Whitney Houston – I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) (US 12″)

Burning The Ground Exclusive 1987

“I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” is a song recorded by American singer Whitney Houston for her second studio album, Whitney (1987). It was released as the lead single from the album on May 2, 1987, by Arista Records. It was produced by Narada Michael Walden, and written by George Merrill and Shannon Rubicam, of the band Boy Meets Girl, who had previously collaborated with Houston on “How Will I Know.”

“I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” received mixed reviews from music critics, who praised Houston’s vocal performance but critiqued its musical arrangement comparing it to “How Will I Know” and Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Want to Have Fun.” Despite the mixed critical response, the song became a worldwide success, topping the charts in eighteen countries including Australia, Italy, Germany and the UK. In the US, it became Houston’s fourth consecutive chart topper and is certified 6× platinum with sales of over 6 million copies.

At the 30th Annual Grammy Awards, “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” won for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, marking Houston’s second win in the category.

“Moment Of Truth” was first released as a B-side to Whitney Houston’s single “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me).” The song was intended to be included on Whitney’s second album, but was cut in favor of “You’re Still My Man.” The track title was used as the name of Whitney’s second tour, the Moment Of Truth World Tour.

SIDE A:
I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) (12″ Remix) 8:32
I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) (Single Version) 4:51

SIDE B:
I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) (Dub Mix) 6:49
I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) (Acappella Mix) 5:20
Moment Of Truth 4:39

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year Single Chart Position
1987 I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) U.S. Billboard Hot 100 #1
1987 I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) U.S. Billboard Adult Contemporary #1
1987 I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop #2
1987 I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music/ Club Play #1

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Arista – AD1-9603
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Single
Country: US
Released: 1987
Genre: Pop
Style: Synth-pop

CREDITS:
Arranged By –  Whitney Houston
Executive Producer – Clive Davis
Keyboards [Additional Keyboards] – Ed Terry (tracks: A1, B1, B2)
Producer – Narada Michael Walden
Producer [Additional Production], Remix – Steve Thompson & Michael Barbiero
Producer [Production Company] –  Perfection Light Productions
Written By –David Paul Bryant (tracks: B3), George Merrill (tracks: A1 through B2), Jan Buckingham (tracks: B3), Shannon Rubicam (tracks: A1 through B2)

NOTES:
“From her album, Whitney”
Moment of Truth is a bonus cut, not available anywhere else.

Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS

VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
burningtheground.net

THE GEAR:
Turntable:Technics SL-1200MK7
Cartridge/Stylus:  Ortofon 2M Black PnP MkII
Turntable Isolation Platform: ISO-Tone™ Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro Spin Acrylic Mat
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
Phono Pre-amp:
Pro-Jec Tube Box DS2
DAC:
Alpha Design Labs GT40a USB DAC
Record Cleaning
: VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Artwork Scans
: Epson Workforce WF-7610 Professional Printer/Scanner

SOFTWARE:
Recording/Editing: Adobe Audition 3.0 (Recording)
Down Sampling/Dither: iZotope RX Advanced 2
Artwork Editor: Adobe Photoshop CS5
Click Removal: Manual
FLAC/MP3 Conversion: dBpoweramp
M3U Playlist: Playlist Creator

RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi

**24bit FLAC Only Available For Seven Days!


Password: burningtheground

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Reinhard
Reinhard
April 2, 2023 7:24 am

Mindblowing ear-buster- still today. In Germany this song can often be listen to the readio. Whitney is not forgotten. Thanx DJ PAULt FOR THIS ULTRA RARE VINYL RIPP.

ING
ING
March 30, 2023 9:47 pm

I was just listening to the a capella. Mind blowing. It’s my fave version! Do you have the How Will I Know 12”? Maybe you have already posted it… 😆

star
star
January 14, 2023 12:53 pm

I can’t believe I’ve never heard Moment of Truth before!
Holy moly, what an amazing tune!!
Thank you Paul for lighting up the night!

John
John
January 7, 2023 6:47 pm

Another fantastic post, Paul…..I think the drums are a Roland 808, I always see that pattern online, for recreating that rhythm, together with a Moog synth. Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)” still sounds fresh today with it’s great lyrics matched to a cool sound. The 80’s music were a great time for growing up.

Jon Lorenz
Jon Lorenz
January 7, 2023 4:55 pm

Thank you – this is such a gift to our household.

Fred
Fred
January 7, 2023 2:02 pm

Sorry for the late comment…Thanks so much, Paul!! These mixes were THE BOMB back in the day!! I routinely used the acappella with other song’s dubs/instrumentals…not a boring mashup but scratching the acappella. Especially the opening phrase “clock strikes…” and the crowds would go nuts. It’s a travesty that these mixes have never appeared on any kind of Whitney double-cd re-issue! Your rips of these sound amazing! Thanks so much!

Jeff
Jeff
Reply to  Fred
January 7, 2023 4:44 pm

Love this, Fred with what you said!! The a capella is amazing!! Would have loved hearing you in a club!!

Did you like the Brenda K. Starr record?? One of my favorites!!

