“He Can Use Me” is a posthumously released gospel track by the legendary Whitney Houston, which was included on the 14-track album I Go to the Rock: The Gospel Music of Whitney Houston. This album, a compilation of her gospel work, was released on March 24, 2023, by Arista Records, Legacy Recordings, and Gaither Music Group in cooperation with The Estate of Whitney E. Houston. “He Can Use Me” stands out as a remarkable piece of musical history, as it was recorded in 1981 when Houston was just 17 years old. The song itself is a powerful ballad that beautifully fuses religious lyrics with a soulful, blues-inspired arrangement and background vocals. The album’s tracklist also includes previously released hits and other unreleased songs like “Testimony” and live performances, showcasing the breadth and depth of Houston’s gospel roots.
The impact of “He Can Use Me” and the entire I Go to the Rock album is significant because it provides a new look into the foundational faith that shaped Houston’s iconic career. The song, produced by Steve Abdul Kahn Brown, Freaky Rob, and D. Phelps, highlights her incredible vocal talent and emotional conviction even at a young age. Whitney Houston is globally recognized as “The Voice” and is one of the most awarded performers of all time, with a career that transcended genres. This gospel compilation, which debuted at number 2 on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart, serves as a tribute to her spiritual life and the powerful role that gospel music played in her development as an artist.