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
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
, 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
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"
"Boys to Men."
This is a outstanding album overall. ~ Craig Lytle