New Edition

Heart Break

N.E. at their best

Review Score:

(10/10)
Being that I am a die-hard new edition fan, 5 stars simply isn't enough for one of the best r&b albums of all time. It was even more influential because of the timing. New jack swing was still at its infancy and it's safe to say, heart break, along with don't be cruel and guy, established new jack swing as the dominant genre of urban music in 1988. Returning to the album, Jam & Lewis (the production team), and new edition were in prime form, as heard by Ralph, Ricky, and newcomer Johnny. They start off by telling you "that's the way they're livin" after a lively introduction. Continuing at the concert, they make you reminisce with them as they tell you "where it all started from".

Moving away from the concert, their first single, "if it isn't love", had success written all over it. Having a memorable chorus and groundbreaking production, all in compilation with Ralph's silky smooth voice, "if it isnt love" nearly topped the r&b charts at #2 and did pretty well on the pop chart too, #7. After an entertaining skit, things get right down funky on "N.E. heart break". All five members get in on the act, making for a funky dance rhythm, and in the process, peaking at #13 on the r&b chart. "Crucial" continues in the dance arena, but it's more light-hearted. Neverthless, still an enjoyable listen, peaking at #4 on the r&b chart. After another entertaining skit, "you're not my kind of girl" was a viable follow-up to crucial. With its memorable chorus and pleasant dance rhythm, it peaked at #3 on the r&b chart. "Superlady" rounds out the dance/new jack flava of the album.

"Can you stand the rain" introduces the balladry side of heart break. From the outstanding production to the memorable chorus to Johnny's buttery-smooth vocals complimented with Ralph's silky-smooth delivery, "can you stand the rain" was destined to top the charts, and it did for r&b. "Competition", my 3rd favorite track, is new edition at their best. Ricky, Ralph, and Ron complicate each other very nicely and the production is first-rate as well. The only thing missing was a memorable chorus. Nevertheless though, it's still one of the many standout tracks. After they let us know they're comin home, the most memorable tracks on the album follow. "I'm comin home" has a nice mid-tempo groove, which is just right for Ralph's quiet yet forceful delivery. along with his bridge and memorable chorus, it's hard not to snuggle up with your hubby. Rounding out the album is the unforgettable assurance of "boys to men". Johnny's smooth vocals complimented by Ralph's silky bridge, once again, is pure smooth soul at its best. They let us know even if they are maturing, they still can harmonize and croon with the best of them.

All in all, heart break is the best album that new edition has ever recorded. Their is not one filler track, or any distinct contrast of good songs and bad. Every song leads into the next, no matter which style is being used. That says a lot, especially with a majority of r&b albums of that day being uneven. For all of these qualities, this album will go down as one of the most important albums in new jack swing and is first-rate across all other urban genres (adult comtemporary, urban contemporary, classic soul). In other words, it is recommended for the casual r&b fan and essential for the casual new jack fan.

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