SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:08 Min.
Performed by Whitney Houston (as singer-actress Rachel Marron), this track appears on 1992’s The Bodyguard film soundtrack. It’s among her five tracks on the album.
REVIEW:
Melding R&B with pop-rock, this up-tempo dance track is reminiscent of Tina Turner and Chaka Khan. That isn’t surprising since Whitney Houston also exuberantly covers Khan’s “I’m Every Woman” on the same album. Suffice to say, this uncharacteristic tune is a sharp contrast to Houston’s gentle Bodyguard ballads: “Jesus Loves Me;” “Run to You;” and obviously her immortal cover of “I Will Always Love You.” Unlike those four other Bodyguard tunes, the disco-style funkiness of “Queen of the Night” wouldn’t likely appear on a standard Houston album.
Taking an admirable creative risk, Houston’s rare flirtation with an edgy upbeat tempo isn’t as awkward as it might have been. More specifically, the pulsating melody and Houston’s effervescent vocals (let alone hearing her throw in a mild profanity per the song lyrics) combine for an entertaining three minutes.
Of her Bodyguard song contributions, “Queen of the Night” is the most unique, as its semi-suggestive lyrics fall outside her pop/R&B comfort zone. Though it doesn’t merit placement on any ‘Best of Whitney Houston’ collections, this energetic tune is ideal for workout playlists.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars
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