10
'I'm Every Woman'
Released in 1993, 'I'm Every Woman' was a cover of the Chaka Khan hit from 1978. Houston, who was once a backup vocal singer for Khan, repurposed the track for 'The Bodyguard' soundtrack which starred her and Kevin Costner. Houston's version ended up becoming a bigger hit than the original, having reached staggering numbers on the Billboard Hot 100, Dance Club Play, Hip-Hop/R&B and Adult Contemporary charts.
09
'Exhale (Shoop Shoop)'
'Exhale (Shoop Shoop)' was the lead single off the soundtrack for 'Waiting to Exhale,' the 1995 romance-drama co-starring Houston and Angela Bassett. Written and produced by Babyface, the song was praised by journalists for showcasing a mature, soulful side to Houston's voice.
08
'Didn't We Almost Have It All'
The second single off the album 'Whitney,' 'Didn't We Almost Have It All' became one of Houston's most acclaimed songs, having been nominated Song of the Year at the 1988 Grammys.
07
'I Have Nothing'
The third single off 'The Bodyguard' soundtrack, the song became another hit for Houston as it reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100 after the success of the first two releases, 'I Will Always Love You' and 'I'm Every Woman.' This love ballad has contributed to the lasting impact of Houston's legacy, as it's often a popular choice on singing-based competitions such as 'American Idol' and 'The X Factor.'
06
'Saving All My Love For You'
Houston's 1985 cover of the ballad by Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr. was Houston's first number one single in her career. The track, which tells of a woman's love for a married man, earned Houston the 1986 Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
05
'How Will I Know'
From Houston's self-titled album, 'How Will I Know' was originally intended for Janet Jackson, who passed on the song. Houston used it for her album and it became a number one hit for Houston on the Billboard Hot 100.
04
'All the Man that I Need'
'All the Man That I Need' was Houston's 1990 hit that was a cover previously sung by Linda Clifford and Sister Sledge. Houston's version eventually became one of the biggest hits in her career. The song reached Gold status in March of 1991 and became a number one hit on three Billboard charts - the Hot 100, Hot R&B and Hot AC.
03
'I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)'
Perhaps Houston's most famous upbeat tune, this single off the 1987 album 'Whitney' was initally panned by critics. It did little to affect popular opinion, however, as it earned Houston a Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. Over the years, the song has been a staple of almost every '80s hits playlists.
02
'Greatest Love of All'
Houston covered this song which was originally from the 1977 Muhammad Ali biopic 'The Greatest.' The song about self-empowerment through adversity was written by Michael Masser and Linda Creed. Creed wrote the track while undergoing treatment for breast cancer and eventually passed away at the age of 36. Because of its inspiring message, the song continues to be an anthem of hope to this day.
01
'I Will Always Love You'
The lead single off 'The Bodyguard' soundtrack, 'I Will Always Love You' would eventually become the song that defined Houston's career - despite having been originally sung by Dolly Parton. The song showcases Houston's immense vocal talents and is to this day, considered one of music's best love songs of the modern era.
