If It Isn't Love

"If It Isn't Love"
Single by New Edition
from the album Heart Break
Released	June 9, 1988
Format	Cassette single, CD single, Vinyl single
Recorded	1987
Genre	R&B, new jack swing
Length	3:48
Label	MCA
Writer(s)	James Harris, Terry Lewis
Producer(s)	Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis
New Edition singles chronology
"Count Me Out" (1985) "If It Isn't Love" (1988) "You're Not My Kind of Girl" (1988)

"If It Isn't Love" is a 1988 song by R&B/pop group New Edition, and the first single from their fifth studio album, Heart Break.

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

1. If It Isn't Love (12" Club Mix) - (7:42)
2. If It Isn't Love (Instrumental) - (5:10)
3. If It Isn't Love (Low Key Mix) - (4:30)

Trivia

• Brooke Payne appears as the group's choreographer in the video
• Sampled on rap group Kidz In The Hall 2008 release song "Whattup Wit Me"
• Sampled by Trick Daddy on his song "Ain't a Thug" from his album Thug Matrimony: Married to the Streets
• Sung by Romeo, Bullethead and their singing group for a talent show on an episode of The Steve Harvey Show.

Personnel

• Ronnie DeVoe: background vocals
• Ricky Bell: background vocals
• Michael Bivins: background vocals
• Ralph Tresvant: lead vocals & background vocals
• Johnny Gill: background vocals

External links

• Lyrics of this song at MetroLyrics

References

• If It Isn't Love at AllMusic. Retrieved 14:56, 28 April 2015 (UTC).