Where Do Broken Hearts Go
Where Do Broken Hearts Go is a ballad by Whitney Houston from her second album, Whitney. Written by Frank Wildhorn and Chuck Jackson and produced by Narada Michael Walden, it was released as the fourth single on February 15, 1988. The song tells of a woman hoping an ex-lover will return after a breakup and is noted for signaling a shift toward more introspective themes in Houston’s music.
Houston initially did not want to record the song, but after Walden reworked the arrangement, she agreed to sing it, and it was recorded in early 1987 at Right Track Recording in Manhattan. The track became a major hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in April 1988. This made Houston the first woman to have seven consecutive number-one singles on the Hot 100 and the first artist to produce four number-one singles from a single album. The song also topped the Adult Contemporary chart and performed well in several other countries.
The music video, directed by Peter Israelson, was filmed in Newark, New Jersey, and featured Houston’s then-boyfriend, Brad Johnson. The video drew some controversy over his racially ambiguous appearance but received heavy rotation on MTV and BET and earned a Soul Train Music Award nomination.
Live performances of the song were part of Houston’s Moment of Truth World Tour and later tours. Musically, the song blends pop with R&B and soul influences and is typically performed in a reflective ballad style. Over time, it has been recognized as a landmark achievement in Houston’s career and has appeared on various best-of lists. In 2020, it was certified gold by the RIAA for digital sales and streaming, reflecting its lasting popularity.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 08:36 (CET).