Originally published in 2003 on NE20.com (inactive)
Synopsis
Jam and Lewis’ mid-tempo groove, with its thumping keyboard bassline and open-ended lyrics, forces you to listen to this contradictory story. Ralph’s passionate vocal (with a brief ad-lib by Ricky) expresses the anguish of a man who’s having a hard time reconciling his feelings. He knows something isn’t quite right between himself and this beautiful, classy woman and he has to tell her the truth.
Johnny’s vocal adds quiet support throughout. Mike and Ron act as a Greek chorus, questioning “that brother” as he does his best to let her down easy. This is impossible. The end of this song is very intense.
Commentary
This is my favorite song by New Edition.
“Something” could be any number of things. The feelings expressed in this song can apply in every relationship that dissolves.
This song is a noble attempt to explain (and express) the unexplainable: the feeling or gut instinct that something isn’t right. It’s also proof that, despite macho posturing, it isn’t easy for a man to break up with a woman.
It’s the best in a series of NE breakup songs (“I’m Leaving You Again”, “Let’s Be Friends”). Ralph carried on this tradition on his first solo album with “Do What I Gotta Do.”
Will Leon 