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"How Will I Know"
A woman is sitting, with a smile on her face. She is looking forward and her head is resting on her left arm. She is wearing bracelets on her right wrist. Next to her the word "Whitney" is written in medium purple capital letters. The words "How Will I Know" are written near her head.
Single by Whitney Houston
from the album Whitney Houston
B-side
ReleasedNovember 22, 1985 (1985-11-22)
Recorded1984
StudioMediasound (Manhattan)[1]
Genre
Length4:30
LabelArista
Songwriters
ProducerNarada Michael Walden
Whitney Houston singles chronology
"Thinking About You"
(1985) 		"How Will I Know"
(1985) 		"Greatest Love of All"
(1986)
Music video
"How Will I Know" on YouTube

"How Will I Know" is a song recorded by American singer Whitney Houston for her self-titled debut studio album. It was released on November 22, 1985, by Arista Records as the album's third single. Written and composed by George Merrill and Shannon Rubicam, it was originally intended for pop singer Janet Jackson, who passed on it. Houston then recorded the song with altered lyrics and production from Narada Michael Walden.

"How Will I Know" received mostly positive reviews from music critics. It became Houston's second number-one single on the US Billboard Hot 100 in February 1986, spending two weeks atop the chart, and also became her first chart-topper on the Canadian RPM Top 100 Singles chart. It also reached top-10 positions in Australia, Sweden, Ireland, Norway, and the United Kingdom, and top-20 positions in the Netherlands, New Zealand, and Switzerland.

The accompanying music video for "How Will I Know" features scenes of Houston dancing in a setting of video screens and colored partitions. The music video gave Houston exposure to teenagers via MTV and other video outlets. It received two nominations at the 1986 MTV Video Music Awards; Best Female Video and Best New Artist, winning the former category. The song was performed on many of her tours including Greatest Love Tour (1986) and her Nothing But Love World Tour (2009–10). "How Will I Know" is also featured as a remix on Houston's compilation album Whitney: The Greatest Hits (2000), whereas the original single version is featured on The Ultimate Collection (2007) and I Will Always Love You: The Best of Whitney Houston (2012). The song cemented Houston's status as a global pop star.

Background and recording

[edit]

Initially, husband-and-wife songwriters George Merrill and Shannon Rubicam had written the song's demo in 1984 for pop singer Janet Jackson, who was managed by A&M Records executive John McClain.[2] However, after hearing the song, Jackson's management passed on it, feeling it was not a compatible fit with material already in development for her. In an interview with Fred Bronson, Merrill expressed his feelings after learning of Jackson's decision: "We were pretty upset because we thought it was perfect for her at the time. We had written it with her completely in mind."[2] During this period, Brenda Andrews at Almo-Irving Music, Merrill and Rubicam's publisher, played the song for Gerry Griffith, the director for R&B music at A&M and Arista Records. Griffith, who was then compiling material for Houston's debut album, felt the song perfectly matched her musical style. He soon contacted Andrews and the song's two writers and suggested that they give the song to him for Houston's debut album.[2] Griffith described his discovery of the song and what he and Clive Davis thought of it:

We had a lot of R&B-based tunes, we had a few ballads, but we didn't have a pop crossover song. So when I heard "How Will I Know," I said "this is absolutely perfect." I played it for Clive [and] he fell in love with it. I wasn't very familiar with her family background; I didn't realize that, even at that time, there was a pretty big industry buzz about her future.[2]

After receiving permission from Merrill to use the song, Griffith quickly turned to Narada Michael Walden, who at the time was producing material for Aretha Franklin's album Who's Zoomin' Who?.[2] Griffith implored him to produce it, describing how important the song would be for Houston's upcoming album. After hearing the demo, Walden agreed to fly to San Rafael, California, to arrange it. He was not very impressed with the demo and requested permission to change some of the lyrics and chord progression, inducing Merrill and Rubicam to deny him the right to their song.[2] After a lot of back-and-forth with Griffith and Walden, they compromised and allowed Walden to de-construct the song and change the key and tempo. After completing the song, Houston came in to the studio to record her vocal in late 1984. Her mother Cissy Houston joined her on background vocals. Walden stated:

I asked Whitney to sing on the background session. She was reluctant because she wanted to enjoy hearing her mother sing. I said, "No, get out there and sing," so she did. The background sounded incredible ... Clive Davis heard the mix and immediately gave it a 10, which is outrageous for him, because he doesn't like anything![2]

Composition

[edit]
"How Will I Know" (1985)
A sample of the song's chorus, where Houston sings "How will I know if he really loves me?". It also makes use of drums.
Problems playing this file? See media help.

