{{for-multi|the album by Shane Filan|Love Always (Shane Filan album)|the 1996 film|Love Always (film)|the song written by Burt Bacharach|El DeBarge (album)}} {{good article}} {{Use mdy dates|date=May 2025}} {{Infobox album | name = Love Always | type = Studio | artist = K-Ci & JoJo | cover = Love Always K-Ci & JoJo.png | border = yes | alt = | released = June 17, 1997 | recorded = 1996–1997 | venue = | studio = | genre = {{hlist|R&B|soul}} | length = 52:04 | label = MCA | producer = {{hlist|Fred Rosser|Jeff Redd|Rory Bennett|Joey Elias|Laney Stewart|Gerald Baillergeau|DeVante Swing|James Mtume|Derrick Garrett|Craig Brockman|Victor Merrit|Jon-John Robinson|Jorge Corante|Andrew Braxton|Bradley Spalter|Mike Smoov|Joel Hailey}} | prev_title = | prev_year = | next_title = It's Real | next_year = 1999 | misc = {{Singles | name = Love Always | type = studio | single1 = You Bring Me Up | single1date = May 27, 1997 | single2 = Last Night's Letter | single2date = September 16, 1997 | single3 = All My Life | single3date = March 17, 1998 | single4 = Don't Rush (Take Love Slowly) | single4date = July 1998 }} }}
'''''Love Always''''' is the debut album of American R&B duo K-Ci & JoJo, released on June 17, 1997, by MCA Records. It was recorded at various studios in New York and the Los Angeles area in 1996 and 1997. It was produced by JoJo and several others, including DeVante Swing, Jon-John Robinson, James Mtume, and Jeff Redd. The duo were originally a part of Jodeci before this album.
The album peaked at number six on the US ''Billboard'' 200 and also appeared on international charts. The single "All My Life" charted number one in multiple countries, and all four of the album's singles peaked above the top 25 in the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and the New Zealand Top 40 Singles. ''Love Always'' was received favorably by critics, who praised the brothers' singing ability and the production. The album has been certified three times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and gold by Music Canada and IFPI Sweden. It had sold more than 3 million copies in the United States.
== Background == Previously, K-Ci & JoJo had been members of the group Jodeci, which consisted of them and another pair of brothers, DeVante Swing and Mr. Dalvin.<ref name="allmusic-bio" /> Under Uptown Records,<ref name="jodeci-allmusic-bio">{{cite web |url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/jodeci-p26053/biography |title=Jodeci > Biography |work=Allmusic |publisher=Rovi Corporation |access-date=August 13, 2011 |author=Huey, Steve}}</ref> the group released three studio albums certified platinum by the RIAA: ''Forever My Lady'' (1991), ''Diary of a Mad Band'' (1993), and ''The Show, the After Party, the Hotel'' (1995).<ref>{{cite certification |region=United States |artist=Jodeci |title=Forever My Lady |date=April 28, 1995 |access-date=August 11, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite certification |region=United States |artist=Jodeci |title=Diary of a Mad Band |date=August 14, 1996 |access-date=August 11, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite certification |region=United States |artist=Jodeci |title=The Show, The After Party, The Hotel |date=September 21, 1995 |access-date=August 11, 2011}}</ref>
Jodeci has been inactive since 1996. K-Ci & JoJo, seeking to shed Jodeci's "bad boy image",<ref name="jet-interview" /> began working on other projects. They appeared as featured artists in songs including Tupac Shakur's "How Do U Want It",<ref name="allmusic-bio" /> which topped the ''Billboard'' Hot 100<ref>{{cite web | url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=2pac|chart=all}}chart-history/37157 | title=2Pac Album & Song Chart History | publisher=Prometheus Global Media | work=Billboard 200 for 2Pac | access-date=July 8, 2011}}</ref> and E-40's Rapper's Ball, which peaked 29th on the Hot 100.<ref>{{Cite magazine | url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=e-40|chart=all}}hart-history/31182 | title=E-40 Album & Song Chart History | publisher=Prometheus Global Media | magazine=Billboard Hot 100 for E-40 | access-date=September 19, 2011}}</ref> They recorded their first songs as a duo, "If You Think You're Lonely Now" and "How Could You", for the soundtrack albums ''Jason's Lyric'' and ''Bulletproof'', respectively.<ref name="allmusic-bio">{{cite web | url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/k-ci-jojo-p210589/biography | title=K-Ci & JoJo > Biography | work=Allmusic | publisher=Rovi Corporation | last=Huey | first=Steve | access-date=August 11, 2011}}</ref> Both singles reached the top 20 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop songs.<ref name="allmusic-singles-chart">{{cite web | url={{AllMusic | pure_url=yes | class=artist | id=p210589 | tab=charts-awards/billboard-singles}} | title=K-Ci & JoJo > Charts & Awards > Billboard Singles | publisher=Rovi Corporation | work=Allmusic | access-date=July 8, 2011}}</ref>
