This Is Love

Ann Nesby | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 25, 2007)
• Original Release Date: 2007
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Shanachie
• ASIN: B000TQAFD2
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #184,355 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Grammy-winner Ann Nesby, who initially made her mark as the lead vocalist for the legendary Sounds Of Blackness, has emerged as one of the great R&B singers of our time as evidenced by her acclaimed solo albums. She has also written hit songs for Patti LaBelle and Gladys Knight, dueted with Sting on the ''Demolition Man'' soundtrack, scored multiple dance hits and appeared as a guest vocalist on Boney James’ most recent album. This Is Love, following the successful In The Spirit - the sole gospel release of her career - returns her to the powerhouse inspirational R&B sound of her bestselling releases. All songs are written or co-written by Ann; included is material tailor-made for urban radio as well as one track that will reacquaint Ann with her hardcore dance floor following.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Quality inspirational soul, October 7, 2007

By 

W. E. Phillips (USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: This Is Love (Audio CD)

I first took note of Ann Nesby in the movie, The Fighting Temptations. (Which actually was a pretty decent film, in my opinion.) I saw this album in the store a few days ago and I decided I should probably give her a try. I scanned the barcode into the machine and a portion of the first track, "I Can't Explain It," came on. I instantly fell in love with the song; it was a breath of fresh air, the lyrics were simple, but beautiful and the chorus was quite catchy. I walked away with the album in hand while the other samples ran, knowing that I would be pleased with my purchase, even if that was the only song I liked. But, of course, I ended up loving the entire album.

This Is Love is not necessarily a "gospel" album since there is only about one reference to God, but the music and her voice are definitely highly influenced by the genre. (I suppose that's why the sticker on the front advertises this as "inspirational soul.") The subject matter and lyrics are about the ups and downs of relationships/marriage, family and just plain real life. The perspective of these subjects comes from a woman with Christian values and inspirational intentions, but that doesn't mean this is a ten-track "I-love-my-man, we're-perfect" fest. Songs like "Tables Turn" and "I Apologize" speak on leaving a no good man and asking forgiveness from a spouse.

The production is very simple, but it is also superb. It's very musical and has live instrumentation (trumpets, strings, etc.), resulting in an overall real, raw and sincere tone throughout the album. Ms. Nesby's voice is breathtaking. It is booming and powerful, but also very emotive. On each song, she offers a heartfelt delivery. The songwriting is quality.

This album is not without flaws, though. The club-inspired production of "It's So Easy Lovin' U" is pretty bland. The songs goes on a bit too long and feels a bit out of place. I would've preferred "See U Cry" to be a bit more complex and dynamic, especially since it's the closing track. Last, I wish it were longer. With ten songs and clocking in at 44 minutes, it left me craving for more. Still, Ann Nesby's third effort is a very enjoyable one. It is quality "inspirational soul." If you are a gospel fan, or just need some uplifting music to listen to, you have found the right CD.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars BRILLIANT, BRILLIANT, BRILLIANT!!!, October 15, 2007

By 

S. Tate "Steebie" (Brussels, Belgium) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: This Is Love (Audio CD)

Miss Nesby turns it out again on "This is Love", her most consistent disc since her Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis produced debut. Ironically, I discovered "This is Love" when I was shopping for the new Chaka Khan - a slamming CD produced by none other than Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis. In any event, Miss Ann has put out a collection that gives Miss Khan a run for her money, her voice tender but strong, experienced by never jaded. Standouts include the strutting "Tables Turn", the pumping opener "I Can't Explain It" and dancefloor throwdown "It's So Easy Lovin' U". Spectacular...

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE RETURN OF QUALITY R&B @ ITS BEST LIES WITH ANN NESBY, September 26, 2007

By 

J. Cooper "justin juz cooper" (columbia, sc) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: This Is Love (Audio CD)

A LOT CAN TAKE PLACE IN 5 YEARS, 2 TIME GRAMMY AWARD WINNER ANN NESBY CAN ATTEST TO THAT. AFTER THE RELEASE OF THE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED GRAMMY NOMINATED "PUT IT ON PAPER," WHICH FEATURED AL GREEN NESBY SEEMINGLY WENT UNDER THE RADAR.

SURFACING 5 YEARS AFTER "PUT IT ON PAPER" NESBY RETURNS WITH A STUNNING NEW LOOK, LOOKING YOUNGER NOW THAN SHE DID AT THE ONSET OF HER SOLO CAREER IN 1996. TAKING A BREAK FROM THE SECULAR REALM OF MUSIC, SHE GOT HER SPIRITS LIFTED WITH BOTH A CONTEMPORARY AND TRADITIONAL GOSPEL PROJECT, HER GRANDDAUGHTER PARIS BENNET WAS A TOP 5 FINALIST ON AMERICAN IDOL, AND SHE HAD MADE HER BIG SCREEN DEBUT IN THE 'FIGHTING TEMPTATIONS' FEATURING BEYONCE KNOWLES AND CUBA GOODING JR.

WITH EVERYTHING ANEW FOR NESBY, SHE EASILY TRANSITIONS BACK INTO THE GROOVE OF MAKING MUSIC FOR THE GROWN AND SEXY ALL WHILE INSPIRING HER AUDIENCE TO LIVE IN THE SPIRIT OF LOVE AS HER ALBUM IS APTLY TITLED 'THIS IS LOVE.'

THIS 10 SONG SET IS BY FAR NESBY'S BEST STUDIO WORK SINCE HER 1996 DEBUT WHEN SHE WAS UNDER THE AUSPICES OF INDUSTRY LEGENDS JIMMY JAM & TERRY LEWIS. SOUNDING MORE YOUTHFUL AND THE QUALITY OF THE MATERIAL ON THIS SET BY FAR SURPASES HER LAST R&B EFFORT ('PUT IT ON PAPER').

FROM THE SIKLY CROONING FOR FORGIVENESS LEAD SINGLE "I APOLOGIZE," TO THE GET THE MOOD SET FOR LOVE "SPECIAL OCCASSION," TO "THE ELEGANT STORY TELLING SHOWCASED IN THE CLEVERLY TITLED "NEVER FORGET YOU REMEMBERED." HANDS DOWN THIS ALBUM IS ONE OF THE BEST IN THE URBAN/R&B CATEGORY FOR 2007. 'THIS IS LOVE' SHOULD EASILY ALLOW NESBY TO ADD A NEW GRAMMY TO HER MANTLEPIECE!

JUSTIN "JUZ" COOPER
FREELANCE MUSIC JOURNALIST
COLUMBIA, SC