Whitney Houston, I Go To The Rock | Album Review 💿

The legacy of Whitney Houston endures on her posthumous, gospel music compilation, I Go To The Rock: the Gospel Music of Whitney Houston.

It is still incredibly hard to believe that the great 🎙 Whitney Houston is no longer here with us.  Although deceased since 2012, the music and the legacy of the 🏆 Academy Award and Grammy-winning vocalist endures. Continuing this legacy is the release of a gospel-focused compilation, 💿 I Go To The Rock: The Gospel Music Of Whitney Houston.  Many of the songs that appear should be familiar to the most die-hard Whitney fans, though there are some less familiar, previously unreleased gems too.  Ultimately, there is lots to like and appreciate on I Go To The Rock.

via GIPHY

“I Go To The Rock”

“I go to the rock / I know He is able, I go to the rock.” Amen 👏! I Go To The Rock kicks off with a surefire bang with 🤩 🎵 “I Go To The Rock” with 🎙 Georgia Mass Choir.  “I Go To The Rock” was written by the late, great 🎼 ✍ Dottie Rambo.  In the context of this compilation, it marks the first of five collaborations with the Georgia Mass Choir, all of which originally appeared on the 1996 album, 💿 The Preacher’s Wife.  Here, Houston’s voice is immaculate, regardless of whether she’s exhibiting poise or letting it rip during the spirited vamp section.  Sure, many have heard this record previously, but it never gets old. Rewind four years earlier, via 💿 The Bodyguard soundtrack, and Houston impressed on the simple yet meaningful childhood him, 🎵 “Jesus Loves Me”.  The centerpiece of The Bodyguard is 🎵 “I Will Always Love You” (duh), with other records performed by Whitney getting far more attention than this one.  Still, she sounds quite reverent and gorgeous, rising to the occasion as always. 

“I wanna live / So that God / Can use me / Anytime / Anytime / And anywhere.” That is a good word right there! 🤩 🎵 “He Can Use Me” marked the second single from I Go To The Rock. Here, we hear a young Houston (recorded in 1981) showcasing a truly anointed, special voice – one that would only mature, reaching higher heights. The premise of “He Can Use Me” is simple.  On this nearly five-minute gospel record, Whitney Houston is singing about serving the Lord – letting him use her as he sees fit.  “See, I wanna walk, yes / Yes, in this world / So the Lord will walk with me,” she sings on the verse adding, “I wanna talk / … Just knowing that the Lord will talk with me” 🙌.  Houston is supported by a reverent backdrop, one that sufficiently supports this faith-driven journey. Getting more context into the early career of Whitney Houston – her gospel roots – helps us to appreciate her once in a lifetime artistry even more.

“Joy To The World” 

“Joy to the world / The lord is come / Let Earth receive her king.” 🤩 🎵 “Joy to the World” arrives as Huston’s second collaboration with 🎙 Georgia Mass Choir.  It’s also the second of five gospel cuts from The Preacher’s Wife soundtrack.  In Houston’s hands, this is one of the truly elite renditions of the beloved Christmas Carol.  “Joy to the World” doesn’t need to be tweaked, but tweak it right, and you have a surefire masterpiece! Houston and The Georgia Mass Choir spice things up, giving the traditional carol more of a contemporary gospel spin, following a smooth, playful intro by Houston.  The sound is bright and energetic, masterfully celebrating J-E-S-U-S.  Houston’s vocals are at their peak.  She exhibits composure and poise, yet knows when to ‘let ‘em rip,’ taking the spirit next level.  The Georgia Mass Choir is there to provide a lift, and this ‘gospelized’ version plays directly to their strengths. Add in a vamp/breakdown section, and we get a hint of contemporary R&B ala the 90s.  Ultimately, this spirited take is one you’ll not only want to refresh you during Christmas, but into New Years and beyond.

Appears in 🔻: 

• Whitney Houston, “Joy to the World”: Sunday Refresh 🙏 30 (2021)
• Mariah Carey Whitney Houston: Head 2 Head 🗣️ No. 40 (2021)
• 13 Merry Christmas 🎄 Gems (Newer & Older) (2021)
• 15 Epic Songs Regarding The World (2023)

After welcoming the birth of a savior, I Go To The Rock unveils some more previously unheard performances. The first of which is 🎵 “Bridge Over Troubled Water”, where she collaborates with another powerhouse, 🎙 CeCe Winans.  Naturally, the results are breathtaking – quite the rousing, spiritually fulfilling listening experience. Even as oft-covered as “Bridge Over Troubled Water” is, it is always a treat to hear a voice like Houston take the reins.  Afterwards, Houston shares her 🤩 🎵 “Testimony”, the promo single from I Go To The Rock.