== Production, writing, and recording == {{Quote box | align = right | width = 30% | quote = "We wanted to do an album that everyone could listen to. We had this 'bad boy' image, and we're trying to get around that." | source= —JoJo<ref name="jet-interview">{{Cite journal | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aMQDAAAAMBAJ&q=k-ci+%26+jojo+love+always+new+image+jet&pg=PA57 | title=K-Ci & JoJo Hailey Enjoy Success As Duo With New Image, New Album 'Love Always' | page=57 | journal=Jet | publisher=Johnson Publishing Company | issn=0021-5996 | date=November 24, 1997 | volume=93 | issue=1}}</ref> }} JoJo told ''Ebony'' that he and K-Ci "wrote 75 percent" of ''Love Always''.<ref name="ebony">{{Cite journal | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qwUDRnr2e-AC&q=k-ci+%26+jojo+ebony&pg=PA80 | pages=80, 82, 178 | title=K-Ci & JoJo: Music's Hottest Duo | journal=Ebony | publisher=Johnson Publishing Company | volume=53 | issue=12 | date=October 1998 | issn=0012-9011 | last=Kinnon | first=Joy Bennett}}</ref> The brothers said they wanted to make an album that everyone, including their Christian mother, would be able to listen to.<ref name="billboard-keep-it-clean" /> K-Ci told ''Ebony'', "We want to write songs that women can listen to. [...] You can listen to this in the car, riding with the folks."<ref name="ebony" /> Contrasting the album with the brothers' work with Jodeci, K-Ci told ''Billboard'', "With Jodeci, we might sing 'Freek'n You', and with K-Ci & JoJo, we don't use the word 'sex{{' "}}.<ref name="billboard-keep-it-clean">{{Cite magazine | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fg8EAAAAMBAJ&q=k-ci+%26+jojo+we+might+not+say+sex+one+time&pg=PA9 | title=K-Ci & JoJo Keep It Clean: Jodeci Singers Go It Alone On MCA | last=Smith | first=Shawnee | magazine=Billboard | publisher=Nielsen Business Media | volume=109 | issue=23 | date=June 7, 1997 | issn=0006-2510 | pages=9, 100}}</ref>
''Love Always'' was the first album K-Ci & JoJo produced. Referring to DeVante Swing, who produced many of Jodeci's songs, K-Ci told ''Billboard'', "We couldn't just say, 'Oh, DeVante's gonna make sure it's mixed right.' We had to do it."<ref name="billboard-keep-it-clean" /> Other contributors to the album included Rory Bennett, James Mtume, Jorge Corante, Mike Smoov, Fred Rosser, Jeff Redd, Joey Wlias, Laney Stewart, Gerald Baillergeau, DeVante Swing, Derrick Garrett, Craig Brockman, Victor Merrit, Jon-John Robinson, Andrew Braxton, and Bradley Spalter.<ref name="allmusic-personnel">{{cite web | url=http://allmusic.com/album/love-always-r277564/credits | title=Love Always – K-Ci & JoJo > Credits | publisher=Rovi Corporation | work=Allmusic | access-date=August 9, 2011}}</ref><ref name="album-note" /> Mike Smoov, Jimi Randolph, Derrick Garrett, Thom Cadley, and Mikael Ifverson engineered the album.<ref name="album-note">{{cite AV media notes |title=Love Always |others=K-Ci & JoJo |year=1997 |type=CD liner |publisher=MCA Records}}</ref>
Recording took place in 1996 and 1997 at recording studios in New York and the Los Angeles area:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.borders.com/online/store/TitleDetail?sku=008811161323 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120731185721/http://www.borders.com/online/store/TitleDetail?sku=008811161323 |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 31, 2012 |title=Love Always – K-Ci & JoJo – Compact Disc (UPC 0008811161323) |publisher=Borders |access-date=August 11, 2011}}</ref> {{Col-begin}} {{Col-2}} ;New York * ACME Recording Studio in Mamaroneck * Battery Studios in New York City * Hit City Studio in Bronx * Sony Music Studios in New York City * Sony Recording Studio in New York City * Sound Track Studio in New York City * Startrak in New York City
{{Col-2}} ;Southern California * Audio Achievements in Torrance * Boulevard Recording Studio in Carson * Classroom Studio in Hollywood * Tracken Place in Los Angeles * Tickle Box Studios in Los Angeles * Westlake Studio in Los Angeles {{Col-end}}
== Content == ''Love Always'' is written and performed in the R&B and soul styles. It consists of slow jams and love songs.<ref name="allmusic-review" /><ref name="vibe-review" /> The album's opening track, "HBI", is a short introduction and is followed by "Last Night's Letter", a slow jam about broken hearts.<ref name="vibe-review" /> The next song, "Baby Come Back", was written by K-Ci about his past relationship with singer Mary J. Blige.<ref name="vibe-review" /> "Love Ballad" is a cover of the L.T.D. song.<ref name="allmusic-review" />
== Release and promotion == ''Love Always'' was released in the United States and Germany on June 17, 1997,<ref name="us-release">{{cite web | url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000002P67 | title=Love Always: K-Ci & JoJo | work=Amazon.com | access-date=August 10, 2011}}</ref><ref name="germany-release" /> in Canada on June 24, 1997,<ref name="canada-release" /> and in the United Kingdom on March 20, 1999.<ref name="uk-release" /> It was released in Australia in August 1998 packaged with six bonus remixes of "How Could You", "Last Night's Letter", "All My Life", and "You Bring Me Up".<ref name="australia-release" /> The album was released on CD, cassette and LP, except in Australia, where it was only released on CD.<ref name="australian-allmusic">{{cite web | url=http://allmusic.com/album/love-always-australia-r403851 | title=Love Always (Australia) – K-Ci & JoJo | work=Allmusic | publisher=Rovi Corporation | access-date=August 17, 2011}}</ref>
