New Edition's 'If It Isn't Love' - Reaction! Reliving the Iconic 80s R&B Groove. Timeless Classic.

"If It Isn't Love" is a popular song by the American R&B group New Edition. It was released in 1988 as the lead single from their fifth studio album, "Heart Break." The song was written by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, who also produced it. Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis are renowned producers and songwriters in the R&B and pop music genres, having worked with many artists and groups, including Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey, and Boyz II Men.
New Edition is a pioneering R&B group that rose to fame in the 1980s. The group was formed in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1978 and originally consisted of Ronnie DeVoe, Bobby Brown, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, and Ralph Tresvant. They gained popularity with their early hits like "Candy Girl" and "Cool It Now." Bobby Brown later pursued a successful solo career, and Johnny Gill joined the group in the late 1980s.
"Heart Break," the album that "If It Isn't Love" is from, marked a significant transition for New Edition as they moved towards a more mature sound. The album was a critical and commercial success, cementing the group's status as one of the leading R&B acts of the time. "If It Isn't Love" became one of their signature songs and is still widely regarded as a classic in the R&B genre.
Song Background:
"If It Isn't Love" is a track that showcases New Edition's evolution as a group. Released in 1988, it was a departure from their earlier bubblegum pop sound, showcasing a more mature and sophisticated R&B style.
The song's lyrics revolve around the confusion and emotional turmoil of being in a tumultuous relationship. It explores themes of love, doubt, and longing, set against an infectious and danceable beat.
Producers:
The song was produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, two highly acclaimed producers and songwriters in the music industry. They are known for their work with artists such as Janet Jackson, Boyz II Men, and Mariah Carey.
Jimmy Jam (James Harris III) and Terry Lewis have a distinctive production style that blends R&B, funk, and pop elements. Their contributions to "If It Isn't Love" helped New Edition achieve a more polished and contemporary sound.
New Edition:
New Edition was formed in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1978. The original lineup included Ronnie DeVoe, Bobby Brown, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, and Ralph Tresvant.
In the early 1980s, New Edition achieved success with hits like "Candy Girl" and "Cool It Now," showcasing their talent as a young R&B group with catchy tunes and synchronized choreography.
Bobby Brown departed for a solo career in 1985, and Johnny Gill joined New Edition in 1987, bringing his soulful vocals to the group.
"Heart Break," the album featuring "If It Isn't Love," marked a pivotal moment for New Edition. It signaled their transition into a more mature sound, blending R&B with new jack swing elements that were popular in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Legacy:
"If It Isn't Love" remains one of New Edition's most enduring hits. Its catchy melody, heartfelt lyrics, and polished production continue to resonate with audiences, making it a staple of 1980s R&B music.
The song's success contributed to New Edition's legacy as trailblazers in the R&B genre, showcasing their ability to evolve musically while maintaining their core identity as a talented vocal group with impeccable harmonies.
Overall, "If It Isn't Love" stands as a testament to New Edition's artistry, the prowess of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis as producers, and the enduring appeal of 1980s R&B music.

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I had always thought of S.O.S. Band and Loose Ends as similar but didn't realize they were both that closely linked to Flyte Tyme stuff behind the scenes.

[@factionjaxon4119]

There was also a band called 52nd Street that I liked a lot that also had a similar sound to these bands. Unfortunately, they didn't get the same type of traction.