Lost Whitney Houston track remixed and released seven years after her death

Houston's original version of 'Higher Love' was previously only released in Japan

A lost Whitney Houston track recorded in 1990 has been remixed by the music producer Kygo and given an official release, making it the first archival Houston music to be released since her death in 2012.

“Higher Love”, a cover of the 1986 Steve Winwood pop anthem, reflects Houston at her vocal prime, with Kygo’s mixing providing it a glossy, contemporary and danceable sheen.

Houston’s vocals on the track were originally recorded for her third album I’m Your Baby Tonight, until she decided to shift into a more R&B direction. Her original cover of “Higher Love” was subsequently only released as a bonus track on the Japanese version of the album.

She also only ever performed it live during a month-long concert tour in the country in 1990.

Houston’s sister-in-law Pat, currently the sole executor of her estate, told Rolling Stone that the track serves as a timely reminder of goodness in the world.

“The current cultural environment has been thirsty for something uplifting and inspiring,” Houston said. “Who better to inspire than Whitney, the most exhilarating vocalist of all time?”