"Step by Step"
Song by Annie Lennox
from the album Diva (Japanese Edition)
A-side"Precious"
Released25 May 1992 (1992-05-25)
GenrePop
Length4:46
LabelRCA
Songwriter(s)Annie Lennox
"Step by Step"
The Remixes Cover
Single by Whitney Houston
from the album The Preacher's Wife: Original Soundtrack Album
Released24 February 1997 (1997-02-24)
Recorded1996
Genre
Length4:10
LabelArista
Songwriter(s)Annie Lennox
Producer(s)Stephen Lipson
Whitney Houston singles chronology
"I Believe in You and Me"
(1996)		 "Step by Step"
(1997)		 "My Heart Is Calling"
(1997)
Music video
"Step by Step" on YouTube

"Step by Step" is a song recorded by Whitney Houston, originally written and recorded by Annie Lennox. The song appeared on the B-side to Lennox's 1992 single "Precious". Whitney Houston released a reworked crossover R&B/pop cover version in 1996 on the soundtrack to the film The Preacher's Wife. Houston's version replaces Lennox's verses with new lyrics and omits portions of the bridge. Annie Lennox provides backing vocals for Houston's rendition.[1]

Background

In an interview for The Nation, Houston said that "Annie sent me this really beautiful, spiritual song and it fit the groove of the album right away".[2]

Critical reception

J. D. Considine of The Baltimore Sun described "Step by Step" as "a slick, synth-driven number that recalls the '80s-style sparkle of her early hits", and "certain to spend many weeks in the Top 10".[3] Larry Flick from Billboard named it "one of the shining moments" on The Preacher's Wife soundtrack. He also called it "a rousing, gospel-kissed chugger", adding that "[i]t's been too long since Houston has cut loose on an uptempo number, and she whips through this jam with engaging ease".[4] In its review for the dance single for "Step By Step", the magazine deemed it as an "uplifting anthem", in which "Houston cuts loose with stirring gospel fervor".[5] Chris Willman from Entertainment Weekly said in his soundtrack review, "Best among the non-gospel fare, [...] [is] Step by Step, a house throbber penned by Annie Lennox, represents an admirable departure but gets tripped up by a pallid Inspirations R Us lyric and perhaps too much of its author's stamp."[6]

Howard Cohen from the Miami Herald described it as a "punchy dance/pop number", adding that its "bass-rumbling remix seems a natural for clubs".[7] A reviewer from Music Week rated it five out of five, writing, "Tight production, a strong pop song written by Annie Lennox and a thumping groove all single this out as a smash hit for the Christmas party market. It's Houston's best work for ages."[8] While reviewing The Preacher's Wife album, Cary Darling of the Orange County Register said that Houston "turns in a credible, danceable take" on the Lennox song, adding that the Teddy Riley remix "digs a deep new jack groove."[9] Bob Waliszewski of Plugged In called it "aerobically upbeat", noting that the song "embraces the challenges of living day by day".[10]

Following Houston's death in 2012, Entertainment Weekly published a list of her 25 best songs and ranked "Step by Step" number 13, explaining, "The Preacher's Wife wasn't a masterpiece, but for gospel lovers, its soundtrack was [...] [a]nd its Annie Lennox-penned second single – an ode to not biting off more than you can chew, set to a churchy dance beat – peaked at a respectable No. 15 on the pop charts."[11] It was placed at number five on Idolators list of "Whitney Houston’s 10 Best Songs That Radio Forgot" because the song "teaches us that we can overcome any obstacle".[12] BET placed it at number 22 in their list of "The 40 Best Whitney Houston Songs", adding that "she ably recalls her '80s uptempo prime with a result that's both spirit- and body-moving".[13]

Chart performance

After its release, "Step by Step" reached number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart in the US.[14] Houston's single charted successfully across the globe, reaching the Top 20 in over 45 countries. It was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America. It was also successful in Europe and peaked within the top ten in Austria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Scotland and Spain. And it also peaked at number ten on the composite European Hot 100. In the United Kingdom, the song was released in late 1996 as the first single from The Preacher's Wife soundtrack. It peaked at number thirteen and was certified silver by the British Phonographic Industry. In February 2012, after Houston's passing, it re-entered the UK singles chart at number 83.[15] As of 2012, the song had sold 235,000 copies in the United Kingdom.[16] In Australia, it peaked at number 12 and spent 15 weeks on the chart. It was certified gold by the Australian Recording Industry Association. In Austria it peaked at number six and spent 16 weeks on the chart.

Music video

A music video was produced to promote the single, directed by American film director, screenwriter, and music video director Paul Hunter.[17] It shows mainly Houston wearing a brown raincoat and dancing to the song on a center stage while other dancers join her as the song develops.[17] Houston's footages are intercut with scenes of a youth center, being restored by youngsters after a fire.[17] The video for "Step by Step" was later published on Houston's official YouTube channel in October 2009. It has amassed more than 54 million views as of December 2023.[18]

Live performances

After its release, "Step by Step" has been performed on all of Houston's tours: Pacific Rim Tour (1997), The European Tour (1998), My Love Is Your Love World Tour (1999), Soul Divas Tour (2004) and Nothing but Love World Tour (2009–2010). It was also performed in her HBO special Classic Whitney Live from Washington, D.C. in 1997.

