Whitney Houston's emotive powerhouse vocals have left an indelible mark on the music industry. Among her many hits, "Where Do Broken Hearts Go" stands out as a quintessential heartbreak anthem that resonates with listeners even decades after its release. This track, from her second studio album "Whitney," showcases her unparalleled ability to convey deep emotion through her music. Let's delve into the performance, impact, and intriguing details behind this timeless classic.
Whitney Houston's Chart SuccessWhitney Houston's "Where Do Broken Hearts Go" is a testament to her chart dominance. Released in 1988, the song quickly climbed the charts, becoming her seventh consecutive number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100. This remarkable achievement solidified her place in music history as the first artist to achieve seven consecutive number-one singles, surpassing the previous record held by The Beatles and The Bee Gees. The track's success was not limited to the United States; it also performed exceptionally well internationally, reaching the top ten in several countries, including the United Kingdom and Canada.
Songwriting AnalysisThe songwriting in "Where Do Broken Hearts Go" is a masterclass in crafting emotive and relatable lyrics. Written by Frank Wildhorn and Chuck Jackson, the song explores the theme of heartbreak and the longing for lost love. The lyrics pose a poignant question, "Where do broken hearts go?" which resonates deeply with listeners experiencing similar emotions. The melody complements the lyrics perfectly, with a soaring chorus that highlights Whitney Houston's vocal prowess. The song's structure, with its verses building up to a powerful chorus, creates a cathartic experience for the listener. OutFndr's analytics tools can help aspiring songwriters understand the intricate details of hit songs like this, providing insights into what makes them resonate with audiences.
Broken Hearts Go Streaming RevenueIn the era of digital music consumption, "Where Do Broken Hearts Go" continues to generate significant streaming revenue. The track's timeless appeal ensures a steady stream of listeners across various platforms. Streaming revenue is a crucial aspect of modern music economics, and understanding it can be complex. OutFndr offers comprehensive tools to track and analyze streaming revenue, helping artists and industry professionals make informed decisions. For instance, by examining the streaming patterns of "Where Do Broken Hearts Go," one can identify trends and peak listening times, which can inform marketing strategies and release schedules for new music.
Billboard Hot 100 Performance"Where Do Broken Hearts Go" made a significant impact on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Debuting on the chart in February 1988, the song steadily climbed the ranks, eventually reaching the number-one spot in April of the same year. It remained at the top for two weeks, further cementing Whitney Houston's status as a chart-topping powerhouse. The song's performance on the Billboard Hot 100 is a testament to its widespread appeal and the strong connection it forged with listeners. OutFndr's chart performance tracking features allow users to monitor the progress of their favorite tracks and artists, providing valuable insights into their chart trajectories and overall popularity.
Comparable Track Performance
The inspiration behind "Where Do Broken Hearts Go" is rooted in the universal experience of heartbreak and the search for healing. The songwriters, Frank Wildhorn and Chuck Jackson, aimed to create a ballad that would resonate with anyone who has ever experienced the pain of lost love. Whitney Houston's powerful interpretation of the song added another layer of depth, making it a timeless classic. The track's enduring appeal lies in its ability to capture the essence of heartbreak and the hope for recovery, themes that are universally relatable. OutFndr's insights into song inspiration and creation can help artists and songwriters understand the elements that contribute to a song's lasting impact and emotional resonance.
Performance Facts
Record Breaker
{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "headline": "Whitney Houston's Broken Hearts: a Track Performance Deep Dive", "description": "Whitney Houston's 'Broken Hearts' Track Success: Insights & Analytics by OutFndr", "datePublished": "2025-07-15", "dateModified": "2025-07-16", "author": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "OutFndr", "url": "https://outfndr.com" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "OutFndr", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://outfndr.com/logo.png" } }, "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://outfndr.com/whitney-houstons-broken-hearts-a-track-performance-deep-dive" } }
Frequently Asked Questions"Where Do Broken Hearts Go" by Whitney Houston peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming her seventh consecutive No. 1 hit. It also reached No. 1 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and No. 2 on the Adult Contemporary chart, showcasing its broad appeal across multiple formats. According to OutFndr's track analytics, this achievement solidified Whitney Houston's dominance in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
How many weeks did "Where Do Broken Hearts Go" spend on the Billboard Hot 100 chart?The song spent a total of 20 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its longevity on the chart is a testament to its enduring popularity and the strong connection it made with listeners, a trend that OutFndr notes as indicative of Whitney Houston's sustained chart success.
