Try It on My Own (Song)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| “Try It on My Own” | |
|---|---|
| Single by Whitney Houston | |
| from the album Just Whitney | |
| Released | February 11, 2003 |
| Recorded | 2002 |
| Studio | Brandon’s Way Recording Studios (Los Angeles, CA) |
| Genre | Popsoul R&Bgospel |
| Length | 4:39 |
| Label | Arista |
| Songwriters | Babyface Jason Edmonds Carole Bayer Sager Aleese Simmons Nathan Walton |
| Producer | Babyface |
| Whitney Houston singles chronology | |
| “One of Those Days“ (2002)”Try It on My Own“ (2003)”Love That Man“ (2003) | |
“Try It on My Own” (titled “On My Own” for its single release) is a song by American recording artist Whitney Houston. It was written by Babyface, Jason Edmonds, Carole Bayer Sager, Aleese Simmons, and Nathan Walton for her fifth studio album Just Whitney (2002), with production handled by the former. A pop ballad, the song is about overcoming doubts or fears so a person can reach the point in their life where they can “try it on [their] own”.
The song became the project’s third single and was released on February 11, 2003 by Arista Records. It received acclaim from critics as well as fans; most of them who named it as the album’s highlight. Like “Whatchulookinat” and “One of Those Days” before it, “On My Own” was a modest success, topping the Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart and reaching the top ten on the US Adult Contemporary charts.
A music video, directed by David LaChapelle, was released to promote the single. Houston performed “Try It on My Own” on an episode of the television series Boston Public (“Chapter 66”), which first aired in May 2003, and on the 2003 VH1 Divas Duets: An Honors Concert for the VH1 Save the Music Foundation.
Critical reception
Critical reception for “Try It on My Own” was generally positive. In a single review, Billboard said that “the third single ‘Try It on My Own’ is the best song on the disc, a classic Whitney ballad that pushes every diva button, from huge celestial notes to a creamy orchestral arrangement”. Keysha Davis from BBC felt that the song marked “the most welcomed return on Just Whitney, with the melancholic [song] providing one of the album’s highlights.” Generally critical with the album, Entertainment Weekly‘s Tom Sinclair called the record a “treacly keyboards-and-strings big ballad.” Slant Magazine felt that “Try It on My Own” was “the kind of syrupy ballad responsible for cookie-cutter star-makers like American Idol‘s.”
Music video
The music video for “Try It on My Own” was directed by David LaChapelle and shot at Overtown‘s historic Lyric Theater, one of the oldest African American owned theaters in Miami, Florida. It premiered on BET’s 106 & Park on April 11, 2003. Later released as a DVD single by Arista, also featuring the “One of Those Days” video, it was certified gold for shipments of 25,000 units by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on September 22, 2003. Bobby Brown makes a cameo at the beginning of the video.
The music video can be interpreted as part of Houston’s self-actualization during the late 1990s and early 2000s, when she repudiated the pop queen persona built under Clive Davis during the 1980s. Houston also uses the video, along with the song itself, to respond to criticism from the media and music industry at the time. It opens with music industry insiders waiting for Houston to appear, staring at their watches. As Houston starts singing, the panel is bewildered, holding up lyrics from “Over the Rainbow.” This scene parodies her high-profile firing by Burt Bacharach from the 2000 Academy Awards ceremony for not singing “Rainbow” during rehearsals for the show. But she continues to sing “On My Own” as the insiders leave there in frustration due to Houston not following their prescribed formula. The video then cuts to Houston performing with a gospel choir in front of her adoring fans, giving their cheers through.
Chart performance
The song entered the Billboard Hot 100 on the week dated April 26, 2003 at number 99. In its fourth week it peaked at number 84, which was its peak position and stayed there for two weeks. It stayed on the charts for 12 weeks.
On the magazine’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, the song entered on the week dated May 10, 2003 at number 91. In its eighth week dated July 5, 2003, it reached its peak of number 80. It would spend a total of 14 weeks on the chart.
