The Handguide to Albums by Related Artists (‘80s Whitney)

In the 1980s, Whitney Houston released two essential albums: her debut and follow-up. Here, we’ve selected 11 albums by the key collaborators who helped shape these two groundbreaking records.

Each album is solid in its own way, but some truly stand out for their pioneering sounds, impressive guest rosters, or sheer vocal power. It’s a snapshot of ‘80s R&B’s ever-evolving dance-floor meets radio-hit synergy.

Narada Michael Walden: Victory

A phenomenal drummer who played in the Mahavishnu Orchestra, Narada Michael Walden also produced a slew of Black contemporary hits, including projects for Whitney Houston. Since the mid-’70s, he’s released several solo albums as a singer; this is his fifth. Influenced by acts like Chic and Earth, Wind & Fire, he delivers a pop-oriented dance sound driven by a drummer’s elastic sense of rhythm, highlighting the energy he had at the time. Bob Clearmountain co-produced. The R&B-charting single “The Real Thang” is a horn-heavy urban funk number, and from there onward his vocals remain powerful and soulful. The final long instrumental, called a “suite of victory,” showcases his top-level skills as both performer and creator.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
The vibrant fusion of pop-funk grooves and first-rate musicianship really hits the mark, though it’s not quite an essential classic.

Stacy Lattisaw: With You

Narada Michael Walden excelled at producing for female artists. He worked his magic with Sister Sledge, Angela Bofill, his own relative Wanda Walden, and—among them—Stacy Lattisaw, for whom he devoted extra effort. Narada had produced Stacy’s teen-era albums back to back; this one is his second collaboration with her (her third album overall). It’s a youthful soul record reminiscent of early Janet Jackson, pairing Narada’s crisp dance beats with Stacy’s sweet, soaring vocals. A cover of The Moments’ “Love on a Two Way Street” became her biggest solo hit. In 1984, she dropped a duet album with fellow Washington, D.C. native Johnny Gill. Off the strength of these Stacy Lattisaw projects, Narada was soon tapped to join Whitney Houston’s production team.

Rating: ★★★½☆ (3.5/5)
A strong snapshot of bubbly ‘80s teen R&B. It’s fun and engaging, but not on the same iconic level as the era’s biggest blockbusters.

Aretha Franklin: Who’s Zoomin’ Who?

The Queen of Soul—who was also Whitney Houston’s godmother—teamed with Narada Michael Walden in the ‘80s to create one of her most successful records of the decade. Recorded after the death of her father, Rev. C.L. Franklin, the album sees Narada infusing a colorful sound that captures Aretha’s many facets and appeals to the pop market. There’s a re-recording of her Columbia-era ballad “Sweet Bitter Love,” which drew attention, but the tracks most emblematic of that moment are “Freeway of Love”—featuring Clarence Clemons on sax and a TR-808-laced production reminiscent of Whitney’s “How Will I Know”— and “Sisters Are Doin’ It for Themselves,” a pop-soul collaboration with the Eurythmics that’s very much an ‘80s spin on Aretha’s classic empowerment themes (a la “Respect”).

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
A major reinvention for Aretha in the ‘80s, pairing her legendary voice with top-tier production and energetic singles that stand the test of time

Kashif: Kashif

After playing keyboards in the latter years of B.T. Express, Kashif began making waves in New York as a sound innovator. On his debut solo record—bolstered by help from allies like Lillo Thomas—he opens with a cool self-cover of “Don’t Stop My Love,” which he originally gave to the group Prelude’s Passion. “Stone Love,” co-written with La La, is a snappy funk tune; “Help Yourself to My Love,” composed by Paul Laurence and featuring background vocals from La La, rides a mid-tempo groove reminiscent of Change. Ira Siegel’s crisp guitar licks shine through, and while Kashif relies heavily on synthesizers, he still manages to keep things sounding organic. Overall, including the guest musicians, this album functions as a sister piece to Evelyn “Champagne” King’s 1982 record Get Loose, which Kashif also helped shape.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
A strong solo debut that cements Kashif’s role as a rising R&B production master, even if it occasionally treads familiar early-’80s territory.

Kashif: Send Me Your Love

Released when Kashif was at his peak as a producer, this second album polishes his synth-driven dance sound to new heights. “Baby Don’t Break Your Baby’s Heart” stands out as a quintessential mid-’80s NY-style groove. With songwriting contributions from labelmate Kenny G, the Arista family truly rallies here. “Send Me Your Love” features La La, while “Are You the Woman” includes Whitney Houston on guest vocals—both ballads hint at the urbane approach that would soon become standard in mainstream R&B. Melissa Morgan and Lillo Thomas offer background support. There’s also “Edgartown Groove,” an instrumental jam with scat singing by Al Jarreau, highlighting Kashif’s versatility as a sound creator.

Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5/5)
Kashif refines his vision with star collaborators, resulting in an influential R&B record that’s nearly flawless in its slick, urban production values.

