From The Vault is back this week honoring a band that has been showered with a lot of love as of late – and with good reason.

Today’s pick is ‘If It Isn’t Love’ by R&B titans New Edition.

Released as the lead single from the group’s fifth studio album ‘Heart Break,’ ‘Love’ was considered the band’s comeback single and was their first with Bobby Brown’s replacement, Johnny Gill. It was produced by the ever sought-after  Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and (as planned) was a home-run on the charts, returning the quintet to the top 10 of both the Pop and R&B tallies (#7 and #2 respectively).

Although the song stands as an R&B classic, its accompanying visual is one of the group’s most enduring offerings. For, this video is the one that pops up in mass consciousness when considering the dance moves, aesthetics and creative direction of late 80’s/early 90’s boybands. Especially the mic stand/rehearsal/synchronized choreography theme that has been the inspiration behind many a visual – including Beyonce’s ‘Love On Top.’

As seen on their BET biopic earlier this year, New Edition’s story is undoubtedly compelling and we hope groups the world over take the time to study it. Because, in doing so, important lessons about work ethic, dedication, unity, and the effects of ego can be sourced.

Ralph, Michael, Ronnie, Ricky, Johnny and Bobby – we salute you!

Your thoughts?