This is the debut album from Whitney Houston released in 1985, an album that probably has her best work because the song structures were simple and it helped to launch her career into new heights.

I bought this album way back in the late 90s at a shop in Mumbai’s Chor Bazaar for a meager Rs. 100, a time when vinyl was still not making a comeback, unlike times that we face, where any album is hiked for a price that is just unbelievable. The cover and the LP was in pristine condition and appeard as though it had never been used. With 11^th February commemorating the 10^th death anniversary of this great singer, I thought it was but fitting to bring on one of my all time favorite pop albums.

The opening song, You give good love gets the album off to a good start, while Thinking about you and Someone for me sound catchy as well. This album is a blend of ballads, duets, and mid-tempo dance songs and also contains the early hits such Saving all my love for you, All at once, Greatest love of all and the infectious and peppy, How will I know with its signature and catchy opening synth line. This is also one of my favorite Whitney Houston songs. This album also has the famous duets with Jermaine Jackson (Nobody Love Me Like You Do, Take Good Care of My Heart) and Teddy Pendergrass (Hold Me), which sound just too good and touch your heart immediately.

With lyrics inspiring and Whitney's voice sounding way above what one might expect from a new singer, she manages to hit the high notes to perfection. It remains a feat that few contemporary singers in pop music have been able to match. Every song is fun to listen to in its own way and has the word romance written all over it. This is a true classic album that nay Whitney Houston fan should listen to, for if you were to own just one album from her, this is a true masterpiece that I would highly recommend.

The 10 track album was successful internationally and was certified 13x Platinum by the RIAA (or The Recording Industry Association of America) on July 29, 1999. It was also certified Diamond for shipments of 10 million units or more on March 16, 1999. The album has sold over 25 million copies worldwide, becoming one of the best selling albums of all time.

The album was listed as one of Rolling Stone magazine's "500 Greatest Albums of All Time" and on The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's Definitive 200 list. Whitney's grand entrance into the music industry is considered one of the 25 musical milestones of the last 25 years according to USA Today magazine.

The beautiful album cover with a pale looking young singer and the back cover with Whitney on a beach in a swimsuit, is majestic of her girl and singing power. Whitney pens her thank you’s on the back sleeve of the, starting with the prayer “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference”.

The songstress's all too short musical career left many of her fans heartbroken, but her music lives forever.  Whitney has left us the legacy of her music ability which will always be remembered and missed. Interestingly this album was released on 14^th February 1985, 27 years before she took her own life.

Rating: *****

Reviewed by Verus Ferreira

Label: Arista Records

Duration: 46.44