Peabo Bryson & Roberta Flack: Born to Love

After Donny Hathaway’s passing, Roberta Flack found a new duet partner in Peabo Bryson. This project—where Peabo invited Roberta to collaborate—features top-flight MOR (middle-of-the-road) producers and songwriters like Burt Bacharach & Carole Bayer Sager, Bob Crewe & Bob Gaudio, and Michael Masser & Gerry Goffin. The track “Tonight, I Celebrate My Love,” known by its Japanese title “(Ai no Celebration),” is a classic ballad penned by Masser & Goffin, the duo that helped define Whitney Houston’s early hits. Their melodies and lyrics sparkle when performed by powerhouse R&B singers. Roberta also delivers a standout solo track alongside Al Johnson.

Rating: ★★★½☆ (3.5/5)
A tender, heartfelt collaboration—great for fans of classic adult-contemporary R&B, though lacking a bit of the edge Peabo or Roberta often display solo.

Teddy Pendergrass: Love Language

Following his near-fatal accident, this celebrated Philadelphia singer returned to Asylum Records with a fresh start. Most of the album consists of ballads composed by Michael Masser (lyrics by Gerry Goffin, Linda Creed, etc.). For those who remember the explosive baritone performances from his Philly soul heyday, the mellow approach here might feel subdued, but the warmth in Teddy’s voice is hard to resist. His duet with Whitney, “Hold Me,” would appear the following year on her debut album—originally, it was meant as a showcase for Whitney. Also here is “You’re My Choice Tonight (Choose Me),” produced by Luther Vandross and Marcus Miller, an urban mid-tempo gem that was also featured in a movie released that same year.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Though less fiery than his earlier work, it’s a smooth and intimate set that underscores Teddy’s resilience and vocal finesse.

Jermaine Jackson: Let’s Get Serious

The third son in the esteemed Jackson family—who initially did not join The Jacksons (though he did later)—Jermaine found his greatest solo success at Motown. Co-produced with Stevie Wonder, this album’s title track is a danceable disco-funk number that became Jermaine’s first solo #1 on the R&B charts. With Greg Phillinganes (one of Stevie’s trusted sidemen) also aboard, the album feels like the influence of Michael Jackson fires it up’s Off the Wall (1979). Tracks like “Burnin’ Hot” are loaded with percussive vocals and falsetto reminiscent of Michael. Released in 1980, it basically retains that late-’70s soul/funk vibe, thanks to an all-star West Coast session crew keeping it mostly organic.

Rating: ★★★½☆ (3.5/5)
A fun, groove-oriented outing that brims with that Jacksons-esque energy. It might not be as timeless as Off the Wall, but it’s a solid spin for fans of vintage disco-funk.

Jermaine Jackson: Dynamite

After signing to Arista in the mid-to-late ’80s, Jermaine dropped his first solo project there in 1984—the same year he rejoined The Jacksons for their Victory album. It includes appearances by the Jacksons themselves and a duet with younger brother Michael. Jermaine took the producer’s seat, leading a session band of top-tier West Coast musicians. The title track, a hit single, steers the record into electronic pop-funk and soul territory, but it also spans tender ballads and bouncy synth-pop. Jermaine and Whitney Houston sang multiple duets on each other’s albums; one here—“Take Good Care of My Heart,” penned by Peter McCann and Steve (text incomplete)—would later appear on Whitney’s debut LP, an absolute gem of urban soul.

Rating: ★★★½☆ (3.5/5)
A wide-ranging set showing Jermaine’s knack for pop-funk plus a bit of smooth balladry. Not every track is a home run, but the high points still shine.

La La: La La

Known for writing hits like Whitney Houston’s “You Give Good Love,” La Forrest “La La” Cope came up in Kashif’s circle and worked with the likes of the Jacksons Band in her early days. This is her first solo LP, centering on her talents as a singer. With support from Kashif, she tackles a variety of styles: techno-funk from producers Full Force, pop-soul from John “Jellybean” Benitez alumni M+M (John Morales & Sergio Munzibai), and more—all powered by her strong, radiant voice. “We’ll Keep Striving,” a Latin-flavored mid-tempo funk duet with Bernard Wright (also from Queens), is a hometown collaboration. She teams up with Glenn Jones on “All Work, No Play,” a solid uptempo track also featured on Glenn’s 1986 record

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Bursting with vocal energy, it’s a slick, club-ready R&B album that proves La La can hold her own beyond just writing hits for others.

Jellybean: Just Visiting This Planet

John “Jellybean” Benitez—producer and remixer for Whitney Houston—came up as a DJ in NYC’s disco scene and first made his name working on early Madonna recordings. Known as one of the most in-demand remixers of the ’80s, Jellybean dropped this second solo venture featuring female singer Elisa Fiorillo and others. It’s a dance album that leans heavily into techno-funk more than traditional soul, evoking the vibe of groups like The System. Tony C from Jellybean’s collective wrote a track reminiscent of The Temptations’ “Love Will Save the Day,” while he also gave songs to By All Means. The tune “The Real Thing,” featuring Colonel Abrams, fuses house and R&B—an iconic example of late-’80s dance-floor crossover.

Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
A high-energy slice of ’80s dance culture with flashes of brilliance, but it can feel like a relic of the era rather than a timeless record.