"How Will I Know" is a synth-funk[3] and dance-pop[4][5] song composed in a 1980s dance beat.[6] According to Kyle Anderson of MTV, the song found Houston hitting an "incredible groove".[7] It is written in the key of G flat major.[6] The beat is set the time signature of common time and moves at a fast tempo of 120 beats per minute.[6] The song also has the sequence of G♭-B♭m7-G♭/C♭-D♭-E♭m-D♭ as its chord progression.[6] Houston's vocals in the song span from the note of D♭4 to the high note of G5.[6] Lyrically, the song speaks about the lead woman trying to discern whether a man she likes will ever like her back.[8] She is also hesitant, because her friends tell her "love can be deceiving", and she is so shy that she cannot call him.[8] Later, she feels that it might be a dream, but realizes that "there's no mistaking", and that what she feels is really love.[8]

Critical reception

[edit]

"How Will I Know" mainly garnered positive reviews from music critics, with some noting it as a standout on the album.[9] Don Shewey of Rolling Stone commented "Although it's awfully reminiscent of the Pointer Sisters' 'He's So Shy', 'How Will I Know' is still irresistibly danceable."[10] In its single releases section, Cashbox called the song a "hard funking pop effort which again spotlights Houston's explosive vocals and Narada Michael Walden's airtight production."[11] Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic wrote "...what really impresses some 20-plus years on are the lighter tracks, particularly the breakthrough single 'How Will I Know'."[9] While reviewing the Deluxe Anniversary Edition of the album, Mikael Wood of Entertainment Weekly commented on the a cappella version of the song, noting, "a cappella mix of 'How Will I Know' displays the singer's precision long before the advent of Auto-Tune."[12]

While reviewing The Ultimate Collection, Nick Levine of Digital Spy commented, "Houston's floor-fillers have aged a little more gracefully, although their clunky, thudding drum sounds are as unmistakably Eighties as Joan Collins' Dynasty wardrobe."[13] Dave Rimmer of Smash Hits considered that "this dreary bit of disco isn't anywhere near as good" as "Saving All My Love for You," adding that it "sounds positively snoozeworthy, in fact."[14] The song was voted number 12 in VH1's List of Greatest Songs of the 1980s.[15][16] Billboard voted the song number 229 on its list of the "500 Greatest Pop Songs of All Time", the first out of three Houston entries and the lowest ranked Houston song.[17] On their list of Houston's 20 greatest songs, Forbes voted the song number 10.[18]

Commercial performance

[edit]

"How Will I Know" debuted at number 60 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in the December 7, 1985, issue.[19] It entered the top 40 at number 32 on the December 28, 1985 issue, starting a 16-week run in the top forty.[20] Seven weeks later, it peaked at number one in the issue dated February 15, 1986, becoming Houston's second number-one single on that chart.[2] It displaced Houston's cousin Dionne Warwick's "That's What Friends Are For", stayed at number one for two weeks, and was displaced by Mr. Mister's "Kyrie".[2] It also debuted on the Billboard Hot Black Singles chart at number 60 on the December 28 issue, becoming the Hot Shot Debut of the week, Houston's first single to accomplish this, and peaked at number one on the March 8, 1986 issue for one week, displacing "Do Me, Baby" by Meli'sa Morgan at the top and becoming Houston's third number one single on the R&B charts.[19][21] In the issue dated January 25, 1986, "How Will I Know" entered the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart at number 30, and later peaked at number three in the February 22, 1986, issue.[19] It also reached number one on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart for a week on the February 15, 1986 issue, displacing "The Sweetest Taboo" by Sade.[19][22] The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified the single Gold on December 6, 1995, for shipments of 500,000 copies or more, and later triple platinum, for equivalent sales of 3 million units.[23] It ranked at number six on the Billboard year-end chart.

In Canada, the single debuted at number 80 on the RPM Top 100 Singles chart in the issue dated December 14, 1985.[24] It later peaked at number one in the week dated March 1, 1986, becoming Houston's first number-one single in Canada.[25] It was later certified Gold by the Canadian Recording Industry Association (CRIA) on May 1, 1986, for shipments of 200,000 copies or more.[26]

The single also performed well in other countries. In the United Kingdom it debuted at number 36 during the week of January 25, 1986, and later peaked at number five.[27] It was also certified Silver by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI).[28] According to MTV UK and Ireland, the single has sold about 280,000 copies in the UK.[29] In New Zealand it debuted at number 35, and peaked at number 19.[30] In Austria it reached a peak position of number 28,[30] while peaking at number 12 in the Netherlands.[30] It also reached number two in Norway and Sweden, while charting at number 11 in Switzerland.[30] According to AllMusic, "How Will I Know" has sold about 1.5 million copies worldwide.[31]

In Australia "How Will I Know" was released as the first single from the album in March 1985.[32] It spent a single week on the Kent Music Report chart at number 97 in July 1985,[33] before re-entering the chart in February 1986, eventually peaking at number two.[34]