The album found its biggest chart successes on the Billboard adult contemporary and dance charts. On the former chart, it peaked at number ten on the week dated May 3, 2003 giving Houston her 24th career top ten single on that chart, staying for 22 cumulative weeks on the chart.
On the Dance Club Songs chart, it topped the chart on the week dated April 12, 2003, staying for a week atop the charts and spending 14 cumulative weeks on the chart.
Overseas, the ballad hit the charts in Canada and Switzerland, peaking at 79 on the latter chart and number 24 on the Canadian Singles chart.
Cover versions
- “Try It on My Own” is also the winning piece and debut single of Mau Marcelo, the winner of Philippine Idol in 2006. She sang the song twice during the show, first in the final performance night as Sony BMG‘s choice and second in the final results night when she was crowned the winner.
- It was also recorded by Sheryn Regis, and is part of her album under Star Records entitled, What I Do Best.
- The song was again recorded by Canadian Idol contestant Toya Alexis for the 2003 Canadian Idol compilation album.
- Morissette Amon
- Regine Velasquez
- Lesher Haughton
- Maria Isabel Balaba
Track listings and formats
European CD maxi (82876 510082 3)Maria Isabel Balaba
- “On My Own” (radio edit) – 4:28
- “On My Own” (MaUVe Remix) – 7:53
- “On My Own” (Maurice’s Nu Soul Radio Mix) – 4:23
- “On My Own” (Pound Boys Radio Mix) – 4:42
- “On My Own” (Thunderpuss Radio Mix) – 4:41
US remixes vinyl (82876 51973 1)
- “On My Own” (Club Anthem Mix) – 10:09
- “On My Own” (MaUVe Club Vocal) – 7:48
3. “On My Own” (Maurice’s Nu Soul Mix) – 8:21
4. “On My Own” (Pound Boys Dub) – 7:35
5. “On My Own” (MaUVe Dub) – 6:20
US promo CD (82876 50138 2)
- “Try It on My Own” (radio edit) – 4:28
- “Try It on My Own” (Thunderpuss Radio Mix) – 4:40
- “Try It on My Own” (Thunderpuss Radio Mix Instrumental) – 4:38
UK promo CD (82876 50666 2)
- “On My Own” (radio edit) – 4:28
US Thunderpuss remixes vinyl/promo (82876 50140 1)
- “Try It on My Own” (Club Anthem Mix) – 10:09
- “Try It on My Own” (Tribe-A-Pella) – 7:58
US Mike Rizzo Remix vinyl/Promo (82876 52507 1)
- “Try It on My Own” (Global Soul Club Mix) – 9:26
- “Try It on My Own” (Global Soul Club Mix) – 9:26
US Thunderpuss Remixes 12″ (82876 50538 1)
- “Try It on My Own” (Club Anthem Mix) – 10:09
- “Try It on My Own” (Tribe-A-Pella) – 7:58
- “Try It on My Own” (Private Invite Mix) – 8:20
- “Try It on My Own” (ThunderDUB) – 7:48
DVD single (EAN: 0828765115698)
- “Try It on My Own” (video)
- “One of Those Days” (video)
Other remixes and versions
- Dave-O Transformer Remix – 4:44
- J.D.’s Polarbabies Radio Edit – 4:35
- Maurice’s Nu Soul Mix – 8:21
- Maurice’s Nu Soul Radio Mix – 4:23
- Mike Rizzo Global Club Mix – 9:28
- Mike Rizzo Global Radio Mix – 3:58
- Mike Rizzo Global Acappella – 6:43
- MaUVe Club Vocal – 7:43
- MaUVe Dub – 6:18
- Seismic Crew’s Vocal Radio Mix – 4:17
- Pound Boys Main Club Mix – 9:05
- Pound Boys Radio Mix – 4:42
- Pound Boys Dub – 7:35
- Thunderpuss Club Anthem Mix – 10:09
- Thunderpuss Private Invite Mix – 8:23
- Thunderpuss Radio Mix – 4:40
- Thunderpuss Radio Instrumental – 4:38
- Thunderpuss Tribe-A-Pella – 7:58
- ThunderDUB – 7:48
Personnel and credits
Credits adapted from album liner notes.
