How Will I Know
"How Will I Know" is a dance-pop song recorded by American singer Whitney Houston for her eponymous debut studio album, released as the third single on November 22, 1985, by Arista Records.[1] Written by George Merrill and Shannon Rubicam, with additional contributions and production by Narada Michael Walden, the track features upbeat synth-funk elements and lyrics exploring the excitement and uncertainty of infatuation.[2][3] The song marked Houston's second number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100, topping the chart for two weeks beginning February 15, 1986, and also reached number one on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart on March 8, 1986.[2][4] Its vibrant music video, directed by Brian Grant, played a key role in its success by increasing MTV airplay and helping Houston break racial barriers on the network during the mid-1980s.[5][6] Certified 3× Platinum by the RIAA (as of June 2025), "How Will I Know" propelled Houston's debut album to multi-platinum status and established her as a pop icon with its infectious energy and her powerful vocal delivery.[3][7] The track has since been remixed and covered by various artists, including a 2021 collaboration with Clean Bandit, underscoring its enduring influence in dance and pop music.[8]Original Song
Background and Recording
"How Will I Know" was written in 1984 by the husband-and-wife songwriting duo George Merrill and Shannon Rubicam, who composed it spontaneously during a collaborative session with Merrill on piano and Rubicam contributing stream-of-consciousness lyrics.[9] Originally intended for Janet Jackson's then-upcoming album, the song was rejected after Jackson passed on it, leaving Merrill and Rubicam disappointed as they believed it suited her style.[10][9] The demo tape eventually reached Arista Records executive Clive Davis through an intermediary, Gerry Griffith, who played it for him amid efforts to build material for Whitney Houston's debut album.[10] Davis, recognizing its potential, reassigned the track to Houston, viewing it as an ideal vehicle to showcase her vocal prowess in a pop context despite its initial aim for Jackson.[10] Merrill and Rubicam later expressed surprise at the switch but were thrilled upon hearing Houston's interpretation, which they deemed perfect for the energetic melody.[10] Recording took place in late 1984, with the backing track laid down at The Automatt studio in San Francisco during sessions overlapping with Aretha Franklin's Who's Zoomin' Who? project, while Houston's vocals were captured at Media Sound in New York City.[11] Produced by Narada Michael Walden, who received the incomplete demo from Griffith and co-wrote by adding the verses in collaboration with Merrill and Rubicam, the sessions emphasized a swift, high-energy process to preserve spontaneity.[11][12] The production incorporated synthesizers for rhythmic drive and an upbeat dance-pop arrangement, transforming the song's structure to highlight Houston's expansive vocal range, including a challenging high opening note she insisted upon despite Walden's initial reservations.[11][13] Houston completed her lead vocals efficiently in about one hour, with background harmonies added later by her mother Cissy Houston and others.[12]Composition
"How Will I Know" is classified as dance-pop and synth-funk, drawing influences from 1980s new wave through its prominent use of synthesizers.[14] The song is written in F♯ major and maintains a tempo of approximately 120 beats per minute (BPM), contributing to its energetic and danceable feel.[15] It follows a verse-chorus form with a bridge, beginning with a synth-driven intro that sets a playful tone, followed by verses that build narrative tension, pre-chorus sections that heighten anticipation, explosive choruses emphasizing the hook, and a bridge that introduces a moment of reflection before returning to the chorus and fading out.[16][17] Instrumentation centers on synthesizers providing melodic hooks and atmospheric layers, drum machines—likely including a Roland TR-808 for rhythmic punch—driving the upbeat groove, and prominent basslines that underpin the funk elements.[18][19] Whitney Houston's vocals feature dynamic runs and ad-libs particularly in the chorus, showcasing her range and adding emotional depth to the track.[20] Lyrically, the song explores themes of youthful infatuation and uncertainty in love, capturing the excitement and doubt of a budding romance through innocent, relatable questioning.[20] The central hook—"How will I know if he really loves me?"—encapsulates this vulnerability, making it instantly appealing in pop music for its direct emotional resonance.[16]Release and Promotion
Formats and Track Listings
"How Will I Know" was released as a single on November 22, 1985, by Arista Records as the third single from Whitney Houston's self-titled debut studio album, originally issued on February 14, 1985.[1][21][22] The single was initially distributed in several analog formats, including 7-inch vinyl, 12-inch vinyl featuring extended mixes, and later digital reissues included CD singles, particularly in the late 1980s and 1990s compilations. Track listings varied by format and region, with the standard album version running 4:28 and the extended dance remix at 6:35. No commercial cassette single was released.[23]7-inch Vinyl
