Heart Break

by New Edition

Overview

This album marked New Edition's growth and maturity due in part to the production work of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, and the addition of group newcomer Johnny Gill. The first single from the much anticipated album was "If Isn't Love." With its percussive rhythm and frigid keyboard effects, Ralph Tresvant applies his rigidly smooth tenor to this mid-tempo dance cut. The single peaked at number two and seven on the Billboard R&B and pop charts, respectively. The second single, "You're Not My Kind of Girl," has a more grueling beat. In an up-tempo style and with its appealing melody, Tresvant imparts a urgent cry on this apologetic lyric. Gill enhances the track with his amplified background vocals and lyrical sighs. The single peaked at number two on the Billboard R&B charts. "Can You Stand the Rain" came next. Unlike any ballad the group has ever embraced, it sailed up the charts to the number one spot. Primarily led by Gill and Tresvant, whose vocals mutually complement one another, Ricky Bell injects his vocal plea, and Michael Bivins has a small rap part. With an aggressive rhythm, "Crucial" resembles more of a Minneapolis sound in the vein of the Time and Alexander O'Neal. That does not negate the substance of the song. It peaked at number four. The fifth single was "N.E. Heartbreak." From the staccato cadence of the verse to the reeling-style bridge to the energized vamp, the single had much to offer. It peaked at 13. Two unreleased notables are the ballads "I'm Coming Home" and "Boys to Men." This is a outstanding album overall. ~ Craig Lytle

Product Details

Release Date:	10/25/1990
Label:	Mca
UPC:	0076742220723

Tracks

1. Introduction
2. That's the Way We're Livin'
3. Where It All Started
4. If It Isn't Love
5. Dialogue
6. N.E. Heartbreak
7. Crucial
8. Dialogue
9. You're Not My Kind of Girl
10. Superlady
11. Can You Stand the Rain
12. Competition
13. Dialogue
14. I'm Comin' Home
15. Boys To Men

Album Credits

Performance Credits

New Edition   Primary Artist,Vocals,Co-Producer,Vocals (Background)
Michael Bivins   Vocals,Lead Vocals,Vocals (Background)
Johnny Gill   Vocals,Lead Vocals,Vocals (Background)
Ralph Tresvant   Vocals,Lead Vocals,Vocals (Background)
Ronnie DeVoe   Vocals,Lead Vocals,Vocals (Background)
Ricky Bell   Vocals,Lead Vocals,Vocals (Background)

Technical Credits

Michael Bivins   Concept,Composer
DJ Epic   Remix Engineer
Throw Down Twins   Remix Engineer
James Harris III   Composer
Jellybean Johnson   Arranger,Producer,Instrumentation
Jimmy Jam   Arranger,Producer,Instrumentation
New Edition   Composer,Producer,Performer,Remix Engineer
John Steiner   Instrumentation
Jim Demgren   Instrumentation
Rudy Calvo   Make-Up
Jeff Adamoff   Art Direction
Rick Pallack   Clothing/Wardrobe
Michael Diehl   Design
Mel Grayson   Stylist
Jim Shea   Photography
Spencer Bernard   Producer,Instrumentation
David Eiland   Instrumentation
Carl Smith   Instrumentation
Susan Owens   Production Coordination
Vida Sparks   Production Coordination
Louil Silas Jr.   Producer,Remix Engineer,Executive Producer
Garry George Johnson   Composer
Steve Hodge   Mixing,Engineer
Bob Johnston   Instrumentation
Terry Lewis   Arranger,Composer,Producer,Instrumentation
Garry Johnson   Composer
James Taylor   Hair Stylist
Johnny Gill   Composer
Lisa Keith   Composer
Brian Gardner   Mastering
Ralph Tresvant   Composer,Producer,Instrumentation
Ronnie DeVoe   Composer,Instrumentation
Jimmy Harris   Composer
Ricky Bell   Composer