Music video

[edit]

The accompanying music video for "How Will I Know", directed by British director Brian Grant and choreographed by Arlene Phillips,[35] was filmed in London, England.[36] Unlike her past music videos, Houston was given the opportunity to move beyond the staged performance settings to demonstrate straightforward dance moves.[36] The video is set against a strikingly designed, vividly colored setting of video screens and partitions.[36] Houston's hair is dyed honey blonde and is worn by a dazzling, colored hairbow.[36] She is also seen underlined by a form-fitting silver dress made of metal mesh, reaching almost to her knees, adorned with matching fingerless gloves.[36][37] Houston is also seen performing with backup dancers in black outfits and wearing French-style makeup.[37] The video also has a scene of spattering of paint and drizzling down the screen.[37] Houston's labelmate and family friend Aretha Franklin also makes a black-and-white cameo appearance in the otherwise colorful music video.[37] In 2011, Kyle Anderson of MTV wrote that it was "eye-opening to watch her cut loose in a fun environment," since her past songs were ballads.[7]

The music video was her first to receive heavy rotation on MTV.[38][39] It first entered MTV's playlist prior to Christmas 1985 and was one of Houston's videos to help her break the color barrier for black women sustaining heavy rotation on the channel, later paving the way for Janet Jackson's success on the channel.[40][41] It was also nominated for two awards at the 1986 MTV Video Music Awards, in the categories of Best New Artist and Best Female Video, winning the latter.[42]

Live performances

[edit]
Houston performing on her Nothing But Love World Tour during a Milan show

Houston performed the song on her Greatest Love Tour (1986), Moment of Truth World Tour (1987–88), Feels So Right Japan Tour (1990), I'm Your Baby Tonight World Tour (1991), The Bodyguard World Tour (1993–1994), My Love Is Your Love World Tour (1999) and Nothing But Love World Tour (2009–2010). Apart from the concert tour performances, Houston has performed the song on many other occasions such as the third annual MTV Video Music Awards in 1986, where she sang "How Will I Know" and "Greatest Love of All",[42][43][44] 13th annual American Music Awards (1986),[45] and 1987 BRIT Awards.[46] The latter performance is included in the 2014 CD/DVD release, Whitney Houston Live: Her Greatest Performances.[47] On May 15, 1987, during her European promotion for then-new album, Whitney, Houston sang the song at the Montreux Golden Rose Rock Festival: IM&MC Gala with two other 1986 released songs, "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)" and "Where Do Broken Hearts Go".[48]

On April 29, 1985, Houston appeared on The Merv Griffin Show, taped in New York City, and performed "How Will I Know".[49][50] On her Moment of Truth World Tour, she participated in the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute Concert and performed the song with other seven songs. She also performed the song on Welcome Home Heroes, a concert dedicated to the U.S. troops, their families, and military and government dignitaries in honor of those returning from the Gulf War, which aired on HBO on March 31, 1991.[51][52] The concert was taped and later released as a VHS on May 14, 1991.[51] She also performed the song on The Concert for a New South Africa, three concerts in 1994 to honor President Nelson Mandela. Houston later performed the song on the closing ceremonies of the 1994 World Cup along with five of her other songs.[53] In 2000, she performed the song on Arista's 25th Anniversary, along with "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)."[54]

Formats and track listings

[edit]

Credits and personnel

[edit]

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Canada (Music Canada)[104] Platinum 80,000‡
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[105] Platinum 90,000‡
New Zealand (RMNZ)[106] 2× Platinum 60,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)[107]
Digital single 		Platinum 600,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)[108]
Physical single 		Silver 250,000^
United States (RIAA)[23] 3× Platinum 3,000,000‡

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Sam Smith version

[edit]

British singer Sam Smith released a cover of "How Will I Know" in June 2014, taking a slower tempo[109] and a snippet of that version was used in an episode of Grey's Anatomy.[110] It was later included on Smith's 2015 In the Lonely Hour (Drowning Shadows Edition), a re-release of their debut album.[111]

Certifications

[edit]
Certifications for "How Will I Know"
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[112] Gold 35,000‡
Canada (Music Canada)[113] Gold 40,000‡
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[114] Gold 45,000‡
New Zealand (RMNZ)[115] Gold 15,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)[116] Silver 200,000‡
United States (RIAA)[117] Gold 500,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

