Whitney Houston broke into the music industry in the 1980s and after releasing her debut album, achieved instant success. With her blend of pop, R&B and gospel, she both broke and set records that stand to this day.
From the dancetracks to the ballads, her songs have stood the test of time and her music continues to set the standard for contemporary vocalists alike.
Houston’s music is appropriate for all occasions, but which of Houston’s songs is the most popular right now, 13 years after her death? Based on Spotify’s streaming levels here are the five most listened to Whitney Houston tracks ranked from 5 to 1.
5. How Will I Know
Coming in at number five is Houston’s sunny and bouncy 1985 pop anthem that explores the grey areas of young love. Released as part of her debut album, It is widely considered to be one of the best songs to have come out of the 1980s. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of Houston’s signature songs.
4. I Have Nothing
A ballad like no other, 1993’s I Have Nothing demonstrates exactly where Houston thrives in her ability to add so much emotion into a song. With its grand piano and swelling strings, the power ballad has become a staple of TV talent shows. It was the song that led to her creating Billboard history when she became the first artist to land three songs within the top 11 of the Hot 100 in the same week.
3. I Will Always Love You
At number three we have probably one of the most well known songs out there and definitely the biggest love song of all time. Despite being originally written and recorded by Dolly Parton in 1973, Houston took the song and completely made it her own with her towering vocal performance. I Will Always Love You became synonymous with Whitney Houston herself, it dominated the charts, spending 14 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and winning many awards, including a Grammy for Record of the Year.
2. Higher Love
Higher Love has been on a journey. It was originally a 1986 hit from Steve Winwood, with Houston covering it in 1990 but then in 2019, seven years after the singer’s death, a version of the track with Norwegian DJ and music producer Kygo was created and released. It is the Kygo remix that continues to be the most streamed version of it on Spotify.
1. I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)
At number one, it is the pop anthem that exudes an irresistible quality and creates the need to dance. I Wanna Dance with Somebody was released in 1987 as part of Houston’s second album titled Whitney. The powerful song’s tempo mirrors the typical 1980s sound and it was the key in securing Houston’s reputation as a diverse artist. It was the song that led her to win the award for Favorite Pop/Rock Single at the American Music Awards and a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Female.