- Whitney Houston: lead vocals
- Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds: writer, producer, keyboards, drum programming, guitar and background vocals
- Carole Bayer Sager, Jason Edmonds, Aleese Simmons and Nathan Walton: writers
- Kenya Ivey: background vocals
- Ricky Lawson: drums
- Michael Thompson: guitar
- Reggie Hamilton: bass
- Greg Phillinganes: piano
- Wayne Linsey: Rhodes
- Bill Meyers: strings arranger and conductor
- Paul Boutin: recording
- Edward Quesada et Jimmy Hoyson: assistant engineers
- Tommy Vicari: recording (strings)
- Jon Gass: mixing
- Josean Posey: assistant engineer (mixing)
- Ivy Skoff: production coordinator
Charts and certifications
Weekly charts
| Chart (2003) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Canadian Singles Chart (Nielsen SoundScan) | 24 |
| Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade) | 79 |
| US Billboard Hot 100 | 84 |
| US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard) | 80 |
| US Adult Contemporary (Billboard) | 10 |
| US Dance Club Songs (Billboard) | 1 |
Year-end charts
| Chart (2003) | Position |
|---|---|
| US Dance/Club-Play Singles (Billboard) | 37 |
Certifications
Video Single
| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| United States (RIAA) | Gold | 25,000^ |
| ^ Shipments figures based on certification alone. | ||
Just Whitney (Album)
| Just Whitney | |
|---|---|
| Studio album by Whitney Houston | |
| Released | November 27, 2002 |
| Recorded | 2001–2002 |
| Studio | Daddy’s House Recording Studios (New York, NY) Brandon’s Way Recording Studios (Los Angeles, CA) Atlanta Premier Recordings (Atlanta, GA) Westlake Recording Studios (Hollywood, CA) Groove Factor Studios (Atlanta, GA) Crossway Studios (Mendham, NJ) Silent Sound Studios (Atlanta, GA) The Hit Factory Criteria (Miami, FL) Capitol Studios (Los Angeles, CA) |
| Genre | Hip-hop souldanceR&B |
| Length | 39:08 |
| Label | AristaBMG |
| Producer | Whitney Houston Babyface Bobby Brown Charlie “CSUN” Bereal Gordon Chambers Kenyn Bereal Kevin Briggs Missy Elliott Muhammad2G Ricky Minor Rob Fusari Ted Bishop Troy Taylor |
| Whitney Houston chronology | |
| Love, Whitney (2001)Just Whitney (2002)One Wish: The Holiday Album (2003) | |
| Singles from Just Whitney | |
| “Whatchulookinat“ Released: September 17, 2002″One of Those Days“ Released: October 29, 2002″Try It on My Own“ Released: February 11, 2003″Love That Man“ Released: May 20, 2003 | |
Just Whitney is the fifth studio album by American singer and actress Whitney Houston, released on November 27, 2002, by Arista Records. It was her first studio album to be released after her greatest hits compilation, Whitney: The Greatest Hits (2000), and the follow-up to her multi-platinum fourth studio album, My Love is Your Love (1998). Just Whitney was also Houston’s first to be released after re-signing her contract with Arista in 2001 for $100 million – the largest recording contract for a female artist at the time.
Upon release Just Whitney received mostly mixed reviews by the critics, and performed moderately, in the United States Just Whitney debuted at number nine on the Billboard 200 and number three on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, with sales of 205,147 copies in the first week. That beat the previous high first-week sales of 177,284 copies with the Waiting to Exhale soundtrack, and also logged her highest debut sales out of her Nielsen SoundScan-era albums at the time of its release.
The album spawned four singles (in order), “Whatchulookinat“, “One of Those Days“, “Try It on My Own“, and “Love That Man“, with the first, third and forth singles peaking at number one on Billboard‘s Dance Club Songs chart. “Try It on My Own” also peaked at number ten on Billboard‘s Adult Contemporary chart while “One of Those Days” topped the Adult R&B Songs chart. Just Whitney has sold over 2.5 million copies worldwide and has also earned Platinum certification in the United States and Switzerland, and Gold in France, Brazil and other countries. In 2003, the album was nominated at the Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards in the category for Best R&B/Soul Album of the Year.
Background and production
Just Whitney is Houston’s fifth studio album, that she recorded after renewing her contract with Arista for a record $100 million. It is mixed with R&B ballads, R&B mid-tempo numbers, and dance songs. It also includes a rock song, “Tell Me No”. Houston said that she wanted to make a “very soul oriented” album, something she felt was missing on the radio. It was somewhat a departure from her previous studio album My Love Is Your Love, which was blended with R&B, hip hop, and reggae.
She worked with Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, with whom she had worked with previously, and Kevin “She’kspere” Briggs. Other producers included Missy Elliott, Teddy Bishop, Gordon Chambers, Rob Fusari, and Troy Taylor. Her then-husband, recording artist Bobby Brown, also co-produced one of the songs.
According to Houston,
“[t]his album for me is about surviving, raising a family, being a wife or girlfriend and all the challenges that go along with those things. These songs are more about creating a mood than about anything in particular.”
She also said that she wanted to give something to the fans, songs which they can sing along to and love the melody. She also incorporated samples into her songs such as in “One of Those Days” ㅡ album’s second single, which sampled The Isley Brothers‘ song “Between the Sheets“.
She also covered Debby Boone‘s classic “You Light Up My Life“.
The album also contains the rock-influenced “Tell Me No”, which was produced by Babyface, who also produced some other songs on the album including the ballad “Try It on My Own” and dance-pop song “Love That Man” ㅡ both of which became singles. The song “Whatchulookinat” was produced by Brown and Mohammad 2G and became the project’s lead single. The song, co-written by Houston, was taken by critics as an answer to the media for deeply invading her personal life.
Critical reception
Professional ratings
| Aggregate scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Metacritic | 53/100 |
| Review scores | |
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   |
| Atlanta Journal-Constitution | B+ |
| Entertainment Weekly | B− |
| Dotmusic | 7/10 |
| The Guardian | |
| Los Angeles Times |  |
| Q | |
| Rolling Stone | |
| Slant Magazine | |
| USA Today | |
Upon its release, Just Whitney received mixed reviews from critics, with aggregated reviews on Metacritic awarding the album 53 out of 100. Craig Seymour of Atlanta Journal and Constitution gave the album a favorable review stating, “On Just Whitney, Houston comes off as warm, lucid, open, and sharp. Keysha Davis of BBC gave a favorable review commenting, “With one of the exceptional voices in contemporary music, her latest album, aptly titled Just Whitney sees the diva return to her former glory with a combination of high-voltage ballads and smooth-liqueur R&B. […] Whitney’s return to big ballads will hopefully ensure that this pop princess will be able to lead the rest of her life like a clichéd fairy tale – happily ever after.” Mike Bell from Jam! Showbiz, was also favorable in his review, saying “Maybe because of everything that’s happened in her past, maybe because of the sideshow, she has the ability to give the songs real feeling, real life.” In addition, he stated that her voice was in fine form, “showcasing those incredible pipes that launched a thousand imitators.” He concluded by saying, “And it shows up all of those followers with recent releases ㅡ including Mariah Carey and Celine Dion ㅡ because not only does Houston have the lungs, but she has the soul.”
