I'm Here for You (album)
I'm Here for You is the debut album by the American singer Ann Nesby, released in 1996.[5][6] Nesby supported the album by performing at the opening ceremonies of the 1996 Summer Olympics, in Atlanta.[7]
| I'm Here for You | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | 1996 | |||
| Genre | R&B | |||
| Label | Perspective Records[1] | |||
| Producer | Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis | |||
| Ann Nesby chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic | |
| The Encyclopedia of Popular Music | |
| MusicHound R&B: The Essential Album Guide | |
The album peaked at No. 157 on the Billboard 200.[8]
Production
The album was produced in part by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.[9][10] Nesby cowrote or wrote every song on I'm Here for You.[11] Gerald Albright contributed saxophone to the album.[12]
Critical reception
The Los Angeles Sentinel praised the "earthy singing," calling the album "the sound of love, passion and blackness."[13] The Star Tribune wrote that Nesby's "majestic voice shines on a spiritual collection of R&B."[14]
The Christian Science Monitor deemed the album "a smooth mix of traditional gospel, dance tunes, and ballads ... The traditional gospel tune 'Lord How I Need You' showcases Nesby's origins in the church choir."[15] The St. Paul Pioneer Press wrote that "while the strings, vibes and other background instruments too often sound slightly, frightfully, canned, Nesby's voice rises above it all to deliver a truly spectacular performance throughout."[16] Jesse Ballinger, of Miami New Times, opined that "on 'Let the Rain Fall', Nesby makes the strongest argument I've heard yet for hip-hop/gospel fusion."[17]
AllMusic deemed it "a brilliant blend of gospel, R&B, dance and ballads."[2] MusicHound R&B: The Essential Album Guide considered the album to be "one of the most complete and pleasurable packages ever put together by Jam and Lewis."[4]
Track listing
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Let the Rain Fall" | |
| 2. | "I'm Still Wearing Your Name" | |
| 3. | "If You Love Me" | |
| 4. | "The Invitation" | |
| 5. | "(What a) Lovely Evening" | |
| 6. | "I'll Do Anything for You" | |
| 7. | "String Interlude" | |
| 8. | "Thrill Me" | |
| 9. | "Hold On" | |
| 10. | "In the Spirit" | |
| 11. | "This Weekend" | |
| 12. | "Can I Get a Witness" | |
| 13. | "I'm Here for You" | |
| 14. | "I'll Be Your Everything" | |
| 15. | "Let Old Memories Be" | |
| 16. | "Lord How I Need You" |
References
- "Jet Top 20 Albums". Jet. Johnson Publishing Company. November 25, 1996. Archived from the original on September 10, 2021. Retrieved September 10, 2021 – via Google Books.
- "I'm Here for You - Ann Nesby | Songs, Reviews, Credits | AllMusic". Archived from the original on 2021-09-10. Retrieved 2021-09-10 – via www.allmusic.com.
- Larkin, Colin (2006). The Encyclopedia of Popular Music. Volume 6: MUZE. p. 155.CS1 maint: location (link)
- MusicHound R&B: The Essential Album Guide. Visible Ink Press. 1998. p. 421.
- "Ann Nesby Biography, Songs, & Albums". AllMusic. Archived from the original on 2021-09-10. Retrieved 2021-09-10.
- "Sounding Off". Ebony. 51 (9): 14. Jul 1996.
- Faison, Datu (Aug 3, 1996). "Rhythm section". Billboard. 108 (31): 32.
- Whitburn, Joel (2010). Top Pop Albums (7th ed.). Record Research. p. 563.
- Banez, Cherry (30 Aug 1996). "Ann Nesby: Sweet Sounds of Success". The Philadelphia Tribune (62). p. 8 Suppl.
- Hasson, Bill (Oct 1996). "I'm Here for You". American Visions. 11 (5): 42.
- Reynolds, J.R. (Mar 30, 1996). "Ann Nesby makes solo sounds". Billboard. 108 (13): 25.
- Lee, Edith C. (July 19, 1996). "Nesby finds the grounding she needs by returning home". USA Today. p. RC.
- Sye, Robert J. (19 Dec 1996). "Ann Nesby's 'I'm Here for You' and Little Kim's 'Hardcore,' hard to beat". Los Angeles Sentinel. p. B6.
- Bream, Jon (29 Dec 1996). "1996 // THE YEAR IN REVIEW // Favorites from the national scene". Star Tribune. p. 3F.
- Walters, Laurel Shaper (22 July 1996). "CD Reviews". The Christian Science Monitor. Features. p. 10.
- Walsh, Jim (July 9, 1996). "DISC-Y BUSINESS". St. Paul Pioneer Press. p. 8D.
- Ballinger, Jesse (October 10, 1996). "Rotations". Miami New Times. Music.