Whitney Houston, All the Man That I Need | Throwback Vibez

On the 6^th edition of Throwback Vibez, we recollect and reflect on “All the Man That I Need” by the iconic Whitney Houston.   

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he vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez ! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace Throwback Vibez are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re ancient – no fossils ! All genres of music are welcome – we don’t discriminate ‘round here! On the 6^th edition of Throwback Vibez , we recollect and reflect on “All the Man That I Need,” performed by Whitney Houston. 

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Theme & Lyrics  

“And in the evening / When the moon is high / He holds me close and won’t let go / He won’t let go.” The late, great Whitney Houston had a knack for covers.  Her most famous cover was “I Will Always Love You” with “The Greatest Love of All” in the mix as well.  However, on her 1990 album, I’m Your Baby Tonight, The Grammy-winning singer also did wonders with another cover and no. 1 hit, “All the Man That I Need.” “All the Man That I Need” was written by Dean Pitchford and Michael Gore and originally recorded by Linda Clifford in 1982.  Also, prior to the iconic Houston version, Sister Sledge recorded it as the penultimate track on their 1982 album, The Sisters.  Ultimately, despite being a cover, Houston’s recording has become the definitive version.  Prior to researching “All the Man That I Need,” aside from a Luther Vandross reinterpretation ( “All the Woman I Need” from Songs), it was the only version of the song I’d heard. 

Basically, everything that Whitney touched in her heyday turned into gold.  “All the Man That I Need” never ignited the charts until she anointed the track.  The big takeaway is that Houston made this non-original sound completely original.  The authenticity is a big selling point, as you buy what Houston is selling regarding love:

“He fills me up
He gives me love
More love than I’ve ever seen
He’s all I got
He’s all I got in this world
But he’s all the man I need.”

The chorus is the crowning achievement, particularly post-saxophone solo (courtesy of Kenny G!).  We get a dramatic key change, and those signature, indescribable Houston ad-libs.  Her voice soars effortlessly, supported by marvelous backing vocals.  Also, the lush, warm production work cannot be denied ( Narada Michael Walden).

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Final Thoughts

Whitney Houston’s 1990 album, I’m Your Baby Tonight isn’t as elite as Whitney Houston (1985) or Whitney (1987).  That said, “All the Man That I Need” ranks among the best songs from her rich catalog.  Others may have failed to make it a hit, but Houston got the job done in a big way.

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Whitney Houston • I’m Your Baby Tonight • Arista • 1990
Whitney Houston, “All the Man That I Need”: Throwback Vibez No. 6 (2021) [: Arista, Brent Faulkner, cottonbro,  The Musical Hype]

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