Customer Reviews

Whitney Houston (The Deluxe Anniversary Edition) (CD/DVD)

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I couldn't wait for this Anniversary Release of Whitney Houston's first album. The songs are just wonderfully remastered, and it's a pleasure to hear them again in such good quality! They did a wonderful job to add the Bonus Tracks - Thinking about you - Someone for me - How will I know (Acapella) as well as How will I know as dance remix. But the absolute highlight for me is the live version of The Greatest love of all from er performance in Radio City Music Hall in 1990! I guarantee everyone will get goosebumps over and over when hearing this song! She sounds just absolutely amazing! The second disc is a DVD with a conversation of Whitney and Clive Davis, which is very interesting. Also included are rare and wonderful performances. The first ever television appearance of Whitney with the amazing song "Home" at the "Merv Griffin Show" in 1983. Also an powerful early performance of her singing "I am changing" from Dreamgirls during the Arista Records 10th Anniversary in 1985. Amazing also the superb performance of "You give good love" from the 1st Soul Train Awards in 1987. In addition are the promo videos of "You give good love, Saving all my love for you, How will I know and The greatest love of all. If you are a Whitney Houston fan this is an absolute must have! If you want to listen to what made Whitney Houston "The Voice", please buy this Album, and you will be blown away by her very special talent!

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'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.

The past several years have been very hard for Whitney Houston. But, she proved that she still is a driven voice to be heard loud and clear. With her comeback album I Look To You going platinum last month, and topping the Billboard charts in 6 countries worldwide, and debuting at #1 here, the world has deeply been reminded how powerful her songs have remained after all this time. For Whitney, it is also a time to celebrate not just being honored as the BET Honors Entertainer Of The Year for 2010, but for a icon whom is celebrating her 25th Anniversary. This year marks the 25th Anniversary since "The Voice" made her landmark first album, that the world fell in love with heart and soul. Now, Whitney's debut album has been re-issued and the voice still shines brightly as ever.

The 2010 re-release of Whitney Houston: The Deluxe Anniversary Edition, celebrates Whitney's 25th Anniversary, and the makings of how Whitney made her way all the way to the top. All of the songs from the original album have been remastered brilliantly from start to finish, and include a few new surprises here as well. The collection includes all of the classic songs that were just great including the chart-toppers How Will I Know, You Give Good Love, Saving All My Love For You, her signature song The Greatest Love Of All, All At Once, and Hold Me with the recently departed Teddy Pendergrass. There are a few new additions as well, including a few dance mixes that are fair, but a surprising Acapella version of How Will I Know, which sounds amazing. Just the simplicity of that signature song, by the tone of Whitney's voice is one of the few remixes that is worth the effort.

The DVD also works well, as Whitney and the producer whom discovered her, Clive Davis brings out their takes on the beginning when Whitney sang backup for her mother, all the way to her debut on the Merv Griffin show back in 1983 singing Home. There are also a few performances here too that are surprising, including her performance of the song from Dreamgirls, I Am Changing, to all of the 4 music videos that helped in the lanuch of the album.

All in all, if you've never owned Whitney Houston's very first album, or if you've been a hard core fan of Whitney for years, this is definitely a must buy for your music collection. Whitney Houston: The Deluxe Anniversary Edition is a really great re-release that works well from start to finish, and a defining reason why Whitney has been giving us good love, and great songs after all these years in the spotlight. I absolutely recommend this album.

Album Cover: A-

Songs: B+

DVD Extras: A-

Price: B+

Remastering: A-

Overall: B+

To be honest, I really don't hear anything "remastered" about the CD. I was just anxious to hear "My Whitney" again. The extra dance versions of the songs are okay. The acappella version of "How Will I Know" really showcases her voice. The $14.99 that I paid for the CD/DVD is completely worth it for the live version of Whitney singing "I am Changing". Simply priceless!

anyone who's been a fan of whitney's over the past 25 years will appreciate this newly remastered and reissued debut album. this album brings back so many memories for me. the remastering is flawless. they restored the original version of Greatest Love of All. i was thrilled to have the jellybean remix of How Will I Know. the best part is the dvd, with the videos, rare live footage, and recent whitney/clive interview. thanks, whitney/clive! i hope they do the same for her 2nd and 3rd album (celebrating it's 20th anniversary this year).

In 2010 to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Whitney Houston's first ever album, "Whitney Houston", Arista decided to release this remarkable 25th Anniversary Edition with extra bonus tracks, rare label pictures and a DVD.

The bonus tracks include 5 recordings, although none are new songs, but are remix versions and a live recording of "The Greatest Love of All" from a 1990 concert Whitney gave at Radio City Music Hall. The remixes are of the songs "How Will I Know", "Thinking About You" and "Someone For Me".

The songs here have been digitally restored in prime condition as well.

The DVD includes new interviews with Whitney and the president of Arista, Clive Davis, as well as various music videos and a rare interview if Whitney on her first television appearance on "The Merv Griffin Show" in 1984.

Wow! A classic album given the royal treatment! The extras here are TRULY spectacular. The footage of Whitney on the Merv Griffin show alone makes this worth the purchase-not to mention the video extras and the remixes. Truly happy with the care and thought that went into this one. Hopefully the "Whitney" cd will be given the same treatment!

This is rare material! seeing and hearing whitney at her beginnings shows us the incredible talent of this woman! Interviews, videoclips, rare performances and great music(remixes included) make this CD a "must have" for all music livers. Thumbs up, miss Whitney and thanks to Clive Davis to bring this treasure to the world of music.....