With a career as gargantuan and glittering as Whitney Houston‘s, classic smashes are not hard to find.

Indeed, a survey of Nippy’s top hit is likely to generate a range of responses and ignite ample debate.

However, for every ‘I Will Always Love You’ and ‘I Have Nothing,’ there are rare gems of equal electricity that don’t garner the shine they deserve.

Today, From The Vault salutes one of the most notable – ‘Try It On My Own.’

In being lifted from Houston’s 2002 effort ‘Just Whitney,’ the song didn’t stand much of a chance given the backdrop of drama that surrounded the Platinum-selling-yet-problem-plagued album.

At this juncture of the star’s career, her name had become lodged in the headlines as her personal struggles spilled into the public sphere.

On top of this was a falling out with her mentor and industry father Clive Davis, who did not oversee the LP for the first and only time in Houston’s career.

Without a doubt, there was much to say and more to prove; and it’s clear ‘Try It On My Own’ was designed as the vehicle for both.

Produced and penned by the incomparable Babyface, the track was issued as the third single from its parent project in February 2003.

Lyrically, it shared a powerful narrative of overcoming obstacles by going it alone and it was paired with an uplifting music video that embodied this.

While vocally the release found Houston in the most agile shape of her latter days; indeed it was decorated in earnest with the explosive runs and belting that saw her become the greatest vocalist of all time.

Gratingly, the chaotic climate the single arrived during (see: the aftermath of the Diane Sawyer “Crack Is Wack” interview) meant the track struggled to gain traction and could only manage a #84 peak on the Billboard Hot 100. A remixed version did, however, hit #1 on the Billboard Dance Chart.

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Almost two decades on, the release of ‘Try It On My Own’ is all sorts of bittersweet.

On the one hand, the reality is that Houston’s life simply did not mirror the message of the song at the time of its arrival. Instead, it’s almost as if she was singing the lyrics in an attempt to manifest them. A reality that sadly did not come to fruition.

However, like the magic of her catalog at large, the song possesses an enduring quality. So while it may not have functioned as the triumphant redemption anthem for Houston herself, she gifted the world a gem that will no doubt be a victorious anthem for millions for years to come.

Your thoughts?

Ariana Grande is heading to Fortnite!

The songbird hatched the news moments ago that she’ll be teaming with the popular virtual game for a special concert experience.

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Megan Thee Stallion‘s career continues to climb from strength to strength.

The latest monumental moment for the femcee came in the form of a blockbuster performance at Lollapalooza 2021. 

Staging a titillating takeover of Grant Park in Chicago, IL, the Hot Girl Coach blazed the stage with hits such as ‘Savage,’ ‘WAP,’ and her latest single ‘Thot Sh*t.’ 

Remarking on her performance, Meg was full of gratitude when telling fans:

“Over 180,000 HOTTIES!!! They said we had thee biggest crowd of Lollapalooza so far !!! Thank you Chicago”

Check out highlights below…

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Halle Bailey is showing off her solo skill-set.

Rising to prominence as part of sister duo Chloe x Halle, the 21-year-old is set for a major close-up when she hits the big screen as Ariel in Disney‘s live-action remake of ‘The Little Mermaid’which recently wrapped filming. 

Before then, she’s spotlighting her vocal gravitas by way of a rousing rendition of Amy Winehouse‘s classic ‘Love Is A Losing Game.’

Check it out below…

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In news just in, it has been announced that DaBaby has been DROPPED from the lineup at Lollapalooza 2021.

The rapper’s axing comes amidst backlash following the shocking homophobic remarks he made on-stage during his performance at Rolling Loud Miami. 

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Dionne Warwick is the latest name to weigh in on the DaBaby debacle.

As covered extensively, the rapper has been slammed in earnest after making remarks on stage at Rolling Loud Miami that were homophobic and insensitive to those living with HIV.

The backlash has been both big and blazing, with DaBaby receiving critique from his contemporaries and corporations – some of whom have dropped him from collaborations.

Madonna was one of the many who clapped back at the seemingly defiant rapper, lambasting his hateful words and their impact.

Now, another legend – Dionne Warwick – is speaking up and out to thank Madonna for the teachable moment.

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Trey Songz has a question for the masses and it centers around Bruno Mars. 

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Billie Eilish is aiming to blaze with her hotly anticipated sophomore album ‘Happier Than Ever.’

Arriving two years after the singer’s mega-selling breakout effort ‘When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?,’ the project has been on the radar of the star’s legions of fans as well as critics eager to see whether she can cement her spot as one of music’s leading entities.

While the five pre-release singles – ‘My Future,’ ‘Therefore I Am,’ ‘Your Power,’ ‘Lost Cause,’ and ‘NDA’– each charted within the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100, all eyes are on whether the housing album will deliver commercially.

With lofty expectations, the first semblance of the answer has arrived. Because the first-week predictions are in.

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Today marks one year since Beyonce broke the internet with her stunning visual album, ‘Black Is King.’

Anchored in the story of ‘The Lion King’ and powered by the music of Queen Bey’s companion compilation ‘The Gift,’ the Disney+ special saw the entire LP brought to life via stunning music videos filmed everywhere from Ghana, to Nigeria, to the United States.

Guests aboard the mammoth project include Pharrell Williams, Naomi Campbell, Lupita Nyong’o, Wizkid, and Kelly Rowland.

Now, a year on, the mega-star salutes her love letter to Africa with the wide release of the video for ‘MOOD 4 Eva’ featuring JAY-Z and ‘Otherside.’

Watch below…

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Bruno Mars and Anderson . Paak are rolling ahead full steam with their newest Silk Sonic single ‘Skate.’

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Readers of That Grape Juice know how passionate we are about music – whether that be past or present.

However, unlike our other segments – Retro Rewind, TGJ Replay, and From The Vault – The Pop Stop is the most in-depth look at Pop songs that may have flown under the radar over the last week that you should know, rather they be from music’s biggest stars or those on the rise.

This week, we want to highlight cuts from Bleachers, Brandi Carlile, Taylor Janzen, and Yola.

Join us inside…

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Willow Smith is getting candid.

During an appearance ‘The Yungblud Podcast,’ the ‘Transparent Soul’ songstress opened up about the struggles she has faced in her career and how they came off as “bratty.”

Her words below…

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