=== Singles === Four songs on ''Love Always'' became singles. All four appeared in the top 25 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and the New Zealand Singles Chart. The first single, "You Bring Me Up", was released on May 27, 1997.<ref name="billboard-keep-it-clean" /> It peaked at 26th on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100,<ref name="allmusic-singles-chart" /> 15th on R&B/Hip Hop Songs,<ref name="allmusic-singles-chart" /> 15th on the New Zealand Singles Chart,<ref name="new-zealand-charts-discography" /> and 21st on the UK Singles Chart.<ref name="uk-singles" /> A remix was made featuring Snoop Dogg.<ref name="youtube-snoop-remix">{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FiqSFRYunjw |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/FiqSFRYunjw |archive-date=2021-12-13 |url-status=live| title=K-Ci & JoJo – You Bring Me Up (Remix) ft. Snoop Dogg | work=YouTube | access-date=August 17, 2011 | date=October 5, 2009 | author=KCiAndJoJoVEVO}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The second single, "Last Night's Letter", was released on September 16, 1997.<ref name="letter-release-date">{{cite web | url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000006L5E | title=Last Night's Letter / Baby Come Back | work=Amazon.com | access-date=August 22, 2011}}</ref> It peaked at 46th on the Hot 100,<ref name="allmusic-singles-chart" /> 15th on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs,<ref name="allmusic-singles-chart"/> and 16th on the New Zealand Singles Chart.<ref name="new-zealand-charts-discography" />
The third single, "All My Life", was released on March 17, 1998.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Datu Faison's Rhythm Section|last=Faison|first=Datu|magazine=Billboard|volume=110|issue=12|page=32|date=March 21, 1998|quote=On Tuesday (17), 'All My Life' by K-Ci & JoJo (MCA) hits stores...}}</ref> JoJo wrote the song about his daughter but originally intended it for another artist.<ref name="k-ci&jojo-encyclopedia">{{cite encyclopedia | url=http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-3495200045.html | title=K-Ci & JoJo: R&B group | access-date=August 18, 2011 | year=2002 | author=Christina Fuoco | encyclopedia=Encyclopedia.com | publisher=HighBeam Research}}</ref> In an interview with MTV, he said, "The song was originally supposed to be used for… another artist, a female artist on A&M Records. But we listened to it after we got out of the studio and it was like, 'I'm keeping this, this is too hot.{{' "}}<ref name="k-ci&jojo-encyclopedia" /> "All My Life" peaked at number one on the Hot 100 and R&B/Hip-Hop Songs,<ref name="all-my-life-billboard.com">{{cite magazine |url={{BillboardURLbyName |artist=k-ci & jojo|chart=all}} |title=All My Life – K-Ci & JoJo |publisher=Prometheus Global Media |magazine=Billboard |access-date=August 9, 2011}}</ref> tying a record set by The Beatles by jumping from 15th to first on the U.S. charts.<ref name="ebony" /> It was also a number-one song in Australia,<ref name="australian-charts-discography">{{cite web |url=http://australian-charts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=K-Ci |title=Australian-charts.com – Discography K-Ci |publisher=Hung Medien |work=Australian Charts Portal |access-date=August 9, 2011}}</ref> the Netherlands,<ref name="dutch-charts-discography">{{cite web |url=http://dutchcharts.nl/showinterpret.asp?interpret=K-Ci |title=Dutchcharts.nl – Discografie K-Ci |publisher=Hung Medien / hitparade.ch |work=Dutch Charts Portal |access-date=August 9, 2011 |language=Dutch}}</ref> and New Zealand.<ref name="new-zealand-charts-discography">{{cite web |url=https://charts.nz/showinterpret.asp?interpret=K-Ci |title=charts.nz – Discography K-Ci |publisher=Hung Medien |work=New Zealand Charts Portal |access-date=August 9, 2011}}</ref> It peaked at second on the Norwegian Singles Chart,<ref name="norwegian-charts-discography">{{cite web |url=http://norwegiancharts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=K-Ci |title=Norwegiancharts.com – Discography K-Ci |publisher=Hung Medien |work=Norwegian Charts Portal |access-date=August 9, 2011}}</ref> third on the Flanders Belgium Singles Chart,<ref name="flanders-charts-discography">{{cite web |url=http://www.ultratop.be/nl/showinterpret.asp?interpret=K-Ci |title=Ultratop.be – Discografie K-Ci |publisher=Ultratop & Hung Medien / hitparade.ch |work=Ultratop Belgium Charts |access-date=August 9, 2011 |language=German}}</ref> fourth on the Swedish Singles Chart<ref name="swedish-charts-discography">{{cite web |url=http://swedishcharts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=K-Ci |title=Swedishcharts.com – Discography K-Ci |publisher=Hung Medien |work=Swiss Charts Portal |access-date=August 9, 2011}}</ref> and the Swiss Singles Chart,<ref name="swiss-charts-discography">{{cite web |url=http://swisscharts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=K-Ci |title=Discography K-Ci – swisscharts.com |publisher=Hung Medien | work=Swiss Charts Portal |access-date=August 9, 2011}}</ref> eighth on the UK Singles Chart,<ref name="uk-singles">{{cite web |url=http://www.theofficialcharts.com/artist/_/k-ci%20%26%20jojo/ |title=K-Ci & JoJo – The Official Charts Company |publisher=The Official Charts Company |work=UK Singles Chart |access-date=August 9, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110809085537/http://www.theofficialcharts.com/artist/_/k-ci%20%26%20jojo/ |archive-date=August 9, 2011}}</ref> 11th on the Wallonia Belgium Singles Chart, 12th on the Austrian Singles Chart,<ref name="austrian-charts-discography">{{cite web |url=http://austriancharts.at/showinterpret.asp?interpret=K-Ci |title=Discographie K-Ci – austriancharts.at |publisher=Hung Medien |work=Austrian Charts Portal |access-date=August 9, 2011 |language=German}}</ref> and 43rd on the French Singles Chart.