David Guetta, MistaJam and John Newman version

[edit]
"If You Really Love Me (How Will I Know)"
Single by David Guetta, MistaJam and John Newman
ReleasedJuly 2, 2021 (2021-07-02)[118]
Length3:04
LabelParlophone
Songwriters
  • George Merrill
  • Shannon Rubicam
  • Narada Michael Walden
  • David Guetta
  • Franklin
  • John Newman
  • Peter Dalton
  • Ollie Green[119]
Producers
David Guetta singles chronology
"Remember"
(2021) 		"If You Really Love Me (How Will I Know)"
(2021) 		"Get Together"
(2021)
MistaJam singles chronology
"Make You Better"
(2021) 		"If You Really Love Me (How Will I Know)"
(2021) 		"The Recipe"
(2021)
John Newman singles chronology
"High on You"
(2020) 		"If You Really Love Me (How Will I Know)"
(2021) 		"Waiting For a Lifetime"
(2022)
Music video
"(If You Really Love Me) How Will I Know" on YouTube

In 2021, French DJ and producer David Guetta teamed up with British DJ and producer MistaJam and singer John Newman to release a dance track based on an interpolation of "How Will I Know".[121] Now called "If You Really Love Me (How Will I Know)", the song charted in the UK, reaching No. 66 in the Top 75 (for the week ending August 5, 2021) after amassing a sales total of 7,018 units.[122][123] The song became the fourth entry on that week's chart for Guetta (though the only single out of the four chart hits where he took lead artist credit) and the first chart credit for Newman since "Give Me Your Love" with British DJ and record producer Sigala and American guitarist Nile Rodgers in 2016.

Charts

[edit]

Weekly charts

[edit]
Chart (2021–2022) Peak
position
Czech Republic Airplay (ČNS IFPI)[124] 20
Global Excl. US (Billboard)[125] 154
Hungary (Dance Top 40)[126] 13
Hungary (Single Top 40)[127] 26
Ireland (IRMA)[128] 30
Slovakia Airplay (ČNS IFPI)[129] 33
UK Singles (OCC)[130] 27
UK Dance (OCC)[131] 8
US Hot Dance/Electronic Songs (Billboard)[132] 19

Year-end charts

[edit]
Chart (2021) Position
Hungary (Dance Top 40)[133] 89
US Hot Dance/Electronic Songs (Billboard)[134] 86

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Austria (IFPI Austria)[135] Gold 15,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)[136] Gold 400,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Whitney × Clean Bandit version

[edit]
"How Will I Know (Whitney × Clean Bandit)"
Single by Whitney Houston and Clean Bandit
ReleasedSeptember 24, 2021 (2021-09-24)[137]
Length3:33
Songwriters
  • George Merrill
  • Shannon Rubicam
  • Narada Michael Walden
Producers
Whitney Houston singles chronology
"Higher Love"
(2019) 		"How Will I Know (Whitney × Clean Bandit)"
(2021) 		"He Can Use Me"
(2023)
Clean Bandit singles chronology
"Drive"
(2021) 		"How Will I Know (Whitney × Clean Bandit)"
(2021) 		"Everything but You"
(2022)
Music video
"How Will I Know (Whitney Houston × Clean Bandit)" on YouTube

In September 2021, British electronic music group Clean Bandit released a remix of the track.[138] The song has become an international success and has been certified in three countries, including the United Kingdom, where Houston became the first female artist to have certified singles in five consecutive decades (1980s–2020s).

Charts

[edit]

Weekly charts

[edit]
Weekly chart performance for "How Will I Know"
Chart (2021–2022) Peak
position
Canada AC (Billboard)[139] 12
Canada Hot AC (Billboard)[140] 48
Japan Hot Overseas (Billboard)[141] 20
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40 Tipparade)[142] 26
South Africa Radio (RISA)[143] 55
UK Singles (OCC)[144] 92
US Hot Dance/Electronic Songs (Billboard)[145] 23

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Canada (Music Canada)[146] Gold 40,000‡
New Zealand (RMNZ)[147] Gold 15,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)[148] Silver 200,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Legacy

[edit]

"How Will I Know" has been described as "one of the most recognizable pop anthems of all time" and a "definitive pillar of 80s pop".[149] When the song topped the Billboard Hot 100, Houston became the first female artist to have consecutive number one singles during the 1980s and was the first female artist since Donna Summer to have back-to-back number one singles.[150] She was also the first artist in almost a decade to replace a famous relative atop the Billboard Hot 100 as "How Will I Know" replaced cousin Dionne Warwick's "That's What Friends Are For" at number one in February 1986.[150] This was the first time this had occurred since the Bee Gees' "Night Fever" replaced younger brother Andy Gibb's "(Love Is) Thicker Than Water" at number one on the chart; Houston and Warwick were the first cousins to replace each other at number one on the chart.[150] "How Will I Know" was also the second of what would be a historic record of seven consecutive number one singles on the Billboard Hot 100, a record that has yet to be broken.