Track listings and formats

  • CD single
  1. "Step by Step" (Album Version) – 4:12
  2. "Step by Step" (Teddy Riley Remix) – 4:32
  • CD maxi single
  1. "Step by Step" (Tony Moran Remix) – 10:22
  2. "Step by Step" (Junior's Arena Anthem Mix) – 11:50
  3. "Step by Step" (Soul Solution Diva Vocal) – 8:47
  4. "Step by Step" (K-Klass Remix) – 10:08
  5. "Step by Step" (Teddy Riley Remix) – 5:00
  6. "Step by Step" (Album Version) – 4:07
  • 12" – The Remixes (Europe)
  1. "Step by Step" (Junior's Arena Anthem Mix) – 11:50
  2. "Step by Step" (Album Version) – 4:12
  3. "Step by Step" (K-Klass Remix) – 10:06
  4. "Step by Step" (Soul Solution Bonus Bass Dub) – 2:40
  5. "Step by Step" (Soul Solution Diva Vocal) – 9:02
  6. "Step by Step" (Junior's Deep Vocal Mix) – 8:47
  7. "Step by Step" (Teddy Riley Remix) – 4:32

Personnel

Charts

Certifications

Region CertificationCertified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[64] Gold 35,000^
Germany (BVMI)[65] Gold 250,000^
United Kingdom (BPI)[66] Silver 200,000^
United States (RIAA)[67] Gold 500,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

