Whitney Houston’s vocal range, power, and emotional depth made her one of the most iconic singers of all time. Choosing the hardest song to sing by Whitney Houston depends on factors such as vocal range, technical difficulty, and emotional delivery. However, a few songs stand out as particularly challenging, both in terms of vocal demands and complexity.
“I Will Always Love You”
- Difficulty: High
- Why it’s hard: This song is widely regarded as one of Whitney’s greatest vocal achievements, and it requires a singer to have not only incredible vocal technique but also a deep emotional connection to the lyrics. The song spans multiple registers, from a low, controlled beginning to a soaring, powerful high note in the chorus. The challenge lies in executing these transitions smoothly while maintaining emotional depth and vocal control.
“The Greatest Love of All”
- Difficulty: High
- Why it’s hard: This song requires an impressive vocal range, with several demanding high notes that must be sustained with clarity and power. The song’s phrasing also demands excellent breath control, and the singer must navigate its emotional complexity while maintaining technical precision.
“Run to You”
- Difficulty: Very High
- Why it’s hard: This ballad showcases Whitney’s full vocal range, from soft, intimate low notes to powerful high notes. The technical challenges include maintaining control over vibrato, using breath support effectively, and switching between the delicate verses and powerful choruses with ease. The emotional delivery is equally important, requiring a balance of tenderness and strength.
“How Will I Know”
- Difficulty: High
- Why it’s hard: While not as technically complex as some of her ballads, “How Will I Know” demands precision in her breath control, as she navigates fast-paced, syncopated rhythms and high notes in the chorus. The vocal runs in the song require agility and excellent control of her upper register, and the upbeat tempo adds an additional layer of challenge.
“I Have Nothing”
- Difficulty: Very High
- Why it’s hard: The vocal acrobatics in “I Have Nothing” are demanding, particularly in the climactic moments of the song. Whitney’s ability to seamlessly transition between the lower and upper registers without losing control or power is a testament to her vocal mastery. The emotional intensity, especially in the higher registers, adds an extra layer of complexity to the performance.
“All the Man That I Need”
- Difficulty: Very High
- Why it’s hard: This song has a mix of both soft, emotional passages and powerful high notes. The challenge lies in seamlessly transitioning between the more intimate, subdued parts of the song and the powerful, belted sections. Whitney’s ability to maintain vocal control while belting in her upper register is a hallmark of her vocal prowess.
In summary, while all of Whitney Houston’s songs require immense vocal skill, “I Will Always Love You” and “I Have Nothing” are often considered the most difficult because they demand a combination of vocal power, range, emotional delivery, and breath control. These songs showcase her ability to move between delicate, soft moments and powerful, soaring high notes, which requires an extraordinary level of vocal mastery.