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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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.
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… 😆
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!
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.
Thank you – this is such a gift to our household.
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!
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
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
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
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 🙂
You’re welcome, Marco 🙂
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.”
Amazing memory for you Randy 🙂
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.
In the US they issued two separate 12″ singles the one you have is the first release.
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 »
You’re welcome, David I hope you enjoy what I did with the transfer. Thanks for sharing your memories with us. 🙂
Thanks for this post – love Whitney and such a fantastic 12″ Remix. This was when she could do no wrong. Thank you!
You’re welcome MusicMan3 🙂
Young Whitney was amazing….
I agree 🙂
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
You’re very welcome 🙂
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
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!
You’re welcome, Retro Hound 🙂
Love that we feel the same!!
Have a great weekend, Retro Hound!!!
Jeff
Thanks, same to you Jeff!!
Seconded!
Thank you very much Paul for this upload, the message and the timing.
You’re welcome Muff Diver 🙂
Have a great weekend, Muff Diver!!! (Love that name of yours too!!! Cheers to the delicious “vertical smile!!)
Jeff
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.
Whitney’s first two albums are my favorite so full of life and energy. have a great weekend 🙂
Fantastic song, I always liked the 12″ version more, thanks!
You’re welcome, Raymond 🙂
Fantastic quality (as usual)!!! Thanx a lot Paul!
Thank you, Richard 🙂
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
Such a massive hit worldwide. Interesting that the US got two versions of the 12″ one with Remix Edit and one with Moment Of Truth.
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
You’re welcome, GAC 🙂
as always: many thanks
You’re welcome, CAPankow 🙂