<ref name="french-charts-discography">{{cite web |url=http://lescharts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=K-Ci |title=Lescharts.com – Discographie K-Ci |publisher=Hung Medien |work=French Charts Portal |access-date=August 9, 2011 |language=French}}</ref> It was certified platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association<ref name="all-my-life-aus-cert">{{cite certification |region=Australia |title=All My Life | type=single | certyear=1998 | date=1998 | access-date=August 9, 2011 | artist=K-Ci & JoJo}}</ref> and gold by IFPI Sweden.<ref name="allmylife-swe-cert">{{cite web|url=http://www.ifpi.se/wp/wp-content/uploads/guld-platina-1987-1998.pdf |title=Swedish single certifications – All My Life |publisher=IFPI Sweden |access-date=July 8, 2011 |language=Swedish |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616145338/http://www.ifpi.se/wp/wp-content/uploads/guld-platina-1987-1998.pdf |archive-date=June 16, 2011}}</ref> "All My Life" was nominated for Best R&B Video at the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards.<ref name="1998-VMA">{{cite web | url=http://www.rockonthenet.com/archive/1998/mtvvmas.htm | title=1998 MTV Video Music Awards | work=Rock on the Net | access-date=August 13, 2011}}</ref>
The fourth and final single, "Don't Rush (Take Love Slowly)", was originally the B-side to "All My Life"; it was released as a single in July 1998 after it achieved more airplay than "All My Life".<ref name="billboard-1998-06-04" /> It peaked at 24th on the US Rhythmic Top 40, 46th on Hot R&B Airplay,<ref name="billboard-1998-06-04">{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-gkEAAAAMBAJ&q=billboard+don%27t+rush+take+love+slowly+b-side+k-ci&pg=PA25 |page=25 |title=Rhythm Section: Buy 1, Get 1 Free |author=Faison, Datu |magazine=Billboard |publisher=Nielsen Business Media |volume=110 |issue=27 |issn=0006-2510 |date=July 4, 1998}}</ref> 16th on the UK Singles Chart, 25th on the Dutch Singles Charts,<ref name="dutch-charts-discography" /> and 26th on the New Zealand Singles Chart.<ref name="new-zealand-charts-discography" />
== Reception == === Commercial performance === The album debuted at 24th on the US ''Billboard'' 200,<ref name="love-always-debut">{{Cite magazine | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iQ4EAAAAMBAJ&q=billboard+200+love+always&pg=PA31 | title= ''Billboard'' 200 | magazine=Billboard | publisher=Prometheus Global Media | volume=109 | date=July 5, 1997 | issn=0006-2510 | issue=27}}</ref> and went on to peak at sixth.<ref name="love-always-200-peak" /> It peaked at second on the ''Billboard'' Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.<ref name="love-always-r&b-peak" /> On July 9, 1998, ''Love Always'' was certified three times platinum by the RIAA, for shipments of three million copies in the United States.{{Certification Cite Ref|refname=US2|region=United States|artist=K-Ci & JoJo|type=album|title=Love Always|award=Platinum|number=3|access-date=July 7, 2011|date=July 9, 1998}} It spent 90 weeks on the ''Billboard'' 200 and 91 weeks on the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/albums-chart-search |title=Album Charts Archive Search |magazine=Billboard |publisher=Prometheus Global Media |access-date=August 14, 2011 |archive-date=March 22, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322181028/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/albums-chart-search | url-status=dead}} Type "K-Ci" into ''Artist'', "Love Always" into ''Title'' and click ''Submit''.</ref> As of June 1999, ''Love Always'' had sold 2.9 million copies in the US, according to Nielsen SoundScan.<ref name="copy-sells">{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tQ0EAAAAMBAJ&q=k-ci+%26+jojo+love+always+sold+2.9+million+units&pg=PA65 |title=MCA's K-Ci & JoJo Get 'Real' With Their Sophomore Set |author=King, Aliya S. |magazine=Billboard |volume=111 |issue=23 |issn=0006-2510 |publisher=Nielsen Business Media |date=June 5, 1999 |page=65}}</ref>
''Love Always'' charted internationally, as well. It peaked at 26th in Canada,<ref name="1998-canada-album=peak" /> and on June 30, 1998, it was certified platinum by Music Canada, for shipments of 100,000 copies in Canada.{{Certification Cite Ref|region=Canada|artist=K-Ci & JoJo|type=album|title=Love Always|access-date=August 10, 2011|date=June 30, 1998}} In Australia, the album debuted at 44th, before peaking the next week at 37th. In 1998, ''Love Always'' was certified gold by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA), for shipments of 35,000 copies in Australia.{{Certification Cite Ref|region=Australia|artist=K-Ci & JoJo|type=album|title=Love Always|award=Gold|certyear=1998|access-date=July 7, 2011|date=1998}} It peaked at fifth in New Zealand,<ref name="newzealandcharts" /> 19th in the Netherlands,<ref name="dutchcharts" /> 28th in Switzerland,<ref name="swisscharts" /> 51st in the UK,<ref name="ukcharts" /> and 56th in Sweden.<ref name="swedishcharts" />
