Search - Luther Vandross :: Night I Fell in Love

Luther's masterpiece

Robert Johnson | Richmond, KY USA | 10/13/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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.



"

Mr Soul's Romantic Classic - One of His Finest!

M. Edwards | Buckinghamshire United Kingdom | 09/10/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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.

"

This is Luther at his finest!

M. Edwards | 01/06/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."