Other covers and samples

[edit]

In January 2004, British dance group LMC released the song "Take Me to the Clouds Above", which interpolates the first four lines of "How Will I Know" over a sample of "With or Without You" by Irish rock band U2. The song is credited to "LMC vs U2".[151] In 2015, Dutch EDM duo W&W released the song "The One", sampling some elements of the song.[152] In 1996, the Lemonheads included a cover of the song in both electric and acoustic versions on the single "If I Could Talk I'd Tell You".[153][154] American pop punk band Hit the Lights covered the song in 2008.[155][156] The song has been covered 73 times since its release, according to WhoSampled.

Polls and rankings

[edit]

"How Will I Know" was ranked the 12th greatest song of the 1980s by VH1 in 2006.[157] In 2018, noting its influence in the gay community, the song was ranked the 11th greatest LGBTQ anthem of all time, writing "the late singer has a long and storied connection to the gay community, but she first called to her LGBTQ fans with this 1985 track. Although much of her discography was framed by popular culture as heterosexual, a closer reading reveals that her lyrics are largely ungendered — she wants to dance with somebody (anybody) who loves her."[158] In their list of 200 greatest 1980s songs, Pitchfork placed the song at number 103.[159] It was one of two Houston songs on the list. In 2023, it was ranked the sixth greatest song of the 1980s by Rolling Stone magazine.[160]

In February 2012, following her death, MTV named it one of her ten best songs, writing that the song proved "Houston was more than just a big-ballad diva".[161] That same month, readers of Rolling Stone ranked it among Houston's greatest songs.[162] Rob Sheffield raved about the song in his list of his favorite Houston songs, writing how the song was her "real breakthrough hit, the hit that everybody liked", calling it a "bubbly Eighties synth-pop confection, loosening up with teen-angst lyrics worthy of the Smiths (very similar to “This Charming Man,” actually) and state-of-the-art glitz-funk."[163] Bill Lamb of About.com ranked it as the 3rd best Houston song.[164] On November 6, 2020, a day before Houston was formally inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Billboard magazine ranked it Houston's fifth best song.[165] In their list of twenty greatest Houston songs, The Guardian ranked it sixth place, comparing it to "Let's Hear It for the Boy" by Deniece Williams calling it a better song than Williams' song, adding that it was "a perfectly formed slice of mid-80s bubblegum soul – booming drums, sax solo and all – as bright and appealing as the neon colours splashed around the set of its video."[166] On what would be her 59th birthday in August 2022, the song was ranked her sixth best song out of 40 of her hits by BET, with the network citing it as "Whitney at her most irresistibly danceable and innocently joyful."[167] In December 2022, USA Today ranked it her best song, writing "Though stocked with ’80s touchstones – a gurgling sax solo, a squiggly guitar break – the song is deeper than its Lite-Brite video conveys as Houston allows us to feel her shyness and uncertainty".[168] The A.V. Club ranked it Houston's most powerful and essential song out of 15 excluding the inclusion of "I Will Always Love You".[169] In 2024, Forbes ranked it the tenth greatest Houston song of all time, writing that it "was considered one of the greatest songs to come out of the '80s" and cited it as one of Houston's signature songs.[170]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]

Bibliography

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

How Will I Know

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
"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. 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. The song marked Houston's second number-one hit on the , topping the chart for two weeks beginning February 15, 1986, and also reached number one on the chart on March 8, 1986. Its vibrant , directed by , played a key role in its success by increasing airplay and helping Houston break racial barriers on the network during the mid-1980s. 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 with its infectious energy and her powerful vocal delivery. The track has since been remixed and covered by various artists, including a 2021 collaboration with , underscoring its enduring influence in dance and .

Original Song

Background and Recording

"How Will I Know" was written in 1984 by the husband-and-wife songwriting duo George Merrill and , who composed it spontaneously during a collaborative session with Merrill on and Rubicam contributing stream-of-consciousness . 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. 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. 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. 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. Recording took place in late 1984, with the backing track laid down at The Automatt studio in during sessions overlapping with Aretha Franklin's Who's Zoomin' Who? project, while Houston's vocals were captured at Media Sound in . Produced by , 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. The production incorporated synthesizers for rhythmic drive and an upbeat arrangement, transforming the song's structure to highlight Houston's expansive , including a challenging high opening note she insisted upon despite Walden's initial reservations. Houston completed her lead vocals efficiently in about one hour, with background harmonies added later by her mother and others.

Composition

"How Will I Know" is classified as and synth-funk, drawing influences from new wave through its prominent use of synthesizers. The song is written in and maintains a of approximately 120 beats per minute (BPM), contributing to its energetic and danceable feel. 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. Instrumentation centers on synthesizers providing melodic hooks and atmospheric layers, drum machines—likely including a for rhythmic punch—driving the upbeat groove, and prominent basslines that underpin the elements. Whitney Houston's vocals feature dynamic runs and ad-libs particularly in the chorus, showcasing her range and adding emotional depth to the track. 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. 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.