=== Critical response === {{Music ratings | rev1 = AllMusic | rev1Score = {{rating|3.5|5}}<ref name="allmusic-review">{{cite web |url=http://allmusic.com/album/love-always-r277564/review |title=Love Always - K-Ci & JoJo > Review |publisher=Rovi Corporation |work=AllMusic |access-date=July 7, 2011 |author=Henderson, Alex}}</ref> | rev2 = ''USA Today'' | rev2score = {{Rating|2.5|4}}<ref name="usatoday">{{cite news|last=Jones|first=Steve|url=http://www.usatoday.com/life/enter/music/lem887.htm|date=June 16, 1997|title=R&B Review|newspaper=USA Today|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991013234459/http://www.usatoday.com/life/enter/music/lem887.htm|access-date=March 23, 2026|url-status=live|archive-date=October 13, 1999}}</ref> }} ''Love Always'' has received favorable reviews from music critics. Alex Henderson of AllMusic called "Love Ballad" the "best thing the Hailey brothers have ever done – inside or outside of Jodeci".<ref name="allmusic-review" /> Henderson called the album's ballads and slow jams "above average" and noted a lack of new jack swing and R-rated lyrics of the sort he had observed in Jodeci's music.<ref name="allmusic-review" /> He liked the songs "Now and Forever", "Still Waiting", and "Baby Come Back" and appreciated the 1970s soul music feel.<ref name="allmusic-review" />
''Vibe'' magazine's Michael Gonzalez gave the album a favorable review, writing, "''Love Always'' is a marvelous musical testament to black love in the '90s."<ref name="vibe-review" /> He enjoyed the production, especially from Rory Bennett, and compared the duo to Frankie Lymon.<ref name="vibe-review" /> He noticed K-Ci's lyrics in "Baby Come Back" were about his relationship with Mary J. Blige stating "[K-Ci] wails like a man driven crazy by his missteps."<ref name="vibe-review" /> Gonzalez also liked the songs "Don't Rush (Take Love Slowly)", and "You Bring Me Up".<ref name="vibe-review">{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UywEAAAAMBAJ&q=k-ci+%26+jojo+love+always&pg=PA144 |title=K-Ci & JoJo 'Love Always' |last=Gonzales |first=Michael A. |magazine=Vibe |volume=5 |issue=6 |page=144 |access-date=August 10, 2011 |date=August 2007 |publisher=Vibe Media Group |issn=1070-4701}}</ref>
== Track listing == Credits adapted from the album's liner notes.<ref name="liner notes">{{cite AV media notes|title= Love Always |year= 1997 |type= booklet |publisher= MCA}}</ref> {{track listing | extra_column = Producer(s) | title1 = HBI (Hailey Brother's Intro) | lyrics1 = {{hlist|Joel "JoJo" Hailey|Cedric "K-Ci" Hailey}} | music1 = {{hlist|JoJo Hailey|Michael Bell|Craig Brockman}} | extra1 = {{hlist|JoJo Hailey|Mike Smoov}} | length1 = 1:52 | title2 = Last Night's Letter | lyrics2 = {{hlist|C. Hailey|Gloria Stewart}} | music2 = Laney Stewart | extra2 = Laney Stewart | length2 = 4:38 | title3 = Baby Come Back | lyrics3 = {{hlist|C. Hailey|J. Hailey}} | music3 = {{hlist|Andrew Braxton|Derrick Garrett|Fred Rosser|Mel Larson|Jerry Marcellino|Gene Marcellino}} | extra3 = {{hlist|Derrick Garrett|Jeff Redd|Andrew Braxton{{ref|b|[b]}}|Fred Rosser{{ref|b|[b]}}}} | length3 = 4:16 | title4 = Just for Your Love | lyrics4 = {{hlist|G. Stewart|C. Hailey|J. Hailey}} | music4 = Genard Parker | extra4 = Gerard "GetnPayd" Parker | length4 = 5:08 | title5 = Now and Forever | lyrics5 = Bradley Spalter | music5 = {{hlist|Robbie Nevil|Emanuel Officer}} | extra5 = {{hlist|Bradley Spalter|Emanuel Officer}} | length5 = 4:38 | title6 = Don't Rush (Take Love Slowly) | lyrics6 = {{hlist|J. Hailey|C. Hailey}} | music6 = Rory Bennett | extra6 = {{hlist|Rory Bennett|J. Hailey}} | length6 = 3:13 | title7 = You Bring Me Up | lyrics7 = {{hlist|C. Hailey|J. Hailey}} | music7 = {{hlist|Gerald Baillergeau|Victor Merritt}} | extra7 = {{hlist|Gerald "Big Yam" Baillergeau|Victor Merritt}} | length7 = 4:23 | title8 = Still Waiting | lyrics8 = {{hlist|DeVante Swing|J. Hailey}} | music8 = DeVante Swing | extra8 = {{hlist|DeVante Swing|J. Hailey{{ref|a|[a]}}}} | length8 = 4:54 | title9 = Love Ballad | lyrics9 = Skip Scarborough | music9 = Skip Scarborough | extra9 = James Mtume | length9 = 3:54 | title10 = How Many Times (Will You Let Him Break Your Heart) | lyrics10 = {{hlist|Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds|Officer}} | music10 = Jorge "G. Man" Corante | extra10 = {{hlist|Jorge "G. Man" Corante|Officer}} | length10 = 4:41 | title11 = All My Life | lyrics11 = J. Hailey | music11 = {{hlist|Bennett|J. Hailey}} | extra11 = {{hlist|J. Hailey|Bennett}} | length11 = 5:31 | title12 = How Could You | lyrics12 = {{hlist|Jon-John Robinson|G. Stewart|Joey Elias}} | music12 = {{hlist|Jon-John Robinson|G. Stewart|Joey Elias}} | extra12 = {{hlist|Jon-John Robinson|Joey Elias{{ref|a|[a]}}}} | length12 = 4:57
}} {{track listing | headline = Australia bonus tracks | title13 = How Could You | note13 = International Edit | length13 = 3:59 | title14 = How Could You | note14 = Pop Mix | length14 = 4:13 | title15 = Last Night's Letter | note15 = So So Def Remix | length15 = 4:10 | title16 = All My Life | note16 = Wedding Remix | length16 = 4:27 | title17 = All My Life | note17 = Curtis Moore Remix | length17 = 6:35 | title18 = You Bring Me Up | note18 = Midnight Mix | length18 = 4:18 }}
'''Notes''' *{{sup|{{note|a|[a]}}}} signifies a co-producer *{{sup|{{note|b|[b]}}}} signifies an additional producer
'''Sample credits'''<ref name="liner notes"/> * "Baby Come Back" contains a sample of "Whatever You Got I Want", written by Mel Larson, Jerry Marcellino, and Gene Marcellino, as performed by The Jackson 5.
