Music Review: Whitney Houston "I'm Your Baby Tonight"

Whitney Houston

I’m Your Baby Tonight

Album: I’m Your Baby Tonight

Year: 1990

              Whitney Houston flirts shamelessly with her crush in the  full-blooded          “I’m Your Baby Tonight.”

         Ardent synths open the single, setting an invigorated tone.   He was absolutely gorgeous. She couldn’t keep her eyes on her magazine. He would look her way and she immediately stuck nose back in the magazine. It must’ve been obvious. There was something about him that made her curious and want to get to know him. She walks over to him, starting a conversation. She compliments him on his suit and touching his hand. She put her feelings out there. She can only hope he responds to her. (“From the moment I saw you/I went outta my mind/Though I never believed in, love at first sight/But you got a magic/That I just can't explain/Well you got a, you got a way that you make me feel/I can do, I can do anything for you baby/I'll be down for you baby/Lay all my cards out tonight/Just call on me baby/I'll be there in a hurry/It's your move, so baby/Baby decide.”)

                    In the chorus, he’s her ideal guy and she’s willing to do whatever it takes to land him. (“Whatever you want from me/I'm giving you everything/I'm your baby tonight/You've given me ecstasy/You are my fantasy/I'm your baby tonight.”)

             He brushed a strand of her hair, pulling it back and let his hand grace her neck. She had to bit her lip to keep from shouting. He’s the first she’s ever loved. With him, she has confidence in herself to try new things. She would like to take the relationship further. However, she has patience and knows time will help their love stronger. (“From the second you touched me/I was ready to die/I've never been fatal, you're my first time/
I feel like an angel, who just started to fly/Well you got a, you got a way that you make me/Feel I can, feel I can, do anything for you baby/I will fly for you baby, hold on and enjoy the ride/I'm not in no hurry, we can fly all night baby/It's your move, now baby/Baby let's fly.”)

             The chorus is sung again.

              In the first bridge, she says he’s her first priority. She has fallen for him hard. (“   Whatever I do boy/It's all about you baby/And ain't the truth boy/I'm helplessly in love with you/What else can I do boy/But be there for you baby/You got a, you got a way that you make a me/Feel I can, feel I can do any, do anything.”)

              The  chorus is sung again.

           In the second bridge, she wants a long-term relationship with him. She’s not interested in a casual fling or short-lived romance. All he has to do is say the word she wants to hear: exclusive. (“Looks like I'm fatal, it's all on the table/And baby you hold the cards, you got the magic/And I've got to have it, I don't want the pieces/I want every single part, I'll be your angel/I'm ready and able, whatever you want is fine/Whenever you're ready, just call on your lady/And I'll be your baby tonight.”)

                   The chorus is sung again to close the single.

                   Houston’s   svelte  vocals make her intentions known. She wants him and nothing is going to stop her from getting him. Here, her voice is still a pristine instrument, restrained and controlled.

                   The fierce “I’m Your Baby Tonight” is her first attempt at R&B and it was long overdue.