I Know
Luther Vandross · 1998
67 min · 13 tracks · funk
Smooth, soulful melodies intertwine with heartfelt lyrics, showcasing Vandross's unmatched vocal prowess and emotional depth.
Top tracks — play these first
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Keeping My Faith in You Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its uplifting message and showcases Vandross's smooth vocal delivery over rich instrumentation.
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Isn't There Someone — A poignant exploration of longing and heartache, this track features intricate harmonies and emotive lyrics that highlight Vandross's ability to convey deep emotion.
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Religion — This song stands out for its spiritual themes intertwined with romantic longing, demonstrating Vandross's lyrical depth and vocal range.
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Get It Right — With its infectious groove and motivational message about love and perseverance, this track encapsulates the album's overall vibe while appealing to both R&B and pop audiences.
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Nights in Harlem — The track blends smooth jazz influences with classic soul, showcasing Vandross's versatility as an artist and rounding out the album with a reflective tone.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases Vandross's vocal strength and emotional delivery, supported by solid production and cohesive pacing.
What we noticed
- The first five tracks maintain a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the sixth track introduces a more introspective tone with a slower pace.
- Vandross's vocal delivery often features layered harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the emotional impact of the lyrics.
- Several tracks incorporate instrumental breaks that allow for smooth transitions between sections, contributing to the album's overall flow.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. 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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo romantic vibes
- heartfelt lyrics for deep listening
- smooth melodies for evening relaxation
- thoughtful reflections on love
- soulful moments for intimate gatherings
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat party tracks
- prefer fast-paced listening experiences
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Fan Favorite — Well-received and reinforces Vandross's influence, appealing to dedicated fans.
- Career context
- Released in 1998, I Know marks Luther Vandross's ninth studio album, coming after his critically acclaimed record, Songs. At this point in his career, Vandross had solidified his status as a leading figure in R&B and soul music, following a series of successful albums that had earned him multiple Grammy Awards.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Barry White· Marvin Gaye· Al Green
Tracklist
- 1 Keeping My Faith in You Start here 4:55
- 2 Isn't There Someone 4:41
- 3 Religion 4:35
- 4 Get It Right 5:26
- 5 I Know 5:22
- 6 I'm Only Human 5:28
- 7 Nights in Harlem 4:57
- 8 Dream Lover 4:32
- 9 When I Need You 6:47
- 10 Are You Using Me? 5:21
- 11 Are You Mad at Me? 4:35
- 12 Now That I Have You 5:01
- 13 Nights in Harlem (A Darkchild extended remix) 5:24
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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