== Personnel == Credits for ''Love Always'' adapted from album's liner notes.<ref name="liner notes"/>
* Cedric "K-Ci" Hailey – lead and background vocals {{small|(tracks 1–10, 12)}}, vocal arrangement {{small|(tracks 3, 6)}}, executive producer * Joel "JoJo" Hailey – lead and background vocals {{small|(tracks 1–8, 10–12)}}, producer {{small|(tracks 1, 6, 11)}}, co-producer {{small|(track 8)}}, vocal arrangement {{small|(tracks 3, 6)}}, executive producer
=== Musicians === {{div col}} * Richard Adcock – cello {{small|(track 12)}} * Anas Allaf – guitar {{small|(tracks 6, 10)}}, electric guitar {{small|(track 11)}} * Robert Becker – viola {{small|(track 12)}} * Rory Bennett – instrumentation {{small|(tracks 6, 11)}} * Charlie Bisharat – violin {{small|(track 12)}} * Andrew Braxton – keyboards {{small|(track 3)}} * Darius Campo – violin {{small|(track 12)}} * Jorge "G. Man" Corante – keyboards and programming {{small|(track 10)}} * Makeda Davis – background vocals {{small|(track 8)}} * Basil Fearrington – bass {{small|(track 9)}} * Juliann French – violin {{small|(track 12)}} * Rob Fusari – additional programming {{small|(track 4)}} * Berj Garabedian – violin {{small|(track 12)}} * Garth Gayle – guitar {{small|(track 4)}} * Harris Goldman – violin {{small|(track 12)}} * Endre Granat – violin {{small|(track 12)}} * Mimi Granat – viola {{small|(track 12)}} * Reggie Griffith – guitar {{small|(track 12)}} * Alan Grubfeld – violin {{small|(track 12)}} * Reggie Hamilton – bass {{small|(track 12)}} * Paula Hochhalter – cello {{small|(track 12)}} * Norman Hughes – violin {{small|(track 12)}} * Peter Kent – violin {{small|(track 12)}} * Razdan Kuyumjian – violin {{small|(track 12)}} * Ennis Melchan – violin {{small|(track 12)}} * Ed "Tree" Moore – guitar {{small|(track 9)}} * James Mtume – keyboards {{small|(track 9)}} * Jim Mussien – drums {{small|(track 9)}} * Derek Nakamoto – strings and arrangement {{small|(track 10)}} * Robbie Nevil – guitar {{small|(track 5)}} * Emanuel Officer – vocal arrangement {{small|(track 5)}}, background vocals {{small|(track 10)}} * Genard Parker – keyboards and drums {{small|(track 4)}} * Dunn Pearson – keyboards {{small|(track 9)}} * Kizi Pitfika – viola {{small|(track 12)}} * Barbara Porter – violin {{small|(track 12)}} * Steve Richards – cello {{small|(track 12)}} * Jon-John Robinson – drums and piano {{small|(track 12)}} * Anatoly Rosinsky – violin {{small|(track 12)}} * Fred Rosser – drums {{small|(track 3)}} * Bob Sanov – violin {{small|(track 12)}} * Peter "Ski" Schwartz – strings {{small|(track 9)}} * Sheila E. – percussion {{small|(track 12)}} * Bradley Spalter – keyboards and programming {{small|(track 5)}} * Laney Stewart – instrumentation {{small|(track 2)}} * Raymond Tischer – viola {{small|(track 12)}} * Randy Waldman – strings arrangement and conducting {{small|(track 11)}} * Ken Yerke – violin {{small|(track 12)}} {{Div col end}}
=== Production === {{div col|colwidth=25em}} * Steve B. – assistant engineer {{small|(track 3)}} * Gerald Baillergeau – producer, engineer, and mixing {{small|(track 7)}} * Rory Bennett – producer {{small|(tracks 6, 11)}} * Kyle Bess – assistant mix engineer {{small|(track 10)}} * Allen Bishop – engineer {{small|(track 4)}} * Stuart Brawley – assistant mix engineer {{small|(track 2)}} * Andrew Braxton – additional production {{small|(track 3)}} * Craig Brockman – co-producer {{small|(track 1)}} * Thom Cadley – engineer {{small|(tracks 3, 4)}} * Bill Carr – assistant engineer {{small|(track 6)}} * Cecil T. Chambers – production coordination {{small|(track 2)}} * Rob Chiarelli – mixing {{small|(tracks 1, 3, 8)}} * Jorge "G. Man" Corante – producer {{small|(track 10)}} * Tom Coyne – mastering {{small|(all tracks)}} * Martin Czembor – assistant mix engineer {{small|(track 4)}} * Kevin "KD" Davis – mixing {{small|(track 2)}} * Joey Elias – co-producer {{small|(track 12)}} * Derrick Garrett – producer and engineer {{small|(track 3)}} * Jon Gass – mixing {{small|(tracks 5, 10)}} * Bryan Golder – assistant engineer {{small|(track 6)}} * Chris Habeck – Pro Tools transfer {{small|(track 4)}} * Mikael Ifversen – engineer {{small|(track 3)}} * Mauricio Iragorri – assistant mix engineer {{small|(track 12)}} * Damon Jones – executive producer * Adam Kagen – engineer {{small|(track 5)}} * Adam Kudzin – mixing {{small|(track 4)}} * Ernie Lake – engineer {{small|(track 4)}} * Tommy Lockheart – assistant Pro Tools transfer {{small|(track 4)}} * Charity Lomax – assistant engineer {{small|(tracks 6, 10, 11)}} * Manny Marroquin – engineer {{small|(track 12)}} * Victor Merrit – producer, engineer, and mixing {{small|(track 7)}} * James Mtume – producer and engineer {{small|(track 9)}} * Greg Mull – engineer {{small|(tracks 6, 10, 11)}} * Rene Ochoa – project coordinator {{small|(track 10)}} * Emanuel Officer – producer {{small|(tracks 5, 10)}} * Genard Parker – producer and mixing {{small|(track 4)}} * Kelvin Parker – engineer {{small|(track 4)}} * David Pelman – engineer {{small|(track 10)}} * Dave "Hard Drive" Pensado – mixing {{small|(tracks 6, 11, 12)}} * Jimi Randolph – engineer {{small|(track 2)}} * Jeff Redd – producer {{small|(track 3)}}, executive producer * Vince Reynolds – assistant engineer {{small|(track 3)}} * Jon-John Robinson – producer {{small|(track 12)}} * Fred Rosser – additional production {{small|(track 3)}} * Mike Scielzi – engineer {{small|(track 8)}} * Matt Silva – assistant mix engineer {{small|(track 11)}} * Mike Smoov – producer and engineer {{small|(track 1)}} * Bradley Spalter – producer {{small|(track 5)}} * Laney Stewart – producer {{small|(track 2)}} * DeVante Swing – producer and engineer {{small|(track 8)}} * Tom Vercillo – mixing {{small|(track 9)}} * Brian Vibberts – assistant engineer {{small|(tracks 3, 4)}} * Eric White – assistant engineer {{small|(track 6)}} * Jeffrey "Woody" Woodruff – engineer {{small|(track 11)}} {{Div col end}}
