Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jul 24, 2026

Qualifying Heat

Qualifying Heat is the 14th studio album by American singer Thelma Houston, released in 1984. While the album failed to cross over into the pop market, it became a success in both the urban and dance music markets, charting on the Billboard charts for six months. It includes the singles "(I Guess) It Must Be Love", "You Used to Hold Me So Tight", and "I'd Rather Spend the Bad Times with You Than the Good Times with Someone New". On August 20, 2007, the album was reissued as an import title including a bonus track, "Standing in the Light", from her 1983 album.

Last revised
Jul 24, 2026
Read time
≈ 1 min
Length
215 w
Citations
2
Source
Qualifying Heat
Studio album by
ReleasedSeptember 9, 1984
Recorded1983–84
GenresUrban, contemporary R&B, dance-pop
Length41:27
LabelMCA Records
Producers
Thelma Houston chronology
Thelma Houston
(1983)
Qualifying Heat
(1984)
Throw You Down
(1990)
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStarStar1

Qualifying Heat is the 14th studio album by American singer Thelma Houston, released in 1984. While the album failed to cross over into the pop market, it became a success in both the urban and dance music markets, charting on the Billboard charts for six months. It includes the singles "(I Guess) It Must Be Love", "You Used to Hold Me So Tight", and "I'd Rather Spend the Bad Times with You Than the Good Times with Someone New".2 On August 20, 2007, the album was reissued as an import title including a bonus track, "Standing in the Light", from her 1983 album.

Track listing

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."(I Guess) It Must Be Love"Monte Moir7:20
2."You Used to Hold Me So Tight"5:42
3."Fantasy and Heartbreak"Moir5:04
4."I'd Rather Spend the Bad Times with You Than the Good Times with Someone New"
  • Jimmy Jam
  • Terry Lewis
6:00
5."Shake You"4:04
6."Generate Love"
4:34
7."Love Is a Dangerous Game"
  • Bunny Hull
  • Gary Poirot
4:09
8."What a Woman Feels Inside"
  • John Lewis Parker
  • Marti Sharron
4:19
References

References

  1. Henderson, Alex. "Qualifying Heat – Thelma Houston". AllMusic. Retrieved May 9, 2026.
  2. "Album Reviews: Qualifying Heat". The Charlotte Post. May 16, 1985. Retrieved August 8, 2025.