| I'm Here for You | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | 1996 | |||
| Genre | R&B | |||
| Length | 1:11:02 | |||
| Label | Perspective [1] | |||
| Producer | Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis | |||
| Ann Nesby chronology | ||||
| ||||
I'm Here for You is the debut album by the American singer Ann Nesby, released in 1996. [2] [3] Nesby supported the album by performing at the opening ceremonies of the 1996 Summer Olympics, in Atlanta. [4]
The album peaked at No. 157 on the Billboard 200. [5]
The album was produced in part by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. [6] [7] Nesby cowrote or wrote every song on I'm Here for You. [8] Gerald Albright contributed saxophone to the album. [9] "Lord How I Need You" was written in Nesby's hometown of Rockford, Illinois, and was produced by Rockford native Big Jim Wright. [10]
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   [11] |
| The Encyclopedia of Popular Music | [12] |
| MusicHound R&B: The Essential Album Guide | [13] |
| Muzik |  [14] |
The Los Angeles Sentinel praised the "earthy singing," calling the album "the sound of love, passion and blackness." [15] The Star Tribune wrote that Nesby's "majestic voice shines on a spiritual collection of R&B." [16]
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." [17] 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." [18] 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." [19]
AllMusic deemed it "a brilliant blend of gospel, R&B, dance and ballads." [11] 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." [13]
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Let the Rain Fall" | 4:32 |
| 2. | "I'm Still Wearing Your Name" | 5:03 |
| 3. | "If You Love Me" | 5:31 |
| 4. | "The Invitation" | :28 |
| 5. | "(What a) Lovely Evening" | 6:01 |
| 6. | "I'll Do Anything for You" | 5:51 |
| 7. | "String Interlude" | :39 |
| 8. | "Thrill Me" | 4:32 |
| 9. | "Hold On" | 5:11 |
| 10. | "In the Spirit" | 5:28 |
| 11. | "This Weekend" | 4:22 |
| 12. | "Can I Get a Witness?" | 4:02 |
| 13. | "I'm Here for You" | 5:28 |
| 14. | "I'll Be Your Everything" | 4:51 |
| 15. | "Let Old Memories Be" | 4:27 |
| 16. | "Lord How I Need You" | 4:36 |
| Total length: | 1:11:02 or 71:02 | |
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