Jon Pareles of New York Times wrote, “Ms. Houston’s voice sails and spirals through breathy ballads, staccato constructions and big-build anthems; she’s strategic and improvisatory at the same time.” He summarized by saying that even when she’s seething, she’s graceful. Angus Batey from Yahoo! Music UK & Ireland graded the album seven stars out of ten commenting, “[…] this is a cogent, compact and really quite good record, one that mixes upbeat, perhaps slightly clinical R&B with uber-ballads and occasional snatches of what appears to be an attempt at intimacy.” Stephen Thomas Erlewine of Allmusic commented that Just Whitney was “an assertion that she’s returning to her basics.” He also said that “It would be a good standard-issue Whitney album if it wasn’t for her disarming, defensive attempt to defuse every rumor hurled in her direction.” Billboard reviewed the album commenting that “Just Whitney appears and sounds more like a work-in-progress than a finished disk.” Steve Jones of USA Today graded the album fairly well, giving it two-and-half stars out of four, but stating, “At her best, Houston is full of sass and attitude and, most of all, joy. But with so much emphasis on what’s bothering her, you can’t help but wonder whether the thrill is gone.” According to The Guardian, the album takes “a musical step backwards”. Tom Sinclair of Entertainment Weekly graded the album a solid B− and noted that Just Whitney had quite a refreshingly “old-school vibe.” He commented, “Whatever her personal problems, our gal [sic] sounds plucky and on top of her game. Still, in her third decade as a diva, Houston remains a formidable role model for American Idol wannabes.”
Commercial performance
On the week ending December 28, 2002, Just Whitney debuted and peaked at number nine on the Billboard 200 and number three on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. The album spent 26 initial weeks on the Billboard 200. It was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for shipments exceeding one million copies. By 2009, the album had sold 737,000 copies in the USA according to Nielsen Soundscan. In its Billboard Year End chart in December 2003, the album ranked 101st place in the Top Billboard 200 Albums list and 30th place in the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums list. Following Houston’s sudden passing in 2012, Just Whitney returned to the charts, staying for an additional four weeks.
In addition, Houston’s record label released a three-CD box set, Triple Feature in March 2012, which featured Just Whitney, along with Houston’s other hit albums, I’m Your Baby Tonight (1990)
and My Love Is Your Love (1998),
with the set peaking at number 21 on the Billboard 200 in its second week of release, and reached number five on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, becoming Houston’s ninth album to reach the top five on the chart. The set stayed on the chart for six weeks on both charts.
In Australia, the album reached number 22 on the ARIA Urban Albums Chart. The album debuted at number 85 on the Canadian Albums chart, selling 3,000 copies in its first week. In Austria, it entered the albums chart on December 8, 2002 at its peak position of number 33. In Switzerland, the album saw its second highest peak, when it debuted at number 10 on the charts. It was certified Platinum by the IFPI Switzerland for shipment/sales of 30,000 copies or more. In France, the album charted at number 25 and was certified Gold, for shipment of 50,000 copies. In the Netherlands, it peaked at number 70 on the albums chart. Just Whitney was certified Gold in Brazil. In the UK, it peaked at number 76. The album has sold more than 2.5 million copies worldwide.
Singles
The album saw the release of five official singles – two preceding and three succeeding the album’s release.
“Whatchulookinat” became the album’s lead single released on September 17, 2002. The song received mixed to unfavorable reviews from critics. The single became a moderate success worldwide, peaking inside the top forty in most countries. In the US, it became her tenth Hot Dance Club Play topper. The corresponding music video was also considered as Houston’s answer to the media for getting too deep into her personal life. The video showed a white set with cameras all over, following Houston’s every move. The set was also full with old movie cameras and people dressed as reporters and photographers. Houston is shown dancing in front of them.
“One of Those Days” was the album’s second single and was released on October 29, 2002.
The song received many positive reviews from critics. It sampled The Isley Brothers‘ song “Between the Sheets“. The single was a moderate success in the US. The accompanying music video’s plot revolved around Houston and her friends, having a day for themselves and going to the club at night.
“Try It on My Own” became the project’s third single and was released on February 11, 2003. The song received acclaim from critics as well as fans; most of them who named it as the album’s highlight. The song, like its predecessors, was a moderate success and topped Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart. It also reached the top ten on the US Adult Contemporary chart. Internationally, the song performed fair. A music video was released to promote the single.
“My Love” was released to urban adult contemporary radio as the album’s fourth single on March 10, 2003. It became a moderate hit reaching number 39 on Billboard’s Adult R&B Songs chart.
“Love That Man” was the fifth and final single from the album, released on May 20, 2003. It became another Dance Club chart-topping single, but failed to make the Hot 100. No accompanying video was released for the single.
