Whitney Houston, Saving All My Love For You | Throwback Vibez

In the 62^nd edition of Throwback Vibez (2023), we recollect and reflect on “Saving All My Love For You” by Whitney Houston. 

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez ! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re ancient – no fossils ! All genres of music are welcome. In the 62^nd edition of Throwback Vibez (2023), we recollect and reflect on “Saving All My Love For You”, performed by Whitney Houston. 

via GIPHY

“But no other man’s gonna do / So I’m saving all my love for you.” Who sung “Saving All My Love For You”? Why, the late, great Whitney Houston, of course, on her 1985 album, Whitney Houston.  Correct! Who sung it originally? Believe it or not, it was NOT Whitney Houston.  The shock! The awe! Originally, this Gerry Goffin and Michael Masser-penned gem was recorded by wife/husband duo Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr. Yes, that means that the Whitney Houston version, which has become the DEFINITIVE take, is a cover ! That delightful, once in a life time cover ended up being a no. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.

Honestly, when Whitney Houston recorded a song, it became hers.  Aretha Franklin was another musician who had a reputation for making covers the definitive version.  “Saving All My Love For You” is a prime example of that Whitney magic.  Her tone is stunning – celestial to the n^th degree. Additionally, even though she didn’t write this song, she sells it with incredible authenticity (“‘Cause tonight is the night for a feeling alright / We’ll be making love the whole night through / So I’m saving all my love”).  It’s the personality, the nuances, the runs – the top-notch musicianship.  Also, the saxophone ( Tom Scott) doesn’t hurt either! This superbly produced (Masser), incredibly memorable record exemplifies why Whitney Houston was the superstar she was .

Whitney Houston • Whitney Houston • Arista • 1985

Whitney Houston, “Saving All My Love For You”: Throwback Vibez No. 62 (2023) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Arista; John Alan Sperry, PIRO via  Pixabay]