Clean Bandit tell us all about their favourite Whitney Houston tracks
NOVEMBER marks 36 years since the release of Whitney Houston’s song How Will I Know, taken from her 1985 self-titled debut album.
Electronic pop outfit Clean Bandit are the first in a line of modern producers to step up and rework the late superstar’s music ahead of the movie about her life, which is coming to cinemas next year.
The blend of Whitney’s unforgettable voice with the unique sonics from the UK’s chart-topping Clean Bandit takes the original to new heights and is out now on Columbia Records.
Clean Bandit have remained one of pop’s most essential and dynamic forces since the release of their 2014 Grammy-winning breakout single Rather Be, which featured Jess Glynne.
Classical and electronic elements are at the heart of the music.
Grace is a classically trained cellist, Jack a producer and multi-instrumentalist, and Luke is a drummer and remixer. Their methods of production and collaboration have seen them pioneers their very own pop blueprint.
We caught up with Clean Bandit this weekand to mark the release of the reworking of How Will I Know, asked them to talk us through a selection of their favourite tracks from Whitney’s back catalogue.
You can listen and read what they had to say about the music they have selected below.
My Love Is Your Love
This is in my top 5 songs of all time by any artist. It is pure warmth. Love the reggae-influenced production. This song can make you smile and cry; a bittersweet, incredible track. With a supreme middle eight . (And an appearance from Wyclef on the decks in the video!)
It’s Not Right But It’s Ok
A bona fide anthem! Huge female empowerment vibes and a club banger! And Whitney looked like the ultimate beautiful badass in the video - wow. It totally encapsulates the feeling of being lied to. And I really appreciate it when she says “I’d rather be alone than unhappy” - I think too many people forget that!
I Wanna Dance With Somebody
I’m sure this will be the song many people think of when they think of Whitney, and I think it’s one of the best pop records of all time. The high note on “heat” in the chorus melody gets me every time!
I Will Always Love You
One of the biggest ballads of all time, written by the one and only Dolly Parton who I’m obsessed with too. Whitney was a master of this style of song, delivered with so much emotion and power. And another iconic video.
How Will I Know
An absolute classic. Whitney at her best and we’re so grateful to have been trusted to rework it. We got to explore it and get to know every element of it way more than we ever had before. And it was such a beautiful song to reimagine, we went wild with the violin and saxophone!
Greatest Love Of All
If any of Whitney’s songs really demonstrate her utterly outstanding voice… A very, very powerful cover.
I’m Your Baby Tonight
Just classic 80’s Whitney! Perfect.
Didn’t We Almost Have It All
Once again, the voice is just incredible. And remember that key change!?
So Emotional
This one perfectly conveys that naughty and kind of uncontrollable feeling you have for someone you shouldn’t be feeling for. I love it
Where Do Broken Hearts Go
This speaks to me a lot always and especially right now.
Whitney Houston, Clean Bandit - How Will I Know is out now.
