Ann Nesby - This Is Love (2007)

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    The last time the R&B world heard from Ann Nesby, she went toe-to-toe with Al Green on the Grammy-nominated single, "Put It On Paper."  There aren't very many singers who can lay claim to giving the Right Reverend a run for his money, but Nesby held her own on the duet.  After the success of "Put It On Paper," she took a hiatus from the mainstream R&B world, landing a role opposite Beyonce Knowles and Cuba Gooding Jr. in the 2003 musical comedy The Fighting Temptations.  In 2006, she released her first traditional gospel CD, In the Spirit, which highlighted the Gospel-influenced vocal talent for which she is well known.  Now back on the scene with her latest endeavor, This Is Love, the former lead singer of the world renowned ensemble The Sounds of Blackness hits us with another phenomenal project.

    The last time the R&B world heard from Ann Nesby, she went toe-to-toe with Al Green on the Grammy-nominated single, "Put It On Paper."  There aren't very many singers who can lay claim to giving the Right Reverend a run for his money, but Nesby held her own on the duet.  After the success of "Put It On Paper," she took a hiatus from the mainstream R&B world, landing a role opposite Beyonce Knowles and Cuba Gooding Jr. in the 2003 musical comedy The Fighting Temptations.  In 2006, she released her first traditional gospel CD, In the Spirit, which highlighted the Gospel-influenced vocal talent for which she is well known.  Now back on the scene with her latest endeavor, This Is Love, the former lead singer of the world renowned ensemble The Sounds of Blackness hits us with another phenomenal project.

    Fresh talent such as J. Issac, Roosevelt George, and Darnell "Baby D" Davis lace this new album with a classy but contemporary sound that will speak to a younger audience as well as please fans who have admired Nesby's music since the days of way back.  The lead-off track, "I Can't Explain It," is guaranteed to fill dance floors as soon as the DJ puts the needle to the record, and Nesby takes the song "I Apologize" and makes it so convincing that whatever she did, you just have to forgive, forget, and move on.  "This Could Be the Love" is a silky smooth cut that compels you to kick back and just bob your head to the beat while "Tables Turn" is just so groovalicious that you can't help but get up and testify to the goodness of great music.

    They say you should never judge a book by it's cover but from the moment Nesby's CD came across my desk and I peeped the cover shot, I knew I was in for a real treat.  Classy, elegant, and the epitome of lady, Ann Nesby has over her career ascended to a level of musical elite that includes Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, Aretha Franklin and Chaka Khan.  She continues to create quality music, and This Is Love solidifies her legendary status.  You are advised to get to your nearest record store and pick up one of the best albums to emerge in 2007.

    By Christopher Whaley