Album Review: Whitney Houston – Live: Her Greatest Performances
2 min read
Considered to be one of the greatest vocalists of all time its quite incredible that this is only Whitney Houston’s first live album. Her Greatest Performances is a compilation of the late singers most memorable live performances from her glorious career which saw her achieve six Grammys, two Emmys, 16 Billboard Music Awards, 22 American Music Awards and 170 million albums, singles and videos sold worldwide. Spanning over two decades Her Greatest Performances takes the listener on an emotional journey through a remarkable career of one of music’s most gifted talents.
The album moves chronologically through Whitney’s stellar career and begins back in 1983 with her national network television debut as a 19 year old on the Merv Griffin Show performing the soulful classic Home. The tracks ending almost brings a tear to the eye when Merv Griffin says ‘We won’t forget that name – Whitney Houston’ a wonderful way to kick things off.
Things really spring to life with Whitney’s performance of One Moment In Time at the 31st Annual Grammy Awards, her breathtaking vocals are sure to send goosebumps not just down the back of your neck but all over your body. Hearing this incredible track performed live is an amazing experience and makes you wonder why this album wasn’t released earlier. Uplifting vibes erupt when I Wanna Dance With Somebody explodes through the speakers, the energy in Whitney’s voice is powerful enough to get anyone out on the dance floor and rightfully so. The uplifting vibes are followed by her famous delivery of The Star Spangled Banner at the Super Bowl in 1991.
A Song For You performed live from the Welcome Home Heroes Concert is a prime example of just how perfect Whitney’s voice was, her mesmerizing vocals and stunning pitch delivery make this one of the highlights of the album (just listen to that crowd!). Her exceptional performances continue with sublime recordings of I’m Every Woman and I Will Always Love You from The Concert for a New South Africa. The album finishes with her superb 2009 performance of I Didn’t Know My Own Strength on the Opera Winfrey Show Season Premiere Part II.
The only negative comment I have for an otherwise perfect album is the poor quality of the opening track Home, now I know it was recorded over twenty years ago from a television appearance however; its unavoidable even if it is produced and mastered by five time Grammy winner Clive Davis.
Overall Her Greatest Performances is a incredible album remembering one of the greatest vocalists of all time. These performances show us exactly why Whitney Houston was called The Voice, a truly amazing artist who is sorely missed.