Release and Promotion

Formats and Track Listings

"How Will I Know" was released as a single on November 22, 1985, by as the third single from Whitney Houston's self-titled debut studio album, originally issued on February 14, 1985. 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 and 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.

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.
SideTitleLengthNotes
AHow Will I Know4:28LP version
BSomeone for Me4:58Non-album track
This format was released in the (Arista AS1-9434), (Arista ARIST 656), and (Arista 107 347), among others.

12-inch Vinyl

The 12-inch format emphasized dance-oriented extended versions, produced by with remixing by John "Jellybean" Benitez.
TrackTitleLengthNotes
A1How Will I Know6:35Dance remix
B1How Will I Know4:42Instrumental version
B2How Will I Know4:28LP version
US release: Arista AD1-9449 (1985). European version (Arista 602 126, 1985) omitted the LP version on B2.

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. International variations included region-specific remixes on 12-inch vinyl. The 12-inch (Arista ARIST 12 656, 1986) featured "How Will I Know (Dance )" (6:30) and "Someone For Me ()" (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.

Music Video

The music video for "How Will I Know," directed by , was filmed in , , in 1985 prior to the single's release. It features a colorful, fast-paced aesthetic, with Houston navigating a dream-like set constructed from translucent plastic panels printed with vibrant inks to symbolize the uncertainties of relationships, while dancing energetically with a group of friends. The video's upbeat visuals align with the song's genre, emphasizing youthful playfulness through quick cuts and dynamic camera movements. 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 shots of her singing directly to the camera amid flashing video screens and partitions. The choreography, created by , was designed to showcase Houston's charisma while masking her relative inexperience in dance by surrounding her with skilled performers. Running approximately 4:30 in length, the video premiered on and achieved heavy rotation, marking a breakthrough for as one of the first videos by a female artist to gain significant airplay on the network and broadening her appeal to younger, predominantly white audiences. Behind the scenes, Grant collaborated closely with , 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 . Specific budget details for the production are not publicly documented, but 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.

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. 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. 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. In 1987, brought the song to international audiences with a dynamic live version at the , held at London's , where her powerful vocals and stage presence earned widespread acclaim. The performance was later included on her 2014 compilation album Whitney Houston Live: Her Greatest Performances. Over the years, Houston's renditions of "How Will I Know" evolved from the high-energy, dance-oriented versions of her tours to more soulful and interpretive deliveries in the , reflecting her maturing artistry. During her from 2009 to 2010, including dates in 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.

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 while appealing to a broad audience. 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. 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. 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 and in Houston's crossover . Stereogum described it as bubbly and giddy , a rush that captures the thrill of infatuation through immediate, direct synth-funk. ranked it among the 200 best songs of the , emphasizing its perky energy and cultural impact. Critics have drawn comparisons to contemporaries like for its MTV-friendly pop accessibility and to , as the song was originally offered to her before Houston recorded it, highlighting shared themes of youthful romance in 1980s . Following Houston's death in 2012, reevaluations underscored the song's timeless appeal, with noting in 2024 its blend of pop exuberance and role in broadening her audience. echoed this in 2024, calling it an "energetic and catchy ode to love" that broke color barriers on and remains a vibrant staple of her legacy.

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 '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. 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. 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 for two weeks. This airplay success was amplified by promotional radio campaigns from , which positioned the track as a staple in the mid-1980s market. Internationally, "How Will I Know" posted strong sales in key markets including the , , and , 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. 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 alone, highlighting its enduring appeal in the on-demand audio landscape.

Accolades and Legacy

"How Will I Know" earned her first Video Music Award for Best Female Video in 1986, recognizing the song's innovative music video directed by . This accolade highlighted the track's role in breaking barriers for Black artists on , as its colorful, high-energy visuals helped integrate R&B and pop into the network's rotation, influencing future video programming. The song has left a lasting cultural footprint, appearing in the 2022 biopic : I Wanna Dance with Somebody, where it depicts a pivotal recording session, and in the TV series (season 2, episode 7), underscoring its enduring appeal in media portrayals of nostalgia. Its upbeat style contributed to the era's synth-driven sound, inspiring subsequent tracks by blending infectious rhythms with powerful vocals, as noted in analyses of Houston's debut album's impact on pop production. In discussions of Houston's career, "How Will I Know" is credited with catapulting her from roots to global superstardom, serving as the third single from her self-titled debut that sold over 25 million copies worldwide and established her as a crossover icon. Producer , 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. The song's legacy extends into the digital age, with viral challenges in the recreating its and choreography, amassing millions of views and introducing it to younger audiences. 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 , celebrating its role in her historic milestone year alongside new RIAA certifications for the track.