“I’ve got a testimony / My God has given me one,” she sings in the chorus, continuing, “I gotta tell somebody / How good God’s been to me, yes.” The message is positive through and through, reflecting the faith and love of gospel music she always possessed.  Supported by an exuberant music backdrop, it is clear that “Testimony” is firmly planted in gospel music. Like 🎵 “He Can Use Me”, we hear a 17-year old Houston performing. The foundation is in place, but she’d mature far more to reach the pinnacle.  All told, 🎵 “Testimony” is indeed a powerful testament of faith and showcases the beginnings of one of the greatest singers of all time.

“I Look To You”

“I look to you / I look to you / After all my strength is gone / In you, I can be strong.” It’s been a long time since 🎼 ✍ R. Kelly has been associated with anything positive.  Nonetheless, he happened to write a great song for Whitney Houston, 🤩 🎵 “I Look to You”, which served as a highlight from her 2009 final studio album,  💿 I Look to You. “I Look to You” is a fine mix of adult contemporary R&B and contemporary gospel.  While arguably not a full-fledged gospel record, clearly Houston was looking to The Most High for guidance and strength. She brings Kelly’s thoughtful words to life, while a production team comprised of 🎛 Emanuel Kiriakou, Christopher Tricky Stewart, and Harvey Mason Jr. provide a relatively simple but fitting backdrop to support her. Perhaps it never reaches the highs of her most iconic performances but “I Look To You” was a fitting farewell prior to the icon’s untimely death.

Appears in 🔻: 

• Eye 👁This List of Must-Hear “I” Songs

Unless you saw the remake of Sparkle or purchased/streamed the soundtrack, you very well may have missed Houston’s rendition of the hymn, 🎵 “His Eye Is On The Sparrow”.  This record arrived posthumously in 2012, following Houston’s death on February 11 the same year.  By this time, Houston’s voice didn’t quite have the same oomph compared to her glory days.  Still, the shades of greatness can still be heard. 🎵 “Hold On, Help Is On The Way” with 🎙 Georgia Mass Choir arrives as the third highlight from The Preacher’s Wife, a time when Houston was at the very top of her game.  A year earlier, she shines on 🎵 “This Day (Live VH1 Honors – June 22, 1995).” Here, she’s backed by sensational voices. Of course, it is Houston who is the star, blessing us on this live performance with effortless, flawless vocals – the exemplification of perfection.

“I Found A Wonderful Way” 

With so many familiar gospel cuts by Houston, 🎵 “I Found A Wonderful Way” gives us one of those newbies.  “I Found A Wonderful Way” keeps things short but utterly sweet.  It doesn’t take Houston long to elevate the spirit and impress with impeccable musicianship.  Safe to say, she takes us all the way to church!  Speaking of church, how about two more gems from The Preacher’s Wife?  “Joy, joy, down in my soul / Sweet, beautiful, soul saving joy / Oh joy, joy in my soul.” 🎵 “Joy” was originally recorded by Georgia Mass Choir on their 1992 album, 💿 I Sing Because I’m Happy. The song was written by 🎼 ✍ Kirk Franklin. Here, Whitney Houston continues to do ‘Whitney Houston’ things. She’s incredibly compelling as the lead, with Georgia Mass Choir further fueling her with their high-flying supporting vocals.  At a respectable three-minutes and 15 seconds, you almost wish that Houston and The Georgia Mass Choir could’ve extended the song longer – given us more of that greatness!

Appears in 🔻: 

• 10 Songs Filled with Considerable Joy (2020)

The final cut from The Preacher’s Wife is arguably the best: 🤩 🎵 “I Love The Lord”.  Why does it have a case for the crowning achievement? It is a ballad, and Whitney was the queen of ballads! Initially, Houston shows remarkable poise.  Eventually, Georgia Mass Choir takes over the melody, allowing Whitney to excel in her role blessing us with those commanding, powerful ad-libs.  This record is a perfect example where Houston’s love of gospel music shines through. Following up “I Love The Lord” in an incredibly tall task.  No worries, as her estate closes with a gem sure to make you shout.  Recorded in 1990, the greatness – that anointed, prodigious voice – is on full display on 🎵 “He / I Believe (Live at Yokohama Arena – January 2, 1990)”. In her hands, this medley truly sounds as if it were sent directly from heaven.  This one is best listen to – no extensive written analysis required!

Final Thoughts 💭

All in all, 💿 I Go To The Rock: The Gospel Music Of Whitney Houston includes some terrific gospel performances recorded throughout the illustrious career of Whitney Houston. Most of these performances dedicated fans of the iconic singer have heard, particularly the selections from The Preacher’s Wife.  Still, it is nice to have a compilation of Houston’s most spiritual songs, as well as add some previously unreleased records to the mix.

via GIPHY

🤩 Gems 💎: “I Go To The Rock,” “He Can Use Me,” “Joy To The World,” “Testimony,” “I Look To You” & “I Love The Lord”

🎙 Whitney Houston • 💿 I Go To The Rock: The Gospel Music of Whitney Houston • 🏷 Sony Music Entertainment • 🗓 3.24.23

[📷: Sony Music Entertainment]