They took the pop world by storm in the eighties and still have prosperous careers today. Ronnie Devoe, Bobby Brown, Rickey Bell, Michael Bivins, and Ralph Tresvant originally made up New Edition. They got their start in the music business when they weren’t even teenagers. Their musical journey has seen them have success as a bubblegum pop group, a mature R&B; group, and even as solo superstars.
The group originated in Boston, Massachusetts and burst on the scene with their 1983 debut album ‘Candy Girl.’ Some of their early hits included ‘Mr. Telephone Man,’ and ‘Cool It Now.’ As they grew older, they drifted apart. Their most eclectic member, Bobby Brown, would leave New Edition to pursue a solo career in 1986. New Edition would remain strong, however, with R&B; crooner Johnny Gill replacing Brown.
New Edition’s more mature work with Gill would enable them to successfully transition from teenage idols to adult stars. Bobby Brown would briefly reunite with New Edition for their 1996 album ‘Home Again.’ Throughout the years, New Edition has left behind an incredible catalog of music. Here are the ten New Edition songs that R&B; lovers must hear:
10. Cool It Now. Released in 1984, this song sounds a bit dated today, but it will still get people dancing with its catchy hook and danceable beat.
9. Oh Yeah, It Feels So Good. The perfect opening track for 1996’s ‘Home Again.’ Each member of New Edition gets to shine on this upbeat song. In the chorus, the group proclaims that it ‘feels so good to be back where they belong.’
8. Rewrite the Memories. A ballad from New Edition’s last release ‘One Love,’ this is a reflective look back at a love gone wrong. Ralph Tresvant carries this song with his melodic voice.
7. I’m Still In Love With You. The second single from ‘Home Again,’ this was a big R&B; hit for New Edition in 1996. ‘I’m Still In Love With You,’ is the very definition of a nineties ballad. Surprisingly, Johnny Gill wasn’t given his own verse on this song, but Ricky Bell picks up the slack.
6. Hit Me Off. ‘Hit Me Off,’ was the lead single from ‘Home Again.’ It was the first single released by New Edition in seven years and reminded fans why they were the premiere R&B; group of the eighties.
5. Boys To Men. Johnny Gill was introduced to the world through this song. Gill has stated that he didn’t care for the song, but was happy to have a solo spot with the group and he took full advantage of it.
4. Candy Girl. One of the infectious pop songs of the eighties, ‘Candy Girl’ is perhaps the most recognizable New Edition song.
3. If It Isn’t Love. Written by super producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, ‘If It Isn’t Love’ was a top ten hit for New Edition in 1988. The song helped Ralph Tresvant develop the sound that he would later use for his solo smash ‘Sensitivity.’
2. Home Again. Another song written by hit makers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, this emotional ballad soars thanks to the amazing vocal performances by the group. The subject matter is fitting too, since it’s the title track from the reunion album. It is ironic, however, because the reunion was short lived and drama-filled.
1. Can You Stand the Rain. This is New Edition at their absolute best. ‘Can You Stand the Rain’ features Ralph Tresvant and Johnny Gill exchanging verses perfectly. This song has been covered a couple of times since its 1986 release, but no one can come close to matching New Edition’s rendition.