Chart Performance and Certifications

Weekly Charts

"How Will I Know" achieved significant success on the US , 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 methodology combined retail sales data from physical singles with airplay reports from radio stations to determine rankings. In the , 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 reported by retailers. The song also performed strongly on international weekly charts, reaching number one in on the RPM Singles chart for one week in March 1986 and peaking at number 2 in on the . It entered the top 10 in several European markets, including and . The following table summarizes peak positions on select major weekly charts:
CountryChartPeak Position
Australia2
CanadaRPM Singles1
Netherlands12
Norway2
Sweden6
United KingdomOfficial Singles Chart5
United States1
These peaks highlight the track's global appeal, bolstered by sales momentum from its parent album.

Year-End Charts

"How Will I Know" performed strongly on year-end charts in , capturing its widespread appeal through consistent radio play and commercial success over the year. On the Hot 100, the song ranked at number 6, benefiting from its early peak and prolonged chart presence. Internationally, it reached number 17 on Canada's RPM Top 100 Singles year-end chart, underscoring its crossover impact in . In Australia, the track placed at number 22 on the annual singles chart, placing it within the top 25 hits of the year. These rankings were driven by sustained and sales momentum following its number-one debut on weekly charts, maintaining visibility into the latter half of 1986. 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 's standout releases.

Certifications

The single "How Will I Know" by was certified by the (RIAA) in 1986, recognizing one million units shipped in the United States under the pre-2016 criteria that counted only physical and digital . This initial certification reflected the song's strong commercial launch during the mid-1980s pop . In recognition of ongoing and the inclusion of since 2016—where 1,500 on-demand audio and/or video streams equal one unit—the RIAA upgraded it to 3× on June 25, 2025, equivalent to three million units. In the , the (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. The song earned a certification from 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.
RegionCertifying BodyCertificationUnitsDate
United StatesRIAA3× Platinum3,000,000June 25, 2025
United KingdomBPISilver200,000May 1, 1986
CanadaMusic CanadaPlatinum100,0001986

Cover Versions

Sam Smith Version

Sam Smith's cover of "How Will I Know" appears as a bonus track on the Drowning Shadows Edition of their debut studio album , released on November 6, 2015 by in the . The track was produced by Steve Fitzmaurice, known for his work on several songs from the album, including mixing and engineering contributions that emphasize live instrumentation and vocal intimacy. This rendition transforms Whitney Houston's 1985 upbeat pop hit into a slowed-down soul , highlighting Smith's and emotional vulnerability while stripping away the original's energy to focus on themes of . The cover gained initial prominence through a live acoustic recorded for SiriusXM's Hits 1 channel on 20 June 2014, preceding the studio release on the 2015 album edition, which featured accompanied by piano and showcased their ability to reimagine the song as a heartfelt . The video, released by SiriusXM, went viral, amassing millions of views and drawing acclaim for its raw vocal delivery. Critics lauded the interpretation for amplifying the song's underlying ache and Smith's "angelic ," with outlets describing it as a "stunning " that adds poignant depth to the . Smith performed the cover live multiple times during the In the Lonely Hour promotional cycle, including a notable rendition on Austin City Limits in October 2014, where it was featured as a web exclusive alongside other album tracks. No official music video was produced for the studio version, but the SiriusXM live clip served as the primary visual representation, often shared in media coverage of Smith's rising profile. The track later entered the UK Singles Sales and Downloads Charts on 19 November 2015, peaking at number 39, and reached number 59 on the main UK Singles Chart in July 2016.

David Guetta, MistaJam and John Newman Version

In 2021, French DJ and producer collaborated with British DJ and singer John Newman on a cover of Whitney Houston's "How Will I Know", retitled "If You Really Love Me (How Will I Know)". Released as a digital single on July 2, 2021, via Records, the track was co-produced by Guetta, MistaJam, Newman, and Timofey Reznikov, with Newman delivering the lead vocals in a soulful, contemporary style. The version reimagines the original 1985 pop hit as an track, incorporating piano grooves, tension-building drops, and anthemic builds to suit club and environments. This EDM adaptation draws on the song's inherent danceable energy while updating it for modern audiences, emphasizing infectious rhythms over the original's bounce. Commercially, the single debuted at number 66 on the UK Singles Chart and peaked at number 27, accumulating 17 weeks on the chart through a mix of sales, downloads, and streams. It performed steadily across , reaching number 16 on the European Top 44 Chart and entering weekly airplay lists in several countries. On the UK year-end chart for 2021, it ranked at number 84, reflecting solid but not chart-topping success. The track earned a Gold certification from the (BPI) in December 2022 for surpassing 400,000 units in combined sales and streaming equivalents in the UK. The collaboration originated from MistaJam's role as a tastemaker and remixer in the UK scene, with the trio aiming to revive the classic for summer playlists and dance floors as a standalone release, independent of any parent album. Critical reception was mixed: some praised its vibrant, nostalgic energy and Newman's emotive delivery as a fresh take suitable for radio and clubs, while others critiqued it as formulaic EDM lacking innovation, rating it averagely among Guetta's output. Promotion centered on a lyric video released on July 1, 2021, followed by an official on July 15, directed by Samuel Douek and featuring dynamic choreography with performers in a sunlit, urban setting to evoke joy and movement. Guetta incorporated the track into his live DJ sets at festivals, including a performance at in August 2021, boosting its visibility in the electronic music community.