References

  1. ↑ MTV News Staff (26 February 1997). "Whitney Houston Gets Help From Annie Lennox". MTV News. Retrieved 13 June 2014.
  2. ↑ "The Gospel According to Whitney". The Nation. 5 January 1997. Retrieved 13 June 2014.
  3. ↑ J. D. Considine (28 November 1996). "'Preacher's Wife' lacks gospel fire". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved 7 August 2011.
  4. ↑ Flick, Larry (15 February 1997). "Reviews & Previews – p. 68". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. Retrieved 15 August 2011. (Transcription of original review at Classic Whitney.com)
  5. ↑ "Billboard Magazine – Reviews & Previews – p. 85". Billboard. 11 January 1997. Retrieved 7 August 2011. (Transcription of original review at talk page)
  6. ↑ Willman, Chris (29 November 1996). "Diva la Différence". Entertainment Weekly.
  7. ↑ Cohen, Howard (15 December 1996). "Soundtrack Short of Heaven-Sent". Miami Herald. Retrieved 13 June 2014.
  8. ↑ "Reviews: Singles" (PDF). Music Week. 30 November 1996. p. 20. Retrieved 6 October 2021.
  9. ↑ Cary Darling (3 December 1996). "Original Soundtrack The Preacher's Wife Arista". Orange County Register. Retrieved 17 August 2011. (Transcription of original review at Whitney-Fan.com)
  10. ↑ Waliszewski, Bob. "The Preacher's Wife Soundtrack – Plugged in Online Album Reviews". Plugged In. Focus on the Family. Retrieved 17 August 2011.
  11. ↑ Anderson, Kyle; Goldblatt, Henry; Greenblatt, Leah; Rahman, Ray (17 February 2012). "Whitney Houston: Her 25 Best Songs". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 1 August 2012.
  12. ↑ Daw, Robbie (21 February 2012). "Whitney Houston's 10 Best Songs That Radio Forgot". Idolator. Retrieved 21 December 2013.
  13. ↑ "The 40 Best Whitney Houston Songs". BET.com. BET Interactive, LLC. Retrieved 13 June 2014.
  14. ↑ "Step by Step – Whitney Houston". Billboard. Retrieved 24 August 2011.
  15. ↑ Lauren Kreisler (14 February 2012). "27 Whitney Houston tracks on course to re-enter Official Singles Chart". The Official Charts Company. Retrieved 28 July 2012.
  16. ↑ "Whitney Houston | Official Top 20". MTV UK. Retrieved 28 December 2013.
  17. 1 2 3 "Whitney Houston " Music Videos – Step by Step". MTV. 7 February 1997. Retrieved 3 December 2011.
  18. ↑ "Whitney Houston - Step By Step (Official HD Video)". YouTube. 25 October 2009. Retrieved 6 October 2021.
  19. 1 2 The Preacher's Wife: Original Soundtrack Album (CD album). Whitney Houston. Arista. 1996. 07822-18951-2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) Album booklet
  20. ↑ "Whitney Houston – Step By Step". ARIA Top 50 Singles.
  21. ↑ "Whitney Houston – Step By Step" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40.
  22. ↑ "Whitney Houston – Step By Step" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50.
  23. ↑ "Whitney Houston – Step By Step" (in French). Ultratop 50.
  24. ↑ "Whitney Houston Billboard Singles". AllMusic. Archived from the original on 30 March 2013. Retrieved 3 July 2022.
  25. ↑ "Top RPM Singles: Issue 3203." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 20 March 2019.
  26. ↑ Lwin, Nanda (2000). Top 40 Hits: The Essential Chart Guide. Music Data Canada. p. 135. ISBN 1-896594-13-1.
  27. ↑ "Top RPM Adult Contemporary: Issue 3184." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 20 March 2019.
  28. ↑ "Top RPM Dance/Urban: Issue 3192." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 20 March 2019.
  29. ↑ "Top National Sellers" (PDF). Music & Media. 21 December 1996. Retrieved 25 June 2018.
  30. ↑ "Top National Sellers" (PDF). Music & Media. 18 January 1997. Retrieved 5 March 2018.
  31. ↑ "Billboard Magazine – Hits of the World – p.39". Billboard. 8 March 1997. Retrieved 7 August 2011.
  32. ↑ "Whitney Houston: Step By Step" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat.
  33. ↑ "Whitney Houston – Step By Step" (in French). Les classement single.
  34. ↑ "Whitney Houston – Step By Step" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved 20 March 2019.
  35. ↑ "Top National Sellers" (PDF). Music & Media. 1 February 1997. Retrieved 25 June 2018.
  36. ↑ "Íslenski Listinn Topp 40 (09.01.1997 – 15.01.1997)" (PDF) (in Icelandic). Dagblaðið Vísir – Tónlist. Retrieved 5 February 2018.
  37. ↑ "Irishcharts.ie – Search the charts > Step by Step". Irish Recorded Music Association. Archived from the original on 2 June 2009. Retrieved 28 July 2012.
  38. ↑ "Billboard Magazine – Hits of the World – p.54". Billboard. 15 February 1997. Retrieved 7 August 2011.
  39. ↑ Whitney Houston - Step By Step | Top 40
  40. ↑ "Whitney Houston – Step By Step" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
  41. ↑ "Whitney Houston – Step By Step". Top 40 Singles.
  42. ↑ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
  43. ↑ Salaverri, Fernando (September 2005). Sólo éxitos: año a año, 1959–2002 (1st ed.). Spain: Fundación Autor-SGAE. p. 900. ISBN 84-8048-639-2.
  44. ↑ "Whitney Houston – Step By Step". Singles Top 100.
  45. ↑ "Whitney Houston – Step By Step". Swiss Singles Chart.
  46. ↑ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
  47. ↑ "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company.
  48. ↑ "Whitney Houston Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard.
  49. ↑ "Whitney Houston Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard.
  50. ↑ "Whitney Houston Chart History (Dance Club Songs)". Billboard.
  51. ↑ "Whitney Houston Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard.
  52. ↑ "Whitney Houston Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard.
  53. ↑ "ARIA Charts – End Of Year Charts – Top 100 Singles 1997". Australian Recording Industry Association. Archived from the original on 12 September 2009. Retrieved 31 May 2011.
  54. ↑ "Austriancharts.at – Jahreshitparade 1997". Hung Medien. Retrieved 17 August 2011.
  55. ↑ "Ultratop.be – Rapports Annuels 1997" (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved 17 August 2011.
  56. ↑ "RPM '97 Year End ... Top 100 Adult Contemporary Tracks". RPM. Library and Archives Canada. 15 December 1997. Retrieved 5 January 2014.
  57. ↑ "1997 Year-End Sales Charts: Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. Retrieved 21 December 2019.
  58. ↑ Pennanen, Timo (2006). Sisältää hitin: Levyt ja esittäjät Suomen musiikkilistoilla vuodesta 1972. Finland: Otava. p. 62. ISBN 951-1-21053-X.
  59. ↑ "Top 100 Single-Jahrescharts" (in German). GfK Entertainment. Retrieved 17 April 2018.
  60. ↑ "Top40.nl – Single Top 100 Van 1997" (PDF). Dutch Top 40. Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 December 2011. Retrieved 1 March 2012.
  61. ↑ "Top 100 Singles 1997". Music Week. 17 January 1998. p. 27.
  62. ↑ "Najlepsze single na UK Top 40–1997" (in Polish). Archived from the original on 4 June 2015. Retrieved 26 June 2021.
  63. ↑ "1997 The Year in Music: Hot Dance Club Play Singles". Billboard. 27 December 1997. Retrieved 2 July 2011.
  64. ↑ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 1997 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association.
  65. ↑ "Gold-/Platin-Datenbank (Whitney Houston; 'Step by Step')" (in German). Bundesverband Musikindustrie.
  66. ↑ "British single certifications – Whitney Houston – Step by Step". British Phonographic Industry.
  67. ↑ "American single certifications – Whitney Houston – Step by Step". Recording Industry Association of America.
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