Didn't We Almost Have It All

Whitney Houston recorded "Didn't We Almost Have It All" as the third single from her second studio album, Whitney. The track arrived on August 13, 1987, under Arista Records after executives rejected a cover of the Isley Brothers' "For the Love of You" in favor of an original composition. Written by Michael Masser and Will Jennings, the song showcases Houston's four-octave vocal range within a contemporary R&B and soul framework.

The single became Houston's fifth consecutive number-one hit on the US Billboard Hot 100, holding the top position for two weeks in late 1987. This achievement tied records previously set by Elvis Presley and The Supremes for consecutive number-one debuts. While the song reached number two on the UK Singles Chart, it secured Platinum certification from the RIAA in the United States.

Critics praised the orchestral arrangement and dramatic build-up, with Stereogum later highlighting the track in their "The Number Ones" column. The song received a Grammy nomination for Song of the Year in 1989 but did not win the award. A music video directed by Brian Grant featured footage from Houston's September 1987 concert in Saratoga Springs, New York, intercut with close-ups of her singing to dominate MTV, VH1, and BET. [edit]