Customer Reviews

Night I Fell in Love

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Luther adapts a more laid-back, sophisticated approach on his fourth record, which is also a true masterpiece. The only tracks that really sound anything like the his previous three records are the singles "Til My Baby Comes Home" and "It's Over Now," and even these two numbers don't have the bouncy timbre of his earlier single sides. Luther's voice and delivery, as usual, are phenomenal, and his production and arrangements could not improved upon. However, it is his underrated songwriting ability that THE NIGHT I FELL IN LOVE is really a showcase for.

In particular, the title track, "My Sensitivity (Gets In The Way)," and the haunting "Other Side Of The World" are brilliantly-composed and sound like long-lost jazz classics. Luther also covers Brenda Russell's "If Only For One Night" and Stevie Wonder's "Creepin'" (which are sequenced together), and his exceptional, titillating renditions of these songs are perfect compliments to the remainder of the album. Luther crossover success in the pop mainstream was still several years away at the time of this album's release, but THE NIGHT I FELL IN LOVE still peaked at a respectable #19 on the Hot 200 and impressively reached Double-Platinum status in sales.

I've purchased this album 3 times in different guises over the years; I bought the cassette when it was released way back in 1985 - I played it so much that I wore it out. I then replaced it with the LP, but I'm in the process of snapping up all of Luther's CDs to preserve my records.

This album was probably Luther's most unashamedly romantic album of the 80s. I'm not sure if he was experiencing problems in his private life, but the songs here focus on love gained and love lost in such a poignant way. He showcased a sensitive side that some critics thought a tad schmaltzy, but this album was well received by the fans.

The album opens with the lightweight, funky tones of "Till My Baby Comes Home" which is superb. Luther's voice was consistently good on all of his albums, but there's a tinge of melancholy here, especially on the ballads.

Brenda Russell's "If Only For One Night" is one of those ballads that sort of gets under your skin - I'm sure many guys and ladies out there identified with the yearning in the lyrics. Luther puts in a moving performance.

There's one outstanding killer dance track here - "It's Over Now", which features an awesome rhythm and bass line courtesy of Marcus Miller (who co-wrote the track). Check out this track (preferably with the volume high!) and you'll see why I wore the original cassette out. Luther could switch from the sweetest R&B grooves to ballads with ease - what a versatile performer.

"Wait For Love" is an outstanding ballad. Luther's sensitive, nuanced delivery pulls at those heart strings that it cannot fail to move you.

"My Sensitivity" is a catchy mid to up-tempo number with a good groove. The album closes with the melanchonic, haunting tones of "The Other Side Of The World".

Listening to these superb songs, I can't help thinking that the world lost one of its most talented music technicians when Luther passed away. I'm glad I followed his career right from the beginning - yep, my school days. Thank you for the music, Luther.

I haven't liked Luther's recordings lately. Sometimes they're just ... corny. Too much synthetic sound, too many remixes, and not enough of the stuff that makes him great. In this early album, Luther puts it -- and has it -- all together. His voice is at its peak and he's willing to play with it. The songs are original. And the pacing of the album is just right. Although there are some individual songs of Luther's that I've liked since this album, there's not been another album that has it all the way this one does.

With Luther, the artist was with this album. Don't get me wrong, I was a fan and I felt he was one of the top soul singers at the time (Peabo being my favorite). It was this album that set him apart and to me is probably his greatest. Every song, from finger poppin' "Til My Baby Comes Home," the first track to the last track, the beautiful "Other Side of the World," is first rate. All the music on this CD just flows together so well. His version of "Creepin" is sexy. "Wait for Love," an emotional declaration to "get the love that you've been missing," because sometimes you've got to "wait," gives one hope. And my favorite song on the disc is "My Sensitivity,"
where Luther explains himself on love. I always found Luther's work, overall, to be quality, professional, first rate. He was so good, he never missed a beat and his voice was flawless. Because he was so good, he was an artist I took for granted, before and after this disc. With news of his passing and the chance to listen to all the Luther albums and CD's I have, which are many, I understand that we have lost one of the greatest singers period of my generation. This CD is a worthy addition to anyone's collection who is looking for an idea of who Luther was, as an album artist. He was one of the best!

I was just replacing a scratched copy of this CD. I can't imagine my music collection without it.

This CD is most definitely Luther's all-time best and most important work. Timeless ballads like "Wait For Love", "Creepin'", "Other Side Of The World" and (particularly) Luther's stunning remake of Brenda Russell's "If Only For One Night" make this CD indispensable for any serious Soul fan. Although Luther went on to record many fine albums throughout the years "The Night I Fell In Love" remains an ageless masterpiece yet to be equalled. No serious R&B fan should miss out on this CD.

Luther Vandross is like fine wine as he gets older,he gets sweeter than wine. Everything on this album is outstanding. I just can't stop playng it, especially at parties. Get this one if you don't have it to your collection

This is the Luther record you put on when people who were born after, say, 1980 want to know what the big deal is.

Vandross's offerings since this record in 1985 have been uneven, radio-minded affairs and the fact that you cringe with anxiety with the news of every new record release only pumps up the power of this record. It's love captured in a bottle, from its thematic mission (the story of the beginning and end of a relationship) and its unabashedly romantic production values.

The only Luther record you MUST own. After this, get a greatest hits collection and call it a day.

I listened to this tape while cycling at Bally's for hours.It resulted in a weight loss for me of more than 40 pounds and I have been unable to locate this item for sometime now after it was stolen from me and my entire gym bag. I am anxious to get back into shape and hear these tunes again. They are just what I need to get myself motivated. The music is outstanding and the beat is just fast and slow enough to keep me cycling for 45 minutes or more.

I remember when Luther Vandross was Soulful.He was Bad back in the day as a Writer,Producer&vocalist.This album points out that fact Loudly.in The 90's his music has gotten Increasingly Watered down and Lacks Feeling all the way thru.If Only for One Night was the Jam and his Remake of Stevie WOnder's Creepin was Tight.I Miss his old stuff.this was one of the best Albums of The 80's and Easily one of the best albums from the past Decade.