Patti Labelle's move to the Philadelphia International label in the early 1980s helped complete the soul diva's transformation from funky dance queen (an image held over from her '70s funk outfit, LaBelle) to an adult R&B staple. Though I'M IN LOVE AGAIN has its share of upbeat tracks, notably the thumping "Body Language" and the post-disco tune "I'll Never, Never Give Up," Philadelphia International's classically lush, string-sweetened production lends itself perfectly to LaBelle's ballads.
The title track, for example, blends a jazzy, nightclub feel with a cinematic wash of strings that highlights the song's deeply romantic theme. "If Only You Knew," which proved a charting hit for LaBelle, is a textbook example of the singer's slow-build intensity and vocal acrobatics. Her stirring cover of "Lover Man (Oh Where Can He Be?)" also shows her firmly entrenched in slow-jam territory. On all of these, LaBelle's soulful swoops, note extensions, and dramatic embellishments are on full display, making I'M IN LOVE AGAIN a classic "Quiet Storm" entry for both Philadelphia International and Patti LaBelle.