==Charts== === Weekly charts === {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" |- ! Chart (1997) ! Peak<br/>position |- ! scope="row" | Canada Top CD/Albums (''RPM'')<ref name="1997-canada-album=peak">{{Cite journal | url=http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/rpm/028020-119.01-e.php?&file_num=nlc008388.3257&type=1&interval=50&PHPSESSID=m4bpc6citsbjpckjp3e446qd83 | title=Top Selling Albums | journal=RPM | volume=65 | date=July 7, 1997 | access-date=August 10, 2011 | issue=18}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;"| 54 |- ! scope="row" | Dutch Albums (MegaCharts)<ref name="dutchcharts" /> | style="text-align:center;"| 45 |- ! scope="row" | UK Albums (The Official Charts Company)<ref name="ukcharts" /> | style="text-align:center;"| 64 |- ! scope="row" | US ''Billboard'' 200<ref name="love-always-debut" /> | style="text-align:center;"| 24 |- ! scope="row" | R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (''Billboard'')<ref name="love-always-r&b-debut">{{Cite magazine | magazine=Billboard | publisher=Nielsen Business Media | page=16 | volume=109 | issn=0006-2510 | date=July 5, 1997 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iQ4EAAAAMBAJ | title=Billboard Top R&B Albums | issue=27}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;"| 9 |}
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" |- ! Chart (1998) ! Peak<br />position |- ! scope="row" | Australian Albums (ARIA)<ref name="australiancharts">{{cite web |url=http://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=K-Ci+%26+JoJo&titel=Love+Always&cat=a |title=australian-charts.com - K-Ci & JoJo - Love Always |publisher=Hung Medien |work=Australian Charts Portal |access-date=July 7, 2011}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;"| 37 |- ! scope="row" | Canada Top CD/Albums (''RPM'')<ref name="1998-canada-album=peak">{{Cite journal |url=http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/rpm/028020-119.01-e.php?&file_num=nlc008388.3497&type=1&interval=50&PHPSESSID=m4bpc6citsbjpckjp3e446qd83 |title=RPM Top 100 CDs |journal=RPM |volume=66 |date=March 23, 1998 |access-date=August 10, 2011 |issue=26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024024548/http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/rpm/028020-119.01-e.php?&file_num=nlc008388.3497&type=1&interval=50&PHPSESSID=m4bpc6citsbjpckjp3e446qd83 |archive-date=October 24, 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;"| 26 |- ! scope="row" | Dutch Albums (MegaCharts)<ref name="dutchcharts">{{cite web |url=http://dutchcharts.nl/showitem.asp?interpret=K-Ci+%26+JoJo&titel=Love+Always&cat=a |title=dutchcharts.nl - K-Ci & JoJo - Love Always |publisher=Hung Medien |work=Dutch Charts Portal |access-date=July 7, 2011 |language=Dutch}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;"| 19 |- ! scope="row" | New Zealand Albums (RIANZ)<ref name="newzealandcharts">{{cite web |url=https://charts.nz/showitem.asp?interpret=K-Ci+%26+JoJo&titel=Love+Always&cat=a |title=charts.nz - K-Ci & JoJo - Love Always |publisher=Hung Medien |work=New Zealand Charts Portal |access-date=July 7, 2011}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;"| 5 |- ! scope="row" | Swedish Albums (Sverigetopplistan)<ref name="swedishcharts">{{cite web | url=http://swedishcharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=K-Ci+%26+JoJo&titel=Love+Always&cat=a | title=swedishcharts.com - K-Ci & JoJo - Love Always | publisher=Hung Medien | work=Swedish Charts Portal | access-date=July 7, 2011 | language=Swedish}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;"| 28 |- ! scope="row" | Swiss Albums (Swiss Music Charts)<ref name="swisscharts">{{cite web | url=http://hitparade.ch/showitem.asp?interpret=K-Ci+%26+JoJo&titel=Love+Always&cat=a | title=K-Ci & JoJo - Love Always - hitparade.ch | publisher=Hung Medien | work=Swiss Charts Portal | language=German | access-date=July 7, 2011}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;"| 28 |- ! scope="row" | UK Albums (The Official Charts Company)<ref name="ukcharts">{{cite web | url=https://www.officialcharts.com/search/albums/Love%20Always | title=The Official Charts Company - BillK-Ci And JoJo - Love Always | publisher=Official Charts Company | access-date=July 7, 2011}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;"| 51 |- ! scope="row" | US ''Billboard'' 200<ref name="love-always-200-peak">{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yQ4EAAAAMBAJ |title=The Billboard 200 | magazine=Billboard |page=74 |publisher=Nielsen Business Media |volume=110 |date=March 28, 1998 |issn=0006-2510 |issue=13}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;"| 6 |- ! scope="row" | US R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (''Billboard'')<ref name="love-always-r&b-peak">{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Eg8EAAAAMBAJ |title=Billboard Top R&B Albums |magazine=Billboard |publisher=Nielsen Business Media |page=35 |volume=110 |date=February 28, 2011 |issn=0006-2510 |issue=9}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;"| 2 |}
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" |- ! Chart (1999) ! Peak<br />position |- ! scope="row" | US ''Billboard'' 200<ref>{{Cite magazine | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8g0EAAAAMBAJ | title=Billboard 200 | page=111 | magazine=Billboard | publisher=Nielsen Business Media | volume=11 | issn=0006-2510 | date=March 6, 1999 | issue=10}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;"| 146 |- ! scope="row" | US R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (''Billboard'')<ref>{{Cite magazine | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AQ4EAAAAMBAJ | title=Billboard Top R&B Albums | page=29 | magazine=Billboard | publisher=Nielsen Business Media | date=February 27, 1999 | volume=111 | issn=0006-2510 | issue=9}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;"| 68 |}
===Year-end charts=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" |- ! Chart (1997) ! Position |- ! scope="row" | US ''Billboard'' 200<ref name="1997-us-200-year-end-chart">{{cite magazine | url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/yearendcharts/1997/the-billboard-200 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008192400/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/yearendcharts/1997/the-billboard-200 | url-status=dead | archive-date=October 8, 2012 | title=Year End Charts: Top Billboard 200 | publisher=Prometheus Global Media | magazine=Billboard | year=1997 | access-date=August 9, 2011}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;"| 196 |- ! scope="row" | US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (''Billboard'')<ref name="1997-us-r&b-year-end">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/yearendcharts/1997/r-and-and-b-hip-hop-albums |title=Year End Charts: Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums |publisher=Prometheus Global Media |magazine=Billboard |year=1997 |access-date=August 9, 2011 |archive-date=October 9, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121009071202/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/yearendcharts/1997/r-and-and-b-hip-hop-albums |url-status=dead}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;"| 66 |}
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" |- ! Chart (1998) ! Position |- ! scope="row" | US ''Billboard'' 200<ref name="1998-us-200-year-end-chart">{{cite magazine | url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/yearendcharts/1998/the-billboard-200 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008192426/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/yearendcharts/1998/the-billboard-200 | url-status=dead | archive-date=October 8, 2012 |title=Year End Charts: Top Billboard 200 |publisher=Prometheus Global Media |magazine=Billboard |year=1998 |access-date=August 9, 2011}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;"| 19 |- ! scope="row" | US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (''Billboard'')<ref name="1998-us-r&b-year-end">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/yearendcharts/1998/r-and-and-b-hip-hop-albums |title=Year End Charts: Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums |publisher=Prometheus Global Media |magazine=Billboard |year=1998 |access-date=August 9, 2011 |archive-date=October 9, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121009071209/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/yearendcharts/1998/r-and-and-b-hip-hop-albums |url-status=dead}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;"| 15 |}
==Certifications== {{Certification Table Top}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=Australia|artist=K-Ci & JoJo|type=album|title=Love Always|award=Gold|certyear=1998|access-date=July 7, 2011|date=1998}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=Canada|artist=K-Ci & JoJo|type=album|title=Love Always|award=Platinum|relyear=1997|relmonth=06|access-date=August 10, 2011|date=June 30, 1998}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|artist=K-Ci & JoJo|type=album|title=Love Always|award=Platinum|number=3|relyear=1997|certyear=1998}} {{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=yes}}
== Release history == {| class="wikitable" |- ! Region !! Release date !! Format(s) !! Label !! Ref. |- | United States | rowspan="2" | June 17, 1997 | rowspan="2" | CD, cassette, LP | rowspan="2" | MCA | style="text-align:center;"|<ref name="us-release" /> |- | Germany | style="text-align:center;"|<ref name="germany-release">{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.de/dp/B000002P67 |title=Love Always: K-Ci & JoJo, K-Ci & JoJo |work=Amazon.de |language=German |access-date=August 17, 2011 |date=1997-06-15}}</ref> |- | Canada | June 24, 1997 | CD, cassette, LP | Universal Music Group | style="text-align:center;"|<ref name="canada-release">{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B000002P67 |title=Love Always: K-Ci & JoJo |work=Amazon.ca |access-date=August 22, 2011}}</ref> |- | Australia | August 1998 | CD | MCA International | style="text-align:center;"|<ref name="australia-release">{{cite web |url=http://new.music.yahoo.com/k-ci-jojo/albums/ |title=K-Ci & JoJo Albums |publisher=Yahoo! Music |access-date=August 11, 2011}}</ref> |- | United Kingdom | March 20, 1999 | CD, cassette, LP | Universal / Island | style="text-align:center;"|<ref name="uk-release">{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000002P67 |title=Love Always: K-Ci & JoJo |work=Amazon.co.uk |access-date=August 16, 2011 |date=1999-03-20}}</ref> |}
== References == {{reflist|30em}}
== External links == * {{Discogs master | master=93214 | name=Love Always | type=album}}
{{K-Ci & JoJo}}
{{Authority control}}
Category:1997 debut albums Category:K-Ci & JoJo albums Category:Albums produced by Craig Brockman Category:Albums produced by Laney Stewart