Customer Reviews

I Know

5 star:		(27)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It's hard to believe that 7 years from the release of this CD that me and my wife still play this CD more than any other CD. It sounds just as new and refreshing since the very first time that we played it. This is the one CD that we take where ever we go when we travel.


This is Luther's most complete album since "The Night I Fell In Love" or "Give Me The Reason." This album's only downfall is that it was recorded on Virgin Records, which obvioiusly had no idea how to market this disc. This CD does not contain that one killer single to get alot of radio air-play, but that's also the beauty of this disc, becasue that killer song would be the one song that you would skip over becasue you're tired of hearing it!!


The CD kicks off with the socially conscious always controversal subject of religion with "Keeping My Faith In You."
It is simply eloquent. Luther is in top form when he sings this song and it took me a few spins to figure out why he would kick-off a CD with this song? I know now that it is a powerful track that Luther feels quite comfortable singing about and it shows on this song.

Track 2- "Isn't There Someone" is a song penned by Luther and Richard Marx (Dance With My Father). This song is for everybody!!! It's a song that everyone can relate to. You can hear the emptiness in his heart when he sings this song. This is one of several highlights on this disc.

3- "Religion": Refer to my comments on track 1 except this track deals with being accepted by your peers and leaving the judging to which ever higher being you believe in. Great !!!!

4- "Get It Right": Simply "down right funky"!! Precise provides the rap on this track while producers Terrence "Tramp Baby" Abney and Luther provide one of Luther's most listenable uptempo cuts since "Stop To Love." Was urban adult radio ever issued a non-rap version of this cut?

5- "I Know"- Luther and Stevie Wonder on harmonica. It's the only track that I recall Luther promoting on the disc. Beautiful song!!

6- "I'm Only Human" - AWWWWESOMEEE!! Featuring Bob James and Cassandra Wilson. The music arrangements are unique and quite refreshing while the vocalist compliment each other nicely.

7- "Nights In Harlem" - This jam is just full of that old school funk that anyone who grew up in the '70's or '80's can relate to. It's just a real "good time groove"!!

8- "Dream Lover" - This is my favorite song on the disc. This is what Luther does best. He has a way of taking subjects that everyone can relate to but not everyone talks about. The words and music are on point!! Gotta give an extra shout-out to the background vocalist becasue they actually complete the song and make it whole.

9- "When I Need You" - Unlike others, I find this remake very refreshing. I loved the orignal version (Leo Sayer) back in the '70's and I can't understand why some would call this song "corny." Granted, it's not as mesmerizing as his other ballads, but to me it stands just as tall as "Other Side Of The World." And if I didn't know any better, I would have thought that Luther's version is the original.

10- "Are You Using Me" - This is my least favorite track on the disc but I love it!! It's a great dance song and sounds good when I'm BBQ'ing!!!!

11- "Are You Mad At Me" - Again. Luther's vocals simply shine on the melodic track. It's an easy song to like.

12- "Now That I Have You" - It starts of kinda corny, but after a few listens, you will fall in love with this song. It's a beautiful love song that would compliment "any who has a heart" and enjoys being in love.

13- "Nights in Harlam (Remix)" - Ohh This is just HOTT!!!

This CD is for anyone who enjoys some really great music!!!

Humongous Luther fan that counts over 600 CD's in my collection of all types of music. I would rate this #1 of all of Luther's by far, and top 20 of my entire collection. It's amazing that 2 of the best tracks are upbeat pieces that people have complained about. This is Luther at his best; great combo on CD of fast & slow moving tracks with super backup vocalists & instrumentalists. His latest CD pales in comparison with this one. What an effort!

I know this album divided a lot of Luther fans with its inclusion of elements of hip-hop etc. but it really is the inclusion of those elements that make this his most satisfying album since The Power Of Love. It's actually the non-ballad stuff that works best. The mid-tempo title track and I'm Only Human (with Cassandra Wilson) are absolute highlights in terms of understated vocals and sympathetic arrangements hung on really good melodies. Likewise, grooves like Religion, Get It Right and Are You Using Me? have enough spunk in their arrangements and vocals to really carry you away. The only low point is the plodding When I Need You - not a song that warranted covering.

Wonderful album. The man continues to deliver soothing love songs and melodies. Always puts you in the right mood. The addition in this album of the rap/hip hop is also wonderful.It's kind of like sitting down to a great meal and having that little extra spice that makes the dish extra special. I can't say anything else about this wonderful recording artist other than I can't wait for his next album. LUTHER DELIVERS!

It's a crime that Luther's first album since leaving Sony underperformed on the charts. While it's no instant classic like "Never Too Much" or "Forever, For Always, For Love," it does feature some of his very best work. "Now That I Have You" is a soaring love ballad for the ages, with Vandross's flawless delivery as he effortlessly brings to life the sincerity of the touching lyrics. He also stands out in the title track (with Stevie Wonder guesting), "Keeping My Faith in You," and "I'm Only Human." But Luther doesn't really cut loose until he teams up with the revered DJs Masters at Work (Kenny "Dope" Gonzales and Little Louie Vega) for the disco-flavored "Are You Using Me." There's some rap that desperately tries to update his sound, but it hardly damages the album. "I Know" is a criminally slept-on disc that deserves a second chance.

I remember this album when I was in the 6th grade. I love this album. Luther ups the ante with broader strokes of jazz,funk,and dance-sounds that have always been a part of his music. The balladry is still confidently smoorh,and yet intricate and involved. This album is a revitalized Luther. This album boasts an influx of new blood. This album has been certified Gold. Remember,this was 1998.

As hard as Luther tried to cross over during the '90s, it's difficult to believe one of his albums could be overlooked, but this is one. Moving to Virgin seemed to invigorate him, even if his stay there was short. I Know is a classic set of Luther ballads and uptempos, seamlessly crafted from start to finish, his best album since The Night I Fell in Love. Standouts include "Religion," a remake of "Get It Right" featuring female rapper Precise, "I'm Only Human" featuring Cassandra Wilson and Bob James, and "Nights in Harlem," the uptempo first single. Ten years earlier, this would have been an R&B smash, but Luther got off R&B's contemporary bandwagon in 1993. That's no reason not to get I Know, however, especially if you like his earlier work.

The latest album by the King of Soul (sitting alongside Lady Ree or my own preference, Gladys) this album does not have a single bad track. It shows the younger generation of would be soul singers how it should be done. The update of "Get it right" previously recorded by Aretha Franklin is an absolute masterpiece. The one to watch for in my opinion is the title track "I know", Stevie Wonders harmonica solo is nostalgic yet contemporary. Buy it!

luther has returned to r&b. this cd reminds me of his earlier recordings. I'm Human w/ cassandra wilson has a jazz influence--my favorite track.

Luther continues to flourish the world with his blessed voice and beautiful arrangements. This album is one of his most personal ones to date. As usual Luther is on top of the world when doing ballads, but "Are You Using Me?" proves to be his best dance track and one of the best dance tracks of the year. I have always felt the hurt and disappointments in Luther's voice. That's what makes his voice so irresitible. This album also takes on more of a personal aproach. Maybe Luther wants us to know that he is only human!!!! Keep up the excellent work Luther.