If It Isn't Love

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"If It Isn't Love"
No cover available
Single by New Edition
from the album Heart Break
Released 1988
Genre R&B
Length 5:09
Label MCA
Writer(s) Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis
Chart positions

#7 (US Pop), #2 (US R&B)
New Edition singles chronology
"Helplessly in Love"
(1987)		 "If It Isn't Love"
(1988)		 "You're Not My Kind of Girl"
(1988)

"If It Isn't Love" is a single released by R&B group New Edition in 1988 on the MCA label.

Contents

[edit] Overview

[edit] History

Before the release of this single, New Edition had entered their transitional period where they were still recuperating from the loss of departed group member Bobby Brown whom they reluctantly kicked out for behavioral problems. Brown had just released his second solo album, Don't Be Cruel, which made Brown an instant pop star while New Edition - now with new fifth member Johnny Gill - were recording the Heart Break album. This single was the first to be released from the album.

Written by the group's new producing team, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, the song talked of a man who left a troubling relationship because he "didn't wanna 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 group's idols, 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.

[edit] 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 on the former and almost reaching the top of the latter peaking at number two on the chart. The video for the song showcased the boys 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 was actually a video that transitioned to them hitting the stage singing the follow-up single, "You're Not My Kind of Girl".

[edit] Cameo Apperances

Fab 5 Freddie appeared in this video

Brooke Payne appears as the group's choreographer in the video

[edit] Credits

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