The primary 7-inch single release featured the edited album version on the A-side and a non-album B-side track.| Side | Title | Length | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | How Will I Know | 4:28 | LP version |
| B | Someone for Me | 4:58 | Non-album track |
12-inch Vinyl
The 12-inch format emphasized dance-oriented extended versions, produced by Narada Michael Walden with remixing by John "Jellybean" Benitez.| Track | Title | Length | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | How Will I Know | 6:35 | Dance remix |
| B1 | How Will I Know | 4:42 | Instrumental version |
| B2 | How Will I Know | 4:28 | LP version |
Cassette Single
No commercial cassette single was released for "How Will I Know."CD Single
CD singles appeared in later years, often as part of reissues or compilations. These were not part of the original 1985 rollout but supported ongoing promotion.[23] International variations included region-specific remixes on 12-inch vinyl. The UK 12-inch (Arista ARIST 12 656, 1986) featured "How Will I Know (Dance Remix)" (6:30) and "Someone For Me (Remix)" (7:22). Australian releases (Arista X14167, 1985) offered limited-edition extended remixes. German editions (Arista 607 952, 1985) included the Jellybean remix, along with the instrumental and LP versions.[23][28][29]Music Video
The music video for "How Will I Know," directed by Brian Grant, was filmed in London, England, in 1985 prior to the single's release.[30][31] It features a colorful, fast-paced 1980s aesthetic, with Houston navigating a dream-like maze set constructed from translucent plastic panels printed with vibrant inks to symbolize the uncertainties of relationships, while dancing energetically with a group of friends.[32][30] The video's upbeat visuals align with the song's dance-pop genre, emphasizing youthful playfulness through quick cuts and dynamic camera movements.[30] Key scenes include Houston waking in a bedroom and transitioning through wardrobe changes into colorful outfits, followed by choreography-led sequences where she joins background dancers in the maze-like environment, culminating in close-up shots of her singing directly to the camera amid flashing video screens and partitions.[31][30] The choreography, created by Arlene Phillips, was designed to showcase Houston's charisma while masking her relative inexperience in dance by surrounding her with skilled performers.[33][30] Running approximately 4:30 in length, the video premiered on MTV and achieved heavy rotation, marking a breakthrough for Houston as one of the first videos by a Black female artist to gain significant airplay on the network and broadening her appeal to younger, predominantly white audiences.[31][34][35] Behind the scenes, Grant collaborated closely with Houston, then 22 years old, praising her professionalism and lack of entourage during the shoot; background dancers were cast from local English professionals to complement her performance.[30] Specific budget details for the production are not publicly documented, but post-production focused on editing to highlight Houston's expressive face and the video's fun energy, using effects to enhance the maze's disorienting, vibrant visuals without revealing any dance limitations.[30][32]Live Performances
Whitney Houston debuted "How Will I Know" live on The Merv Griffin Show in 1985, shortly after the single's release, delivering an energetic performance that showcased her burgeoning pop appeal alongside host Merv Griffin and guests including Tony Danza.[36][37] The song became a staple in Houston's early live repertoire, featured prominently on her Greatest Love World Tour in 1986, where it appeared in the setlist for most shows, often with upbeat dance arrangements that energized audiences across North America and Europe.[38][39] This tour placement was bolstered by the track's commercial breakthrough, securing her major arena slots. She also performed it at high-profile television events that year, including a vibrant rendition at the 13th Annual American Music Awards in January 1986, introduced by Diana Ross.[40] In 1987, Houston brought the song to international audiences with a dynamic live version at the BRIT Awards, held at London's Grosvenor House Hotel, where her powerful vocals and stage presence earned widespread acclaim.[41][42] The performance was later included on her 2014 compilation album Whitney Houston Live: Her Greatest Performances.[43] Over the years, Houston's renditions of "How Will I Know" evolved from the high-energy, dance-oriented versions of her 1980s tours to more soulful and interpretive deliveries in the 2000s, reflecting her maturing artistry.[44] During her Nothing But Love World Tour from 2009 to 2010, including dates in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand in December 2010, she incorporated the song with a richer, more emotive arrangement that highlighted her vocal range. These later shows emphasized emotional depth over the youthful exuberance of her earlier performances.[45]Reception and Impact
