Released June 9, 1988 Genre New jack swing | Recorded November 1987 Label MCA | |
Format Cassette single, CD single, Vinyl single Length 5:10 (album version)
3:48 (single version) | ||
"If It Isn't Love" is a 1988 song by American R&B quintet New Edition, and the first single from their fifth studio album, Heart Break. The song became the biggest hit from the aforementioned album, reaching the top ten of the US Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number seven, and reached the second position on the Hot Black Singles chart. It's chart performance and well-received music video garnered the quintet their first nomination for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals at the 31st Grammy Awards in February 1989. The song and video is also notable for being the introduction of fellow R&B singer Johnny Gill as a new member of the R&B quintet.
Contents
Overview
Written and produced by Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, the song spoke of a man who left a troubling relationship because he didn't want to fall in love, only to find out that he was in fact in love with his former girlfriend but is still in a dilemma over it: if it isn't love/why do I feel this way/why does she stay on my mind? The song has a memorable breakdown similar to that of The Jackson 5, where lead singer Ralph Tresvant admits that he made a mistake and he realizes he does love her, though his resolve is crushed as his band mates then retort: You love her, what?! Though he is optimistic that he will get her back.
Release and reaction
This song returned New Edition to the top ten of both the pop and R&B singles charts, peaking at number seven and two, respectively. Ironically, they would be held off from #1 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs by the same person that was voted out of the group just two years prior, Bobby Brown with his hit "Don't Be Cruel." The music video for the song showcased the group (and longtime manager Brooke Payne) going over rehearsal for a concert, which has the band gearing up to hit the stage. The video ended with the group running towards the stage, and transitioned them into their next music video; a concert performance for the follow-up single, "You're Not My Kind of Girl."
Track listing
- If It Isn't Love (12" Club Mix) - (7:42)
- If It Isn't Love (Instrumental) - (5:10)
- If It Isn't Love (Low Key Mix) - (4:30)