B-Side Bangers: Whitney Houston

In the world of R&B divas, one voice — The Voice, that is! — will forever stand out as a rarity: the once-in-a-lifetime vocal phenomenon we all know and love as Whitney Houston.

Even though it’s been 14 years since her tragic accidental death, Whitney’s musical legacy still carries on as one of the most successful runs in Billboard history and continues to inspire musicians across all genres. It’s perfectly reflected on her new number ones compilation album, WH1TNEY.

The posthumously-released LP also arrives with great timing as fans everywhere gear up to celebrate her heavenly birthday this Saturday (August 9).

RELATED: B-Side Bangers – Michael Jackson

WH1TNEY is a true testament to a history of hits that helped shape Black music history. While similar in vocal prowess, each song in its own way stretched the limits of pop music and paved a way for many generations of her successors in soul. From ballads like “Greatest Love of All,” “Saving All My Love for You” and the dynamic “I Will Always Love You” to other classics like “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)” and “Exhale (Shoop Shoop),” there’s no question as to why she’s considered amongst the all-time greats.

As with most times like this, we couldn’t help but also remember some of the lesser known gems in her lengthy catalog. Starting from years before her record-setting 1985 debut album, Nippy’s unrivaled talents could be heard from her very early teen years. In the time that transpired between chart-toppers, these hidden gems gave listeners a deeper understanding that her success was built not only on blockbuster singles but also on the consistent quality of her catalog as a whole. From guest features and EP extras to early recordings and even a few unreleased from the vault, the rarities give a richer and more complete picture to one of the greatest vocalists in music history.

Keep scrolling as we get a head start on celebrating the heavenly birthday of Whitney Houston with a special “B-Side Bangers” that reflects back on the deep cuts:

“Memories” (with Material and Archie Shepp) [1982]
Album: One Down (by Material)

“Someone for Me” (1985)
Album: Whitney Houston

“Thinking About You (Bruce Forest Dance Remix)” [1986]
Album: Whitney Dancin’ Special

“Just the Lonely Talking Again” (1987)
Album: Whitney

“Hold Up the Light” (with BeBe & CeCe Winans) [1988]
Album: Heaven (by BeBe & CeCe Winans)

“After We Make Love” (1990)
Album: I’m Your Baby Tonight

“Jesus Loves Me” (1992)
Album: The Bodyguard: Original Soundtrack Album

“Look Into Your Heart” (1994)
Album: A Tribute to Curtis Mayfield (by Various Artists)

“Dancin’ On The Smooth Edge” (1995)
Album: Exhale (Shoop Shoop) [CD Single]

“You Were Loved” (1996)
Album: The Preacher’s Wife: Original Soundtrack Album

“Until You Come Back” [1998]
Album: My Love Is Your Love

“Fine” (2000)
Album: Whitney: The Greatest Hits

“Things You Say” (2002)
Album: Just Whitney

“O come, O come, Emmanuel” (2003)
Album: One Wish: The Holiday Album

“For The Lovers” (2009)
Album: I Look to You

“Never Give Up” (recorded in 2009; released in 2012)
Album: I Will Always Love You: The Best of Whitney Houston

“Home (Live from The Merv Griffin Show)” (recorded in 1983; released in 2014)
Album: Whitney Houston Live: Her Greatest Performances

“Far Enough” (recorded in 1989; released in 2022)
Album: I Wanna Dance with Somebody (The Movie: Whitney New, Classic and Reimagined)

“Testimony” (recorded in 1981; released in 2023)
Album: I Go to the Rock: The Gospel Music of Whitney Houston

“Love Is (Studio Version)” [recorded in 1990; released in 2024]
Album: The Concert for a New South Africa (Durban)