Any music listener has THE album. And by THE album, I mean the album that changed them from their core, gave them a sense of being and that makes them get up on their feet anytime it comes on (no matter where they are). For me, the album is Whitney Houston’s “My Love Is Your Love.” Let me preface that with this, Whitney Houston is my all-time favorite singer. She is the greatest singer/artist of all time and “My Love Is Your Love” is her greatest album. I know fans will probably argue me to death about this, but to me the best part about Whitney was her raw emotion. On this album, she reaches emotional depth unseen in today’s pop landscape. So nearly 20 years later, I’m going to take a listen to my favorite album and pick the top five tracks.

Let’s get into it!

#1. It’s Not Right But It’s Okay

Whitney starts the album off with an absolute banger. I love this song so much! The beat is effortless and complements Whitney’s voice well. She’s in great form here with spot on ad-libs, chanting and falsettos. Pure magic.

Favorite line: “Cause only two of ya’ll went out/ I found your credit card receipt”

#2. Heartbreak Hotel ft. Faith Evans and Kelly Price

Whitney rarely features other songstresses on her albums. But in this instance, the collaborations are spot on. These three women complement each other well and the sass/contempt for the man in question just oozes out the speakers. Kelly Price is in top form (listen to her on Kanye’s Ultralight Beam, she’s still got it) and Faith Evans is perfect for the hook. If you have the chance, watch the video. It’s Whitney at her most effortless.

Favorite Line: "I ain’t going to take it boy/ I ain’t going to take it no more/ Everything you say is a lie"

#3 When You Believe ft. Mariah Carey

Another feature! The fact that these super talented, super opinionated musical titans were able to complete this project still boggles my mind, but this song is perfection. Mariah and Whitney have very different sounds but they mesh well together here. Plus, Prince of Egypt is my all-time favorite animated movie. I love the mix of styles. It’s a wonderful mix of southern gospel and pop. I really wish more came from this collaboration.

Favorite Line: "Can’t see your way clear through the rain/ A small, but still, resilient voice/ Says help is very near"

#4 If I Told You That

The piano! Her voice! The hook! This song is everything I want from a Whitney r&b song. It’s a beautiful dance hit and the backing vocals are spot on. Another effortless track filled to the brim with emotional depth and relatable lyrics. She kind of sounds like Chaka Khan mixed with Mary J. Blige here. Great, great stuff.

Favorite Line: "If you think we’ll lose what we have/ Then I’d just rather stay the same"

#5 In My Business ft. Missy Elliot

Missy Elliot is one of the best producers ever. She also happens to be one of the best emcees of all time. And she is marvelous on this track. The production is amazing and once again complements Whitney’s voice. I love the sass on this track and the cool way Whitney addresses all the people commenting on her life. It's Whitney’s version of Michael Jackson’s “Privacy” and it’s absolutley brilliant.

Favorite Line: "Too many girls that dislike me/ Since I got you they wanna fight me"

Honorable Mentions: I Learned From the Best and I Bow Out