this was arguably her best album. Her vocal peak was '87-'94. Yes, there were a few changes after album 2, but Whitney's vocal skills increased drastically. Her tone was richer and her control more steady. The videos of this album were brilliant too. The lead single remains probably her best video and "Susan" had her working with rappers long before Carey.

The Japanese version of the album had a "Taking a Chance" and "Higher Love" as bonus tracks and the former is great. Another song many don't know of is the outtake "Dancing on the Smooth Edge". This is where Whitney literally tore up the vocal! She transitioned from jazzy smooth runs and deep chest voice to super high head notes and classic Whitney belts.

Mariah always had the bigger range but her operatic background made her less emotive as she relied on technique. Whitney's Gospel training gave her the ability to connect word to emotion and that's another reason she was so good.

Up until '94 Whitney was smashing live performances culminating in stealing the show at the benefits concert with Sting, Elton John and Pavarotti. Yep, she smashed Opera! After "Exhale" her voice was darker and she began to sound like an alto, that's why MLIYL was so disappointing for me. She did far better on the Just Whitney album. Live performances were bad but the studio set was much better.