| I'm Here for You | |
| Type: | studio |
| Artist: | Ann Nesby |
| Cover: | I'm Here for You (album).jpg |
| Released: | 1996 |
| Genre: | R&B |
| Length: | 1:11:02 |
| Label: | Perspective[1] |
| Producer: | Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis |
| Next Title: | Love Is What We Need: The Essentials |
| Next Year: | 2001 |
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]
The Los Angeles Sentinel praised the "earthy singing," calling the album "the sound of love, passion and blackness."[11] The Star Tribune wrote that Nesby's "majestic voice shines on a spiritual collection of R&B."[12]
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."[13] 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."[14] 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."[15]
AllMusic deemed it "a brilliant blend of gospel, R&B, dance and ballads." 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."