Yesterday, I took the time off to view the press conference on my computer. The "pre-show" began just before 2:00 (EST) with a few songs such as "Greatest Love Of All", "I Will Always Love You", "How Will I Know", and "I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)" all set to a techno/dance beat. Now why Arista would butcher Whitney's stirring ballads is beyond me, but I digress.

At around 2:19, the "Accomplishments" preview to Whitney's 1998 Quincy Jones Soul Train award was broadcast. Following this, Clive Davis came out on stage to MC the listening session. He personally introduced each track, in order, and detailed how each came to be included on the album. When he came to track No. 4, "When You Believe", he showed a 2-minute view-tape of Whitney and Mariah recording the song in the studio.

I guess that because this was a listening party mainly for the press, the RealAudio output was not constant while each track was played. The songs would start out loudly, fade to silence, return, fade to silence again, and come back at the very end. I guess Arista desired the public to just get a taste of the album. However, from what I heard, I can't wait for November 17!!! In my opinion, the best track is the second last one, whose title has eluded me. Written by Diane Warren and produced by Face, it features Whitney at her balladry best (hey, what can I say, I'm a suck for romantic ballads!).

There is one bonus track, a remake of a Stevie Wonder song. Produced by the Fugees Lauryn Hill (who, incidentally, debuts at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles chart with "Doo Wop (That Thing)"), the track was included after the album jacket had gone to press. Thus, it is unlisted.

Subsequent to the playing of the entire album, Clive introduced Whitney to the stage. Dressed in an elegant black pant-suit ensemble, Whitney posed for the cameras. Then, following about a 30-minute break (with more of the techno/dance interlude), Whitney and Clive reappeared to field questions from the press.

Among the topics that arose, Whitney stated that her marriage is happy and very much intact and that she is looking forward to a little vacation time, though she may go on tour soon to promote the album. She conveyed that she is somewhat tired since the entire album was completed in 8-9 weeks. Normally, she takes close to a year to compile a studio effort. When she and Clive met in June, they were not certain if the album would be a greatest hits package or a collection of new material. However, when Clive put out the word to the industry, songs just came pouring in. The record was finalized in such a short period since Clive wanted it out on the market in time for the ever-important 4th quarter/Christmas rush.

After the interview, Whitney and crew, including her mother, Rodney Jerkins, Soulshock and Carlin (spelling?), and Clive posed for pictures. Whitney also signed paraphenilia for the press attendees.

By the way, "When You Believe" has been the most added track to radio this past week. Look for it to explode as more and more stations drop it to the airwaves!