Promotion
To promote the album, Houston appeared on the 2002 MTV Europe Music Awards, performing her new single “Whatchulookinat”.
She also appeared on the 2003 VH1 Divas Duets: An Honors Concert for the VH1 Save the Music Foundation and performed her hits including two songs from the album; “My Love” and “Try It on My Own”. Apart from these, she also performed “One of Those Days” and “Tell Me No” live on Good Morning America. It was the only non-Christmas studio album in Houston’s career where no tour was launched from it.
Track listing
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | “One of Those Days“ | Kevin Briggs O’Kelly Isley, Jr. Rudolph Isley Ronald Isley Ernie Isley Marvin Isley Chris Jasper Dwight Reynolds Patrice Stewart | She’kspere | 4:15 |
| 2. | “Tell Me No” | Kenneth Edmonds Kandi Burruss Holly Lamar Annie Roboff | Babyface | 3:44 |
|---|
| 3. | “Things You Say” | Charlie Bereal Kenny Bereal Melissa Elliott Charlene Keys | CKB Missy Elliott | 4:13 |
|---|
| 4. | “My Love” (featuring Bobby Brown) | Ted Bishop GordonChambers Greg Charley | Chambers Bishop | 3:28 |
|---|
| 5. | “Love That Man“ | Edmonds Rob Fusari Calvin Gaines Eritza Laues Bill Lee Balewa Muhammad | Babyface Fusari | 3:27 |
|---|
| 6. | “Try It on My Own“ | Edmonds Jason Edmonds Carole Bayer Sager Aleese Simmons Nathan Walton | Babyface | 4:40 |
|---|
| 7. | “Dear John Letter” | Briggs Dwight Reynolds Patrice Stewart | She’kspere | 4:34 |
|---|
| 8. | “Unashamed” | Darius Good Luke Paterna Stephanie Salzman Troy Taylor | TaylorThe Formula | 3:38 |
|---|
| 9. | “You Light Up My Life“ | Joe Brooks | Babyface Rickey Minor | 3:42 |
|---|
| 10. | “Whatchulookinat“ | WhitneyHouston Tammie Harris Andre Lewis Muhammad | Bobby Brown Muhammad | 3:33 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total length: | 39:08 | |||
International edition
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | “Whatchulookinat“ | 3:33 |
| 2. | “Tell Me No” | 3:44 |
|---|
| 3. | “One of Those Days“ | 4:10 |
|---|
| 4. | “Things You Say” | 4:13 |
|---|
| 5. | “My Love” (featuring Bobby Brown) | 3:28 |
|---|
| 6. | “Love That Man“ | 3:28 |
|---|
| 8. | “Dear John Letter” | 4:34 |
|---|
| 9. | “Unashamed” | 3:38 |
|---|
| 10. | “You Light Up My Life“ | 3:42 |
|---|
| 11. | “Whatchulookinat” (P. Diddy Remix) | 4:08 |
|---|---|---|
| Total length: | 43:17 | |
Limited edition bonus DVD
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | “Whatchulookinat” (music video) | 4:11 |
| 2. | “Love to Infinity Megamix” (Video) | 5:15 |
|---|
| 3. | “Whatchulookinat” (Behind the Scenes) | 4:52 |
|---|---|---|
| Total length: | 14:18 | |
Notes
- ^[A] on international editions, “Try It on My Own” is labeled as “On My Own”.
- ^[B] denotes co-producer
Personnel
Adapted from AllMusic.
