Whitney Houston – So Emotional: Lyrics and Music Video

Whitney Houston - So Emotional: Song Overview

Whitney Houston's *So Emotional* (1987) is a high-energy pop-rock anthem from her second studio album, Whitney. A showcase of Houston’s vocal versatility, the track blends rock-infused production with danceable grooves, becoming one of her most iconic uptempo hits.

Release and Chart Performance

• Released in November 1987 as the album’s fourth single.
• Peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 (US) and No. 5 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
• Helped the Whitney album achieve 9x Platinum status in the US, selling over 9 million copies.

Musical Style and Themes

The song combines:

• Guitar-driven rock rhythms, synth hooks, and Houston’s powerhouse vocals.
• Lyrics about overwhelming romantic desire, epitomized by the chorus:

  “I get so emotional, baby / Every time I think of you.”

Legacy and Cultural Impact

• Endures as a 1980s pop-rock classic, amassing 200+ million streams globally.
• Featured in films like Magic Mike XXL (2015) and TV shows like American Horror Story: 1984, reviving its retro appeal.
• Praised for breaking Houston’s “ballad-only” image, showcasing her ability to dominate uptempo genres.

Songwriting Credits

Written by Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly (known for *Like a Virgin*), and produced by Narada Michael Walden. The track’s rock edge was inspired by Walden’s collaboration with guitarist Corrado Rustici.

Summary

*So Emotional* solidified Whitney Houston’s reign as the “Voice of the 80s,” merging rock energy with her unmatched vocal prowess. Its chart-topping success and enduring presence in pop culture cement it as a definitive 1980s anthem, celebrating Houston’s dynamic range and genre-blurring artistry.

Keywords

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