You Give Good Love

When one begins to explore a song, sometimes the most interesting thing is not just the melody or the lyrics, but how it came to be what it is. In the case of You Give Good Love, the first single by Whitney Houston, there are several details that make it special from the outset. For example, it was recorded in 1983, two years before it was released to the public, and it was one of the first tracks chosen for her debut album. The composition is by La Forrest 'La La' Cope, and the production was by Kashif. Interestingly, this song had first been offered to Roberta Flack.

The release of You Give Good Love on February 22, 1985, had a clear objective: to position Houston first in the black music market. And she certainly achieved it, reaching the top spot on the Billboard and Cashbox R&B charts. But what made it even more outstanding was its unexpected success on the pop charts, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100. It was the first step in a long series of hits for her in the Top 10. The song also resonated in Canada, where it became her first single to reach the top ten. In other places like the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan, its reception was a bit more moderate.

This track not only conquered the charts but also received awards. It won the award for Favorite Soul/R&B Single at the 1986 American Music Awards and received nominations for Best R&B Song and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance at that year's Grammy Awards. The music video, directed by Michael Lindsay-Hogg, shows Houston in a club, with a photographer focused on her. Throughout her career, she performed this song on numerous television shows, award ceremonies, and on several of her tours. Furthermore, You Give Good Love has been included in several of her compilation albums, such as Whitney: The Greatest Hits (2000) and The Essential Whitney Houston (2011).

The story of how it came into Whitney Houston's hands also has its substance. After being discovered by Clive Davis of Arista Records in 1983, club showcases were organized to present her talent to producers. Kashif, one of those producers, was initially not very convinced by Houston's performance, describing it as a "lounge act." However, after seeing a video of her performing "Home," he was impressed. It was at that moment that La Forrest 'La La' Cope, a songwriter working with Kashif, sent him a demo of the ballad You Give Good Love. The recording took place in 1983, and the result was a track that defined the beginning of a monumental career.