Whitney × Clean Bandit Version

In September 2021, British electronic music group released a posthumous of Whitney Houston's 1985 hit "How Will I Know", utilizing archival vocals recorded during the original sessions. Issued as a single on September 24, 2021, by , the track marked another estate-approved project aimed at revitalizing Houston's catalog for contemporary audiences. The production blends the song's upbeat pop foundation with Clean Bandit's signature electronic elements, including rhythms, synth layers, and subtle tropical influences, creating a dance-oriented fusion that updates the track without overshadowing Houston's powerful delivery. The collaboration stemmed from an invitation extended to by Houston's estate, with the group describing the opportunity as a "pinch me moment" due to their admiration for her work. This remix coincided with the 36th anniversary of the original single's release from Houston's self-titled debut album, positioning it as a tribute that modernizes her legacy amid ongoing estate initiatives to reintroduce her music. Promotion during the emphasized digital formats, beginning with a lyric video on release day and culminating in an official directed by Ezra Hurwitz on October 27, 2021. The video features energetic choreography by a diverse group of dancers in colorful, open-air settings, evoking joy and movement to complement the track's vibe, alongside radio airplay and campaigns. Commercially, the remix achieved moderate success on specialized charts, peaking at number 92 on the Official Singles Chart for four weeks while reaching number 11 on the Downloads Chart and number 12 on the Sales Chart. , it first entered the Dance/Electronic Digital Song Sales chart in 2021 and re-entered at its peak of number 8 in August 2024, marking a posthumous milestone for Houston on that ranking. It also appeared on the Australian Singles Chart at number 91. The track received a Silver certification from the for 200,000 units sold and streamed in the . Reception highlighted its respectful nod to Houston's enduring appeal, with critics noting the remix's vibrant energy as a successful bridge between pop and music.

Other Covers and Samples

Beyond the prominent cover versions, "How Will I Know" has inspired over 70 documented covers by various artists, as cataloged on through 2025. These include eclectic interpretations ranging from to groups, often highlighting the song's upbeat energy and vocal demands. has performed live covers of the song multiple times in the and early , including a medley with "" during a 2016 Whitney Houston tribute concert and another rendition on Starring in 2021. In 2024, vocalist released a soulful cover on , praising the original as "iconic" and aiming to honor its legacy. By 2025, numerous independent covers emerged on platforms like and , such as acoustic renditions by Carolina and emotional unplugged versions by Tanya Brooke, contributing to the song's viral resurgence among amateur singers. The track has also been sampled in 43 productions, blending its hooks into diverse genres. Notable examples include the 2004 dance hit "Take Me to the Clouds Above" by LMC featuring , which interpolates the chorus over a beat, and Toro y Moi's 2013 indie track "Rose Quartz," incorporating vocal snippets for a vibe. In 2016, Italian DJ Nicola Fasano and Rockets released a house featuring Anni, sampling the original's melody and transforming it into an EDM club staple. Other samples appear in hip-hop, such as and King Promise's 2023 collaboration "YAH Know," which nods to the song's rhythmic elements. In media, the song was interpolated by the Glee cast in a episode dedicated to , with () leading a group performance that rearranged the track into a gospel-infused , airing shortly after Houston's death. It has also appeared in films, advertisements, and talent competitions, fueling trends like 2024-2025 covers on shows such as Global and Canada's Got Talent, where contestants like Eshan Sobti delivered standing-ovation renditions. This ongoing popularity on social media and reality TV underscores the song's adaptability and enduring appeal for new generations of performers.

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  104. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-_qDNXxt3w/
  105. https://www.whosampled.com/Whitney-Houston/How-Will-I-Know/sampled/
  106. https://www.whosampled.com/sample/5584/LMC-U2-Take-Me-to-the-Clouds-Above-Whitney-Houston-How-Will-I-Know/
  107. https://www.whosampled.com/sample/206762/Toro-Y-Moi-Rose-Quartz-Whitney-Houston-How-Will-I-Know/
  108. https://www.whosampled.com/Whitney-Houston/How-Will-I-Know/
  109. https://www.whosampled.com/sample/1002363/Chance-the-Rapper-King-Promise-YAH-Know-Whitney-Houston-How-Will-I-Know/
  110. https://popcrush.com/glee-performance-whitney-houston-how-will-i-know/
  111. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4UYT6NjBO8
  112. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJQDp4sx-OI
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