Whitney Houston, I Believe in You and Me | Bangerz N Bopz

In the 5^th edition of Bangerz N Bopz , we highlight “I Believe in You and Me” performed by Whitney Houston.

Bring on the bold, fierce songs! Bangerz N Bopz serves up background info and insight into songs of various styles, especially songs that raise eyebrows and/or stir the pot.  Featured records can be classic or brand new. In the 5^th edition of Bangerz N Bopz (2023), we break down “I Believe in You and Me” performed by Whitney Houston.

“I believe in you, and me / I believe that we will be / In love eternally / Well, as far as I can see.” Those lyrics hail from “I Believe in You and Me”, one of the highlights from The Preacher’s Wife (Original Soundtrack album).  Released in 1996, the iconic Whitney Houston remained in her best voice, tearing up her soundtrack era! This gem, written by Sandy Linzer and  David Wolfert, was tailor made for her expressive, nuanced, and powerhouse pipes, PERIOD.  Or, was it? Well, actually, this bop is a COVER ! Another legendary R&B act, The Four Tops, recorded it originally in 1982 on their album, One More Mountain.  The song wasn’t a pop success, and honestly, it was only modestly successful on the R&B charts.  Then, came Whitney!

Another rousing success, “I Believe in You and Me” earned Whitney Houston another top-five hit on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at no. 4 in 1997.  Furthermore, the single was certified platinum – DEFINITELY a big deal.  Adding to the accolades, Houston was nominated for two Grammys –  Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, specifically for “I Believe in You and Me,” and Best R&B Album for The Preacher’s Wife.  The voice is a huge reason why “I Believe in You and Me” is so epic.  Houston is able to show poise and also up the ante, rising to the occasion.  Her melismatic moments are breathtaking – truly awe inspiring.  The source material, by Linzer and Wolfert, is well-penned instrumentally (tuneful) and lyrically (memorable).  The dedication is lit to say the least:

“I will never leave your side

I will never hurt your pride

When all the chips are down, ha

I will always be around

Just to be right where you are

My love, oh, you know I love you, boy.”

Yes, yes, yes, girl! Nothing more needs to be said. “I Believe in You and Me” = another iconic Whitney Houston moment.

Whitney Houston • The Preacher’s Wife • Arista • 1996

Whitney Houston, I Believe in You and Me: Bangerz N Bopz No. 5 (2023) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Arista; cottonbro studio, Harry Shelton, Kool Shooters, Lucas Pazeta, Mavluda Tashbaeva, Teddy Yang, Wesley Souza from Pexels]