Jeff

RPM
RPM
January 7, 2023 1:39 pm

Hi Paul. I know that you don’t do 7″ singles very often, but if you ever get the chance to post the 7″ version of “Help” by Tina Turner then it would be appreciated. Thanks for your blog

Jeff
Jeff
January 7, 2023 1:37 pm

I am loving the response here, Paul!! Thought it was way cool how Steve Thompson responded on Facebook too (in a joking manner!). You’re so great digitally producing the full 12-inch records we so love!! We are so grateful to the miracle that is you!!!

Jeff

Marco
Marco
January 7, 2023 4:42 am

I love these remixes by Steve Thompson and Michael Barbiero. The track got lots of radio airplay in the UK, as you mentioned it was a UK number 1.

Thanks for these mixes Paul 🙂

Randy Metro
Randy Metro
January 7, 2023 4:03 am

This takes me back to August 1987 when Whitney appeared at our state fair. She opened IIRC with this song with a gigantic DANCE in bright yellow lights flashing when ever she got to the word “dance.”

Joey
Joey
January 7, 2023 1:26 am

Wow, my 12″ had 5 mixes and no b-side, it instead contained the 12″ Remix-Radio Edit. This is Whitney at the top of her game. “The Moment of Truth” even got some airplay, I eventually had to get the 7″ to get it.

David G.
David G.
January 7, 2023 12:33 am

This is a fantastic one — thank you for the meticulous transfer! I can’t wait to give this a really careful listen and hear how the new equipment sounds. I was a huge fan of Whitney Houston back in the second half of the ’80s. I was even in a band then and we covered “How Will I Know” as part of our repertoire. When “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” came out, I ran out to buy both the 7″ and 12″ singles. What a fantastic song! I even went to see Whitney on her concert tour in 1987, where… Read more »

MusicMan3
MusicMan3
January 6, 2023 10:00 pm

Thanks for this post – love Whitney and such a fantastic 12″ Remix. This was when she could do no wrong. Thank you!

wrhusc
wrhusc
January 6, 2023 3:01 pm

Young Whitney was amazing….

reda
reda
January 6, 2023 2:51 pm

What an incredible talent, that’s and mariah carey first album was my two first cassettes tapes i listened thnxx paul for sharing i really apperciate

Jeff
Jeff
January 6, 2023 1:23 pm

Now, this is the Whitney I’ll always remember!! She seemed so full of life, innocent and happy! Paul, thanks for this rip. I love that it’s on a Friday too. It gets everyone excited for their weekend! This has-been a fabulous week!! High marks for the Brenda K. Starr!!! Love those booming Arthur Baker drums!!

Have a marvelous weekend, Paul!! You too, Song And Dance and everybody else!!!

Jeff

Retro Hound
Retro Hound
Reply to  Jeff
January 6, 2023 1:40 pm

As usual Jeff you’re right on the money! Thanks for the incredible rip Paul!! My favorite Whitney 12 inch and such a showcase for The Voice. A perfect way to start the weekend. Enjoy everyone!

Jeff
Jeff
Reply to  Retro Hound
January 7, 2023 1:38 pm

Love that we feel the same!!

Have a great weekend, Retro Hound!!!

Jeff

Retro Hound
Retro Hound
Reply to  Jeff
January 7, 2023 3:10 pm

Thanks, same to you Jeff!!

Muff Diver
Muff Diver
Reply to  Jeff
January 6, 2023 2:11 pm

Now, this is the Whitney I’ll always remember!! She seemed so full of life, innocent and happy!

Seconded!

Thank you very much Paul for this upload, the message and the timing.

Jeff
Jeff
Reply to  Muff Diver
January 7, 2023 1:42 pm

Have a great weekend, Muff Diver!!! (Love that name of yours too!!! Cheers to the delicious “vertical smile!!)

Jeff

Marty
Marty
Reply to  Muff Diver
January 9, 2023 4:40 pm

How about you guys actually pay attention to the lyrics of this song? Innocent and happy? … It’s truly one of the great songs of the 80s, but really.

Last edited 1 year ago by Marty
Raymond
Raymond
January 6, 2023 12:01 pm

Fantastic song, I always liked the 12″ version more, thanks!

Richard
Richard
January 6, 2023 11:01 am

Fantastic quality (as usual)!!! Thanx a lot Paul!

Song And Dance
Song And Dance
January 6, 2023 10:43 am

Never mind the critics – I love that song. I have two 12-inches that differ from your version. I never knew of this record: I have the three-track version feat the dance mix, the dub mix and Moment of Truth, and the five-track record including only “Wanna Dance” in five versions. You always amaze me, Paul 🙂

Btw, I mean this one: https://www.discogs.com/de/release/204680-Whitney-Houston-I-Wanna-Dance-With-Somebody-Who-Loves-Me

GAC
GAC
January 6, 2023 10:24 am

One of my favorite songs of all time. Always puts me in a good mood, and I love the remixes. Wonderful to have them in such high quality (including the cover!!). Thanks for posting this

CAPankow
CAPankow
January 6, 2023 10:19 am

as always: many thanks