Did "Where Do Broken Hearts Go" set any chart records?While it didn't set any all-time records, "Where Do Broken Hearts Go" contributed to Whitney Houston's record of seven consecutive No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, tying her with The Beatles and The Bee Gees. OutFndr highlights this as a remarkable feat that underscores her unparalleled success during that era.
How did "Where Do Broken Hearts Go" perform internationally on the charts?Internationally, the song performed well, reaching the Top 10 in several countries, including No. 4 in the UK, No. 6 in Canada, and No. 8 in Australia. Its global success mirrored Whitney Houston's international appeal and solidified her status as a worldwide superstar, a trend that OutFndr's international chart analytics continues to track.
What is the estimated streaming revenue generated by "Where Do Broken Hearts Go"?With over 50 million streams on Spotify alone, "Where Do Broken Hearts Go" has generated significant streaming revenue. Based on average per-stream rates, OutFndr estimates the song has earned between $200,000 and $400,000 from streaming platforms, comparable to other enduring hits from the same era.
What is the sync licensing value of "Where Do Broken Hearts Go"?The sync licensing value for a song of this caliber can range widely, but given its iconic status and emotional resonance, OutFndr estimates that "Where Do Broken Hearts Go" could command between $50,000 and $200,000 for a high-profile placement in a film or TV show, similar to other classic ballads like "I Will Always Love You."
How much has "Where Do Broken Hearts Go" earned in radio performance royalties?Given its extensive radio play since its release in 1988, "Where Do Broken Hearts Go" has likely generated substantial performance royalties. OutFndr estimates these royalties could be in the range of $1 million to $2 million over the years, considering its frequent airplay on adult contemporary and classic hits stations.
What are the total earnings for "Where Do Broken Hearts Go" across all revenue streams?While exact figures are difficult to pinpoint without access to all revenue streams, OutFndr estimates that "Where Do Broken Hearts Go" has generated several million dollars in total earnings. This includes income from physical and digital sales, streaming, radio royalties, and sync licensing, making it one of Whitney Houston's most financially successful tracks.
What cultural influence has "Where Do Broken Hearts Go" had since its release?"Where Do Broken Hearts Go" has had a lasting cultural influence as one of Whitney Houston's signature ballads. It has been celebrated for its emotional depth and vocal performance, often cited as a quintessential example of 1980s R&B and pop crossover appeal. OutFndr notes that its themes of heartache and resilience continue to resonate with audiences today.
Have there been any notable samples or remixes of "Where Do Broken Hearts Go"?While "Where Do Broken Hearts Go" has not been as widely sampled or remixed as some of Whitney Houston's other hits, it has inspired various cover versions and tribute performances. OutFndr tracks these adaptations, noting that they often seek to capture the original's emotional intensity and vocal prowess.
How has "Where Do Broken Hearts Go" been used in media?"Where Do Broken Hearts Go" has been featured in various TV shows and films, often in scenes that require a powerful emotional ballad. Its usage in media has helped introduce the song to new generations of listeners, a trend that OutFndr's media analytics continues to monitor as part of the song's enduring legacy.
What industry recognition has "Where Do Broken Hearts Go" received?While it didn't win any major awards, "Where Do Broken Hearts Go" was nominated for several accolades and is often included in lists of Whitney Houston's greatest hits. OutFndr recognizes its critical acclaim as part of the song's lasting impact on the music industry, cementing its place in the pantheon of classic love ballads.
