The COOL DOWN/THROW DOWN concept is apparently retained worldwide, meaning that--ala the USA edition--the ballads gravitate toward disc one and the dance tracks dominate disc two. Additionally, the newly-recorded tracks found on the USA version are also included here. The key differences are that this edition has the original versions of such tracks as I'M YOUR BABY TONIGHT, SO EMOTIONAL, I WANNA DANCE WITH SOMEBODY, HOW WILL I KNOW, and a few others. The USA version only has often greatly-altered remixes of those key hit tunes. Additionally, several song selections differ, such as the presence here of COUNT ON ME (the Whitney/CeCe Winans duet)...and the absence of THE STAR SPANGLED BANNER. Sadly, neither edition has the excellent ballad MIRACLE.

Two additional selling points of the Japanese edition involve the elaborate packaging. The version I obtained comes in an attractive glossy cardboard slipcase that duplicates the album's cover graphics. Also, there is an English/Japanese lyric book included alongside the jewel box.

To potential buyers: compare the track listings and decide if the extra cost to get this import is worth it to get more original versions. If you desire a Whitney Houston collection without so many remixes, the extra cost might be worth it to own an edition that will get repeated plays, rather than one that sits on your shelf.


A better version than the american one   June 12, 2001
6 out of 7 found this review helpful

I own both editions, the american and the japanese. In this one, the tracks in "Throw down" are the original versions of Whitney's dance songs. I thought they were better than the remixes, especially "How will I know" and "I wanna dance with somebody", and the best remixed tracks ("I'm your baby tonight" and "It's not right but it's okay") are in this version as well.

Cool down is very similar to the US edition. I thought, though, that the order in that edition was more logicall, but I really apreciatte the fact that I can hear the original "I learned from the best".

The new tracks are the same, and I like "Same script, different cast" and "Coul I have this kiss forever" very much.

In all, I think the record company should had put this version in the american stores.


I Love it!   July 1, 2000
0 out of 1 found this review helpful

Whitney Houston is the most talented singer out there now, and this package is her at her best! I can't say that I'm too fond of her remixes, but the album is truly wonderful! The new tracks are good too, especially 'Same Script, Different Cast', Houston's duet with another incredibly gifted vocalist, Deborah Cox. If you're a fan of Whitney (or even if you're not), GO BUY THIS ALBUM!


Whitney, We Miss You   August 19, 2007
Michael Kerner (Brooklyn, New York U.S.A.)
2 out of 5 found this review helpful

Today, I think when it comes to divas today, it really seems to be more about hype and reality shows. Whether it is Kelly Clarkson or Beyonce', the landscape doesn't really capture the essence of what true divas really are. For so many of the older divas like Madonna and Janet Jackson, they haven't been able to get that same landscape as they've done years ago. That also has been said with Whitney Houston. Although I adore her voice so much, many people have viciously lampooned her in the past several years because of her personal problems such as Debra Wilson from Mad TV, or the tabloid fallout. Yet, it is such a heartbreaker how much a lot of people really have forgotten the beauty of her voice, adn this hits album really shows it.

The 2000 Whitney Houston: The Greatest Hits Import edition does a better job overall at reflecting the Queen of Arista throughout her legendary career, than the U.S. edition which was mainly plagued from too many remixes. The double album includes over 30 great tracks from her 2 decades of great music. The songs here have all been remastered very well and include a lot of great tracks including her #1 smashes I Will Always Love You, You Give Good Love, My Love Is Your Love, and I'm Your Baby Tonight. This import collection does a better job at seperating her hits with the first disc being all about ballads, and the second disc all her dance hits. On top of that, the original versions of her big hits including So Emotional, I Wanna Dance With Somebody, Step By Step from The Preacher's Wife and It's Not Right, But Its Okay which were mainly shown as remixes on the U.S. edition. The album also includes tracks that were overlooked in domestic version including Count On Me with Cece Winans from Waiting To Exhale and How Will I Know. Still, there were a few tracks that were overlooked on this edition including When You Believe with Mariah Carey from The Prince Of Egypt, Why Does It Hurt So Bad and her 1991 rendidtion of The Star Spangled Banner which were featured in the U.S. edition.

It is such a shame that Whitney hasn't released a record for awhile, but this greatest hits album does a excellent job at reflecting one of the great female artists of our times. Still, if there is one album that I really recommend for any newcomer to her music, it is absolutely this one. The import version of Whitney: The Greatest Hits really does do a great job unlike other hits album that've been hits and misses. Even with all the things that've went on with her the past several years, Whitney Houston, we will still always love you.

Album Cover: B+

Songs: B+

Price: B

Remastering: A-

Overall: B 1/2+