Critical Reception
Upon its release in 1985, "How Will I Know" received positive attention from critics for showcasing Whitney Houston's vocal prowess within an accessible pop framework. Rolling Stone's Don Shewey praised the track in his album review as "irresistibly danceable," highlighting its energetic synth-funk elements that evoked Houston's godmother Aretha Franklin while appealing to a broad audience.[46] Billboard later reflected on the song's infectious hook and charm, noting how it succeeded as a spunky pop number that allowed Houston to navigate dancefloor rhythms with youthful exuberance.[47] Some contemporary critiques pointed to the song's reliance on formulaic 1980s production styles, with Shewey observing its resemblance to the Pointer Sisters' "He's So Shy," suggesting a derivative quality amid the era's synth-heavy trends.[46] Despite such notes, the track was generally celebrated for Houston's performance, which balanced powerful vocals with playful delivery, setting it apart from more ballad-oriented material on her debut album. In retrospective analyses, "How Will I Know" has been lauded for its enduring pop innovation and role in Houston's crossover success. Stereogum described it as bubbly and giddy dance-pop, a rush that captures the thrill of infatuation through immediate, direct synth-funk.[48] Rolling Stone ranked it among the 200 best songs of the 1980s, emphasizing its perky energy and cultural impact.[49] Critics have drawn comparisons to contemporaries like Madonna for its MTV-friendly pop accessibility and to Janet Jackson, as the song was originally offered to her before Houston recorded it, highlighting shared themes of youthful romance in 1980s dance-pop.[50] Following Houston's death in 2012, reevaluations underscored the song's timeless appeal, with Billboard noting in 2024 its blend of pop exuberance and role in broadening her audience.[6] Billboard echoed this in 2024, calling it an "energetic and catchy ode to love" that broke color barriers on MTV and remains a vibrant staple of her legacy.[6]Commercial Performance
"How Will I Know" achieved substantial commercial success in the United States, with the single certified Gold by the RIAA in December 1985 for 500,000 units shipped, marking a key milestone in Whitney Houston's early career. These sales contributed significantly to the diamond certification of her debut album Whitney Houston, which surpassed ten million units domestically and underscored the track's role in propelling the album's overall market dominance.[51] Certified 3× Platinum by the RIAA in June 2025 for combined physical, digital sales, and streaming equivalent to three million units in the U.S., reflecting sustained demand through reissues and downloads.[52][53] The song also garnered extensive radio airplay, dominating both pop and R&B stations and serving as a cornerstone of Houston's breakthrough, with its upbeat sound driving heavy rotation that propelled it to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks.[2] This airplay success was amplified by promotional radio campaigns from Arista Records, which positioned the track as a dance-pop staple in the mid-1980s market.[51] Internationally, "How Will I Know" posted strong sales in key markets including the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, where it benefited from robust physical single distribution and radio exposure, contributing to the global tally of around 1.5 million units for the original release period.[51] In the digital era, the song saw renewed commercial viability through early streaming platforms post-2000, evolving into a catalog mainstay. By November 2025, long-term revenue streams had accumulated notably, with the track surpassing 400 million plays on Spotify alone, highlighting its enduring appeal in the on-demand audio landscape.[54]Accolades and Legacy
"How Will I Know" earned Whitney Houston her first MTV Video Music Award for Best Female Video in 1986, recognizing the song's innovative music video directed by Brian Grant.[55] This accolade highlighted the track's role in breaking barriers for Black artists on MTV, as its colorful, high-energy visuals helped integrate R&B and pop into the network's rotation, influencing future video programming.[34] The song has left a lasting cultural footprint, appearing in the 2022 biopic Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody, where it depicts a pivotal recording session, and in the TV series Firefly Lane (season 2, episode 7), underscoring its enduring appeal in media portrayals of 1980s nostalgia.[56] Its upbeat dance-pop style contributed to the era's synth-driven sound, inspiring subsequent 1980s tracks by blending infectious rhythms with powerful vocals, as noted in analyses of Houston's debut album's impact on pop production.