If It Isn't Love

Infobox Single
Name = If It Isn't Love


Artist = New Edition
from Album = Heart Break
Released = July 1988
Format = Cassette single, CD single, Vinyl single
Recorded = 1987–1988
Genre = R&B/Pop
Length = 17.22
Label = MCA
Writer = James Harris, Terry Lewis
Producer = Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis
Certification = —
Chart position =

#7 (US Pop)

#2 (US R&B)
Last single = "Helplessly in Love"
(1987)
This single = "If It Isn't Love"
(1988)
Next single = "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 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 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 on the former and number two on the latter. The 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

* Fab 5 Freddie appeared in this video
* 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
* Sung by Romeo, Bullethead and their singing group for a talent show on an episode of "The Steve Harvey Show".

Credits

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