- Joey Arbagey – A&R
- Babyface – drum programming, guest artist, acoustic guitar, keyboards, producer, background vocals
- Tom Bender – assistant
- Charile “CSUN” Bereal – producer
- Kenny Bereal – producer
- Ted Bishop – arranger, drum programming, engineer, keyboards, producer, vocal arrangement
- Paul Boutin – engineer
- Kevin “She’kspere” Briggs – arranger, engineer, midi, producer
- Bobby Brown – featured artist, guest artist, primary artist, producer
- Matt Brown – assistant
- Melanie Byrd – production coordination
- Terrence Cash – engineer
- Gordon Chambers – producer, vocal arrangement, vocal producer, background vocals
- Greg Charley – guitar
- Corrado Sgandurra – guitar
- Nathan East – bass
- Kevin KD Davis – mixing
- Missy Elliott – producer
- Cortez Farris – engineer
- Steve Fisher – assistant
- Roxanna Floy – make-up
- Sherree Ford-payne – background vocals
- Rob Fusari – producer
- Jon Gass – mixing
- Steve Genewick – assistant
- Sharlotte Gibson – background vocals
- Kevin Guarnieri – engineer
- Mick Guzauski – mixing
- Gary Houston – background vocals
- Whitney Houston – primary artist, producer, vocal arrangement, vocals, background vocals, songwriter
- Jimmy Hoyson – assistant
- Kenya Ivey – background vocals
- Scott Kieklak – engineer
- Latrelle – background vocals
- Ellin La Var – hair stylist
- Ricky Lawson – drums
- Marc Stephen Lee – assistant
- Wayne Linsey – fender rhodes
- Manny Marroquin – mixing
- Bill Meyers – string arrangements, string conductor
- Ricky Minor – producer
- Muhammad2G – producer
- Sheryl Nields – photography
- Joe Mama-Nitzberg – creative director
- Greg Phillinganes – piano
- Josean Posey – assistant
- Herb Powers – mastering
- L.A. Reid – executive producer
- Dennis Rivadeneira – assistant
- Jeffrey Schulz – art direction, design
- Ivy Skoff – production coordination
- Antonique Smith – background vocals
- Patrice “ButtaPhly” Stewart – vocal producer
- Craig “Niteman” Taylor – assistant
- Shawndella Taylor – A&R
- Troy Taylor – producer, programming, rhythm arrangements, vocal producer
- Michael Hart Thompson – guitar
- Tweet – vocal producer, background vocals
- Tommy Vicari – string engineer
- Randy Waldman – string arrangements, string conductor
- Mike White – engineer
- Patti Wilson – stylist
- Theresa Wilson – A&R
- Jeffrey “Woody” Woodruff – string engineer
Charts
Weekly charts
| Chart (2002) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australian Albums (ARIA) | 114 |
| Austrian Albums (Ö3 Austria) | 33 |
| Canadian Albums (Nielsen SoundScan) | 85 |
| Canadian R&B Albums (Nielsen SoundScan) | 17 |
| Dutch Albums (Album Top 100) | 70 |
| European Top 100 Albums (Music & Media) | 34 |
| French Albums (SNEP) | 25 |
| German Albums (Offizielle Top 100) | 16 |
| Italian Albums (FIMI) | 20 |
| Japanese Albums (Oricon) | 41 |
| Polish Albums (ZPAV) | 32 |
| Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade) | 10 |
| UK Albums (OCC) | 76 |
| UK R&B Albums (OCC) | 21 |
| US Billboard 200 | 9 |
| US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard) | 2 |
Year-end charts
| Chart (2002) | Position |
|---|---|
| Canadian R&B Albums (Nielsen SoundScan) | 141 |
| Chart (2003) | Position |
|---|---|
| US Billboard 200 | 101 |
| US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard) | 30 |
| Chart (2012) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Croatian Albums (HDU) | 26 |
| US Billboard 200 | 50 |
Monthly charts
| Chart (2002) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| South Korean Albums (RIAK) | 3 |
Certifications and sales
| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil) | Gold | 50,000* |
| France (SNEP) | Gold | 100,000* |
| Japan (RIAJ) | Gold | 100,000^ |
| South Korea | — | 30,973 |
| Switzerland (IFPI Switzerland) | Platinum | 40,000^ |
| United Kingdom | — | 42,114 |
| United States (RIAA) | Platinum | 1,000,000^ |
| Summaries | ||
| Worldwide | — | 2,500,000 |
| * Sales figures based on certification alone. ^ Shipments figures based on certification alone. | ||
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