exhale

"Exhale (Shoop Shoop)"
Single by Whitney Houston from the album Waiting to Exhale Soundtrack
Released	November 7, 1995
Genre	R&B
Length	3:25
Label	Arista
Writer	Babyface (lyrics and music)
Producer	Babyface
Certification	Platinum
Whitney Houston singles chronology
"Something in Common" (1993) "Exhale (Shoop Shoop)" (1995) "Count on Me" (1996)

Exhale (Shoop Shoop) is a 1995 hit single by R&B singer Whitney Houston, featured on the soundtrack of the film Waiting to Exhale, in which she also starred. It was written and produced by Babyface.

Song Information

The song was written and produced by Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, and is a comparatively light-hearted R&B single alongside heavier, deeper ballads Houston has been known for singing, such as "Greatest Love of All" and "I Will Always Love You". In the song, Houston proclaims though some times may be difficult, through friends you can achieve anything. The song is also remembered for the chorus repeating 'shoop shoop shoop shoo-be-doop.'

Chart Information

The song became only the third single in history to enter the U.S. Billboard singles chart at number one. It became the single with the longest stay at #2 in Billboard history. "Exhale" topped the Hot 100 Single Sales chart for 1 week, and reached a peak of #4 on the Hot 100 Airplay chart. Eventually, the single sold enough units to be certified platinum certification, and remained in the Top 40 for 20 weeks.

The song was also successful on other Billboard charts, logging 8 consecutive weeks at number one on the R&B chart. The song also topped the Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart as four other songs joined it on the Maxi single. It also reached #5 on the Adult Contemporary chart.

The song performed modestly outside the U.S., reaching just outside the top ten in the UK (#11) and #23 in France. However, the single was successful in Canada, becoming Houston's first top-ten hit since "I Will Always Love You."

This song was originally written for Whitney's good friend who passed away after the making of "Waiting to Exhale," Gloria Peaches.

Music Video

As with all of the videos from The Bodyguard, the single's intention was to promote the movie soundtrack and the film itself. The video features Houston singing directly to the viewer, intercut with scenes exhibiting qualities of friendship from Waiting to Exhale. The video was directed by Forest Whitaker.

Track Listing

1. "Exhale (Shoop Shoop)" (Album Version)
2. "Dancin' On The Smooth Edge"
3. "It Isn't It Wasn't It Ain't Never Gonna Be" (With Aretha Franklin) (Album Edit)
4. "Do You Hear What I Hear"
5. "Moment Of Truth"

Comprehensive Charts

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