[57] In discussions of Houston's career, "How Will I Know" is credited with catapulting her from gospel roots to global superstardom, serving as the third single from her 1985 self-titled debut that sold over 25 million copies worldwide and established her as a crossover icon.[58] Producer Narada Michael Walden, who helmed the track, reflects on its creation in his book Whitney Houston: The Voice, the Music, the Inspiration, emphasizing how it showcased her versatility and set the template for her seven consecutive No. 1 hits.[59] The song's legacy extends into the digital age, with viral TikTok challenges in the 2020s recreating its dance moves and choreography, amassing millions of views and introducing it to younger audiences.[60] In 2025, marking the 40th anniversary of Houston's debut album, the Whitney E. Houston Legacy of Love Gala featured a medley performance including "How Will I Know" by Jennifer Hudson, celebrating its role in her historic milestone year alongside new RIAA certifications for the track.[61]Chart Performance and Certifications
Weekly Charts
"How Will I Know" achieved significant success on the US Billboard Hot 100, debuting at number 60 on December 7, 1985, before climbing to the top spot, where it held number one for two consecutive weeks beginning February 15, 1986. The single remained on the chart for a total of 24 weeks, reflecting its sustained popularity driven by robust sales and radio airplay. During the 1980s, the Billboard Hot 100 methodology combined retail sales data from physical singles with airplay reports from radio stations to determine rankings.[62][63][64] In the United Kingdom, the single entered the Official Singles Chart on January 25, 1986, and peaked at number five, spending 13 weeks in the Top 75. The UK Singles Chart in the mid-1980s relied exclusively on sales figures from physical record sales reported by retailers.[65][66] The song also performed strongly on international weekly charts, reaching number one in Canada on the RPM Singles chart for one week in March 1986 and peaking at number 2 in Australia on the Kent Music Report. It entered the top 10 in several European markets, including Sweden and Norway. The following table summarizes peak positions on select major weekly charts:| Country | Chart | Peak Position |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | Kent Music Report | 2 |
| Canada | RPM Singles | 1 |
| Netherlands | Dutch Top 40 | 12 |
| Norway | VG-lista | 2 |
| Sweden | Sverigetopplistan | 6 |
| United Kingdom | Official Singles Chart | 5 |
| United States | Billboard Hot 100 | 1 |
Year-End Charts
"How Will I Know" performed strongly on year-end charts in 1986, capturing its widespread appeal through consistent radio play and commercial success over the year. On the Billboard Year-End Hot 100, the song ranked at number 6, benefiting from its early peak and prolonged chart presence.[68] Internationally, it reached number 17 on Canada's RPM Top 100 Singles year-end chart, underscoring its crossover impact in North America.[69] In Australia, the track placed at number 22 on the annual singles chart, placing it within the top 25 hits of the year.[70] These rankings were driven by sustained airplay and sales momentum following its number-one debut on weekly charts, maintaining visibility into the latter half of 1986.[2] In retrospective decade-end compilations, "How Will I Know" earned a spot at number 47 on Billboard's ranking of the top Hot 100 songs of the 1980s, highlighting its enduring place among the era's standout releases.[71]Certifications
The single "How Will I Know" by Whitney Houston was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in 1986, recognizing one million units shipped in the United States under the pre-2016 criteria that counted only physical and digital sales. This initial certification reflected the song's strong commercial launch during the mid-1980s pop era. In recognition of ongoing sales and the inclusion of streaming data since 2016—where 1,500 on-demand audio and/or video streams equal one unit—the RIAA upgraded it to 3× Platinum on June 25, 2025, equivalent to three million units.[72] In the United Kingdom, the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) certified the single Silver on May 1, 1986, for 200,000 units sold, aligning with the organization's thresholds at the time for physical single sales. No further upgrades have been issued for the original release, though streaming has contributed to broader catalog success for Houston's work.[73] The song earned a Platinum certification from Music Canada for 100,000 units, initially awarded Gold in 1986 based on shipments during its chart run and later upgraded. This marked an early international milestone, underscoring the track's appeal in North American markets beyond the U.S.[74]| Region | Certifying Body | Certification | Units | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | RIAA | 3× Platinum | 3,000,000 | June 25, 2025 |
| United Kingdom | BPI | Silver | 200,000 | May 1, 1986 |
| Canada | Music Canada | Platinum | 100,000 | 1986 |