Released November 6, 2009 Recorded 2009 Length 3:44 | Format Digital download Genre R&B, gospel Label Arista | |
"I Didn't Know My Own Strength" is a song performed by American R&B-pop singer Whitney Houston, taken from her seventh studio album I Look to You (2009).
Contents
The song was written by award-winning writer Whitney Houston, Diane Warren and produced by David Foster, both of whom have written and produced for Houston before. The song was originally supposed to precede the album's UK release on August 31, 2009 and U.S. release on September 1, 2009 but was cancelled in favor of "I Look to You" and "Million Dollar Bill".
A live performance was included in the 2014 CD/DVD release, Whitney Houston Live: Her Greatest Performances.
Critical reception
When reviewing the album Digital Spy described the song along with the title track "the album's pair of classic Whitney ballads."
Background
Though never officially released, UK columnist Lizzie Smith reported in the Daily Mail the song had been leaked to the internet prior to its official release date. However, music mogul Clive Davis said at the album's official launch party in London that all of the tracks on the album remain unfinished. The song's release was originally confirmed by Diane Warren who told Vibe Magazine she had penned the single especially for Houston, and it would be released as the first single. At the album listening parties, Davis said the album track "Call You Tonight" was a candidate for the lead single. Following previous reports, this led to speculation that "I Didn't Know My Own Strength" would receive a limited release to generate buzz for the album, whilst a different song will be fully promoted and released to propel the album's release. Title song "I Look to You" was released as the U.S. lead single whilst "Million Dollar Bill" (the second U.S. release) became the international lead single. Houston performed the song on The Oprah Winfrey Show on September 15, 2009 and live on the 2009 American Music Awards broadcast.
Track listing
Due to the popularity of the song a remix-EP was released alongside remixes for the two official singles on November 6, 2009.
- I Didn't Know My Own Strength (Peter Rauhofer Radio Edit) 3:04
- I Didn't Know My Own Strength (Peter Rauhofer Mixshow) 5:15
- I Didn't Know My Own Strength (Daddy's Groove Magic Island Radio Mix) 3:11
- I Didn't Know My Own Strength (Daddy's Groove Magic Island Mixshow) 5:19
- I Didn't Know My Own Strength (Daddy's Groove Magic Island Club Mix) 7:23