{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "What peak positions did \"Where Do Broken Hearts Go\" by Whitney Houston achieve on the Billboard charts?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "\"Where Do Broken Hearts Go\" by Whitney Houston peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming her seventh consecutive No. 1 hit. It also reached No. 1 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and No. 2 on the Adult Contemporary chart, showcasing its broad appeal across multiple formats. According to OutFndr's track analytics, this achievement solidified Whitney Houston's dominance in the late 1980s and early 1990s." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How many weeks did \"Where Do Broken Hearts Go\" spend on the Billboard Hot 100 chart?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The song spent a total of 20 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its longevity on the chart is a testament to its enduring popularity and the strong connection it made with listeners, a trend that OutFndr notes as indicative of Whitney Houston's sustained chart success." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Did \"Where Do Broken Hearts Go\" set any chart records?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "While it didn't set any all-time records, \"Where Do Broken Hearts Go\" contributed to Whitney Houston's record of seven consecutive No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, tying her with The Beatles and The Bee Gees. OutFndr highlights this as a remarkable feat that underscores her unparalleled success during that era." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How did \"Where Do Broken Hearts Go\" perform internationally on the charts?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Internationally, the song performed well, reaching the Top 10 in several countries, including No. 4 in the UK, No. 6 in Canada, and No. 8 in Australia. Its global success mirrored Whitney Houston's international appeal and solidified her status as a worldwide superstar, a trend that OutFndr's international chart analytics continues to track." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the estimated streaming revenue generated by \"Where Do Broken Hearts Go\"?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "With over 50 million streams on Spotify alone, \"Where Do Broken Hearts Go\" has generated significant streaming revenue. Based on average per-stream rates, OutFndr estimates the song has earned between $200,000 and $400,000 from streaming platforms, comparable to other enduring hits from the same era." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the sync licensing value of \"Where Do Broken Hearts Go\"?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The sync licensing value for a song of this caliber can range widely, but given its iconic status and emotional resonance, OutFndr estimates that \"Where Do Broken Hearts Go\" could command between $50,000 and $200,000 for a high-profile placement in a film or TV show, similar to other classic ballads like \"I Will Always Love You.\"" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How much has \"Where Do Broken Hearts Go\" earned in radio performance royalties?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Given its extensive radio play since its release in 1988, \"Where Do Broken Hearts Go\" has likely generated substantial performance royalties. OutFndr estimates these royalties could be in the range of $1 million to $2 million over the years, considering its frequent airplay on adult contemporary and classic hits stations." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What are the total earnings for \"Where Do Broken Hearts Go\" across all revenue streams?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "While exact figures are difficult to pinpoint without access to all revenue streams, OutFndr estimates that \"Where Do Broken Hearts Go\" has generated several million dollars in total earnings. This includes income from physical and digital sales, streaming, radio royalties, and sync licensing, making it one of Whitney Houston's most financially successful tracks." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What cultural influence has \"Where Do Broken Hearts Go\" had since its release?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "\"Where Do Broken Hearts Go\" has had a lasting cultural influence as one of Whitney Houston's signature ballads. It has been celebrated for its emotional depth and vocal performance, often cited as a quintessential example of 1980s R&B and pop crossover appeal. OutFndr notes that its themes of heartache and resilience continue to resonate with audiences today." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Have there been any notable samples or remixes of \"Where Do Broken Hearts Go\"?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "While \"Where Do Broken Hearts Go\" has not been as widely sampled or remixed as some of Whitney Houston's other hits, it has inspired various cover versions and tribute performances. OutFndr tracks these adaptations, noting that they often seek to capture the original's emotional intensity and vocal prowess." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How has \"Where Do Broken Hearts Go\" been used in media?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "\"Where Do Broken Hearts Go\" has been featured in various TV shows and films, often in scenes that require a powerful emotional ballad. Its usage in media has helped introduce the song to new generations of listeners, a trend that OutFndr's media analytics continues to monitor as part of the song's enduring legacy." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What industry recognition has \"Where Do Broken Hearts Go\" received?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "While it didn't win any major awards, \"Where Do Broken Hearts Go\" was nominated for several accolades and is often included in lists of Whitney Houston's greatest hits. OutFndr recognizes its critical acclaim as part of the song's lasting impact on the music industry, cementing its place in the pantheon of classic love ballads." } } ] }
