Here and Now cover

Here and Now

Luther Vandross · 1990

19 min · 3 tracks · funk

Smooth, lush arrangements intertwine Vandross's velvety vocals with soul and funk influences, creating an intimate listening experience.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Here And Now — This title track highlights Vandross's emotive vocal delivery paired with a lush instrumental backdrop, encapsulating the album's themes of love and commitment.
  • →
    For You To Love — The song showcases Vandross's ability to blend heartfelt lyrics with smooth melodies, making it a standout example of his romantic style.
  • →
    Never Too Much (Ben Liebrand Remix) — This remix revitalizes Vandross's classic hit with a modern twist, demonstrating his enduring appeal and ability to adapt to changing musical landscapes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong vocal performances and varied arrangements but lacks a cohesive flow across its short runtime.

What we noticed

  • The title track features a slow, steady groove with layered vocal harmonies that build throughout.
  • The second track introduces a more upbeat tempo with prominent brass instrumentation, contrasting the first.
  • The remix of 'Never Too Much' incorporates electronic elements and a faster pace, diverging from the original's smooth style.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Solidified Vandross's reputation as a leading figure in contemporary R&B.
Career context
Released in 1990, Here and Now marked Luther Vandross's sixth studio album. Following the commercial success of his previous releases, this album solidified his position as a leading figure in contemporary R&B.
Stylistic neighbors
Barry White· Marvin Gaye· Al Green

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Here And Now 5:22
  • 2 For You To Love 5:35
  • 3 Never Too Much (Ben Liebrand Remix) 8:44

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata