Try My Love (Jeremy Jordan album)

Try My Love is the debut album by American singer Jeremy Jordan, released in 1993 by Giant Records. The album features a blend of contemporary R&B and pop tracks, produced by Robbie Nevil, Al B. Sure!, Keith Thomas, Rhett Lawrence, among others. The lead single, "The Right Kind of Love", was previously included on the Beverly Hills, 90210 soundtrack and became Jordan’s most successful song internationally. Other singles from the album include "Wannagirl", "Try My Love", and "My Love Is Good Enough", some of which were promoted with music videos and featured in films like Airborne (1993).

In addition to its standard release, a Japan-exclusive compilation titled Jeremy The Remix was issued, featuring remixed versions of three tracks from Try My Love along with postcards, photographs, and a thank-you letter for fans. The compilation reached number 70 on the Oricon Albums Chart, marking a limited but documented presence in the Japanese market.

On the US Billboard 200, Try My Love debuted at number 176 on May 15, 1993, peaking at number 182 the following week and remaining on the chart for two weeks. The album sold over 400,000 copies worldwide. Critical reception noted the polished, radio-oriented production and the success of "The Right Kind of Love", while observing variability in the quality of other tracks. The release established Jordan as a visible presence in early-1990s pop and R&B music.

Before achieving musical recognition, Jordan experienced a difficult upbringing. Having spent part of his childhood in orphanages and later living on the streets, he began seeking opportunities in theater and music during his teenage years. At the age of nineteen, after moving to Los Angeles, he managed to attract the attention of music producers and record executives.^[1]

During a live event, Jordan was invited to sing without a demo track and performed "It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye" a cappella. His rendition impressed Peter Schivarelli, a manager associated with the band Chicago and who had also worked with Janet Jackson and Paula Abdul. Schivarelli helped Jordan secure a contract with Giant Records. After signing with the label, Jordan began working within a three-week period with a team of established producers, which included names such as Robbie Nevil, Al B. Sure!, Keith Thomas, and Rhett Lawrence.^[2]

Musically, Jordan's debut album is characterized by a polished, radio-ready contemporary R&B sound emblematic of the early 1990s. The production is synth-heavy, relying on electronic keyboards and programmed drum machines to create its rhythmic foundation and melodic hooks. The tracks are built around accessible pop structures, with the hit single "The Right Kind of Love" serving as a prime example of the album's blend of soulful vocals and a strong, immediate melodic sensibility. Overall, the album's aesthetic is defined by its slick, studio-crafted production tailored for mainstream pop and R&B audiences of its time.^[3]

Music scholar Amy Coddington described "The Right Kind of Love" as a mid-tempo, doo-wop-inspired pop song featuring multi-part vocal harmonies and production elements reminiscent of acts associated with Michael Bivins, such as Bell Biv DeVoe and Boyz II Men. The track, according to her, combines a smooth R&B groove with synthesizer and guitar fills, incorporating a brief rap section typical of early 1990s pop songs influenced by hip hop culture.^[4]

Lyrically, the album is predominantly centered on themes of love and relationships, with the singer expressing a deliberate aim to convey positive messages and emotions. Jordan articulated that his songwriting goal was to merge a radio-friendly pop sound with accessible lyrics drawn from personal emotions, intending to offer encouragement and connect universally with listeners across cultural and linguistic barriers.^[2] In a 1993 interview with the New Straits Times, he stated that although the lyrics to "The Right Kind of Love" were written by Robbie Nevil, they contained "the exact words to describe his feelings at that particular point in time".^[5]

In its November 21, 1992 issue Billboard wrote that to promote Jordan's debut, Giant Records followed a strategy similar to its previous soundtrack-driven successes. The label had earlier used the New Jack City soundtrack to launch Color Me Badd and the Class Act soundtrack to boost Jade's visibility. This time, it relied on the popularity of the Beverly Hills, 90210 soundtrack, which featured Jordan’s song "The Right Kind of Love". The single was released ahead of the album and gained attention alongside Motown artist Shanice's "Saving Forever for You", another track from the same soundtrack that reached the Top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100. According to the magazine, Giant planned to release Jordan’s debut album on February 1993 following the single's success.^[6]

Following the release of Try My Love, Jordan embarked on an international promotional tour that included performances in Malaysia, where he held press conferences and appeared on local television shows. During his visit, he discussed his life experiences, the recording process, and the reception of his music among audiences who did not speak English as their first language. In August 1993, New Straits Times reported that the singer met hundreds of fans at the East End stage in Subang Parade, Malaysia, during a promotional event. His performance included "The Right Kind of Love" and "Wannagirl".^[7]

"The Right Kind of Love" was released in late 1992 as one of the main tracks from the Beverly Hills 90210 soundtrack and was later included on Jordan's debut album. The single was praised by music critics. Billboard called it an "urbanized pop ditty" with retro-soul influences and teen radio appeal.^[8] Tom Doyle (Smash Hits) described it as "bumpy grindy soul stuff" and a convincing New Kids impersonation.^[9] Dave Sholin (Gavin Report) noted its "cool, rhythmic hook" and polished production, highlighting Jordan's image fitting the Beverly Hills, 90210 soundtrack.^[10] Amy Coddington described it as a mid-tempo pop song with doo-wop harmonies and a rap section, analyzing the video's portrayal of Jordan alongside Black performers within a conventional romantic narrative.^[11] It became the most successful single by Jordan, peaking at number 14 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 5 in Australia.

"Wannagirl", released in early 1993, reached No. 28 on the Billboard Hot 100, No. 11 on the Mainstream Top 40,^[12] No. 20 on Radio Songs,^[13] and No. 24 on the Rhythmic^[14] in the U.S., as well as No. 42 in Top Singles Canada,^[15] and No. 22 in Australia.^[16] Billboard described it as a catchy pop track that showcased Jordan's engaging vocals, noting that while the song was somewhat gimmicky, it had strong potential with youth-oriented audiences. A music video was also released to promote the single.^[17]

"Try My Love", released in 1993, was accompanied by a music video directed by Antoine Fuqua. The song was also featured in the film Airborne (1993).^[18] The European maxi-single (Giant Records,9 18446-4, 4-18446) includes both the radio edit and instrumental versions of the track, while a "Vocal Breakdown" remix appears on the album Jeremy The Remix.

"My Love Is Good Enough": released in 1994. In its review, Larry Flick of Billboard praises the song as Jeremy Jordan's "strongest single to date", highlighting his ability to exude considerable sex appeal while maintaining his teen idol image. The track is noted for its "credible jack/funk beat", which effectively complements the song's "cute pop/soul personality". The publication concludes by identifying the single as a viable contender for both the Top 40 and rhythm-crossover charts.^[19] In a brief review published by Hitmakers on June 10, 1994, "My Love Is Good Enough" was praised as proof that the singer should not be dismissed as merely a "teen idol" or "heartthrob". The publication urged listeners to focus on the music itself, describing it as "damn good".^[20] It failed to chart and no music video was made. The song was included in the 1993 movie Airborne.^[18] The maxi-single includes 4 alternative versions: "InDaSoul Radio Mix" (3:58); "M.Doc & Jere MC Street Radio Mix" (3:56), "Jamie's House Edit" (4:16), "InDaSoul Extended Instrumental" (4:59).^[21]

Taking advantage of the album's chart presence in Japan, where it reached the top 40 on the Oricon Albums Chart,^[22] Giant Records released a country-exclusive compilation titled Jeremy The Remix. The compilation featured ten tracks, including three songs from Try My Love — "The Right Kind of Love", "Wannagirl", and "Try My Love" — along with their respective remixed versions. Issued solely in the CD format, the compilation included additional material such as postcards, photographs, and a thank-you letter addressed to fans.^[23]

On the Oricon Albums Chart, Jeremy The Remix peaked at number 70 and sold 6,510 copies in Japan, marking a brief but documented entry in the country’s recorded music market.^[22]

Lashvinder Kaur of New Sunday Times wrote that although Jordan's appearance might initially pigeonhole him as just another fleeting teen idol, his R&B tracks are formidable and "something to be reckoned with". According to Kaur the album's exploration of love in its various forms is presented as a key strength, with the hit single "The Right Kind of Love" singled out as evidence that Jordan is a undeniable "winner". Kaur's opinion is further bolstered by the context of Jordan's difficult life story, which lends credibility and depth to his music, transforming him from a potential "one-off hit" into a respected and compelling new artist.^[24]

The AllMusic review by Matt Collar presents a more measured and mixed assessment of Try My Love. While acknowledging the album's commercial success, driven primarily by the hit single "The Right Kind of Love" and its placement on Beverly Hills 90210, Collar is critical of the album's substance. He describes Jordan's voice as "soulful if slight" and the production as standard "radio-ready, synth-heavy R&B". The review points out that the album contains "altogether too much filler", suggesting a lack of consistent quality. However, Collar offers significant praise for the single itself, elevating it by stating its melodic hook "almost qualifies it as a classic of the decade".^[3]

The album entered the Billboard 200 chart on May 15, 1993, ebuting at its peak position of number 176.^[25] In its second week, it rose to its peak position of number 182, remaining on the chart for a total of two weeks.^[26] In Japan, the album peaked at number 31 on the Oricon Albums Chart, selling 69,100 copies,^[22] and worldwide it sold over 400,000 copies.^[27]

Credits adpted from Try My Love CD (Giant Records – 9 24483-2)

• Art Direction – Kim Champagne
• Design – Gregory Ahtens Gilmer
• Executive-Producer – Cassandra Mills
• Management – Peter Schivarelli
• Mastered By – Tom Baker
• Photography By – Michael Lavine