses, and it starts out with soft piano chords with Whitney's brilliant voice mixing with it flawlessly. This original version from the LP is superior to radio version. The radio version is the same one on her previous Whitney Houston CD and on all her greatest hits albums. The radio version also was the released 7' single version and video version. However, this CD was remastered from the original source LP and of course, has the original "The Greatest Love Of All". That is what we really needed. The price of the CD is worth it just for this original version alone. To hear it remastered, you'll have to lower the volume, since it is done so well. The only typo on the credits is when it lists the lyrics for the brilliant "Hold Me". It says 1985, which is when this album came out. Remember, this duet came out in 1984 on the Love Language album from the late, brilliant Teddy Pendergrass. However, they didn't forget to put 1977 for The Greatest Love Of All, since George Benson sang that for Muhammed Ali's The Greatest. Yet, this is really Whitney's signature song, even over "I Will Always Love You". True fans know that. The extras are great, but just to have this CD remastered the original way it was on LP is priceless. Thanks for reading, Joseph

We love you Whitney Houston and stay well. Love always, your fans!

Arista Records has wisely re-released Whitney's debut album for early 2010. For obvious reasons, the album is celebrating its 25th anniversary; but more importantly, the album was in desperate need of a remaster. The remastering on this commemorative edition is excellent. Whitney's voice, so pure and soulful back in her formative years, shines through. Some of the tracks, such as Someone for Me, sound dated (particularly the reliance on drum machines, which were very popular back in the '80s). But as a whole, this is still a solid album. Of course, the album's monster singles, "You Give Good Love" (Whitney has never sounded more soulful), "How Will I Know", "Saving All My Love for You" and "Greatest Love of All," sound as good as ever. It's also touching to hear Whitney's duet with Teddy Pendergrass, "Hold Me," especially in light of Pendergrass' recent passing. There are some bonus mixes of "Thinking of You," "Someone For Me," and "How Will I Know," as well as a live version of "Greatest Love of All."

When I heard Arista was re-releasing this album, I was hoping we would get to hear some demos. There is a long-standing rumour that Whitney recorded a more soulful, R&B version of "Saving All My Love for You" but it was shelved in favour of the more pop-leaning version available on this edition. If this is true, I would love to hear that version. Unfortunately, there are no demos here. I get the impression that Clive Davis (executive producer, and who is featured in a lengthy interview in the the enclosed booklet) just wants to celebrate what was, not what could have been. He's featured so prominently throughout this commemorative edition that you almost begin to think that this is his album, but it's obvious he is still extremely proud of this album, which is understandable - this album was a defining moment in both his and Whitney's careers.

There is a bonus DVD featuring promotional videos and a live version of "Home" from the Wiz (these are already available on Whitney's Greatest Hits DVD) as well as a live version of "I Am Changing" from Dreamgirls, and a live version of "You Give Good Love. "

If you don't own this, Whitney's first album, I highly recommend it. You will understand why this album was such a major success between 1985 and 1986. Back then, hearing this album, you knew Whitney was something special. The album was so successful, and the singles so good, many thought Whitney would never achieve the amount of success as her debut did. Seven years later, she would prove them wrong.

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

Sadly, Whitney Houston has spent the last few years digging herself into a deep hole that she'll probably never get out of (no pun intended; she was still alive when this review was submitted), but she still has to be given credit for making one of the best albums ever; an album that argues strongly against the existence of the "skip" button. "Saving All My Love For You", "You Give Good Love", and "How Will I Know" were all huge hits and rightly so, but every song is absolutely beautiful, especially the funky gems "Someone For Me" and "Thinking About You" as well as the criminally underrated duet with Jermaine Jackson "Take Good Care Of My Heart." The next two albums that she made weren't quite as good, but she hadn't completely flushed everything down the toilet just yet. However, pretty much anything she made after 1990 is definitely bottom-drawer compared to her 80s material.

I'm giving props to Arista for this 'Deluxe 25th Anniversary Edition' of Whitney Houston's debut CD (1985). I purchased my original CD back in the early 1990's (from the old Columbia House Record Club...LOL), and it's sound quality pales in comparison to the new edition. Oh, the 5 Bonus tracks, DVD, and improved packaging (new slipcase, rare photos, linernotes, and More!) don't hurt either. The slipcase is sweet, and the booklet includes lyrics, rare photos, and extensive comments by Clive Davis & Whitney Houston. If you own the previous 10 track edition of 'Whitney Houston', dump it ASAP, and purchase this awesome new edition. You won't be sorry.