New Edition, the iconic R&B group, has produced numerous hits since their formation in the 1980s. The group’s blend of smooth harmonies, infectious beats, and dance moves has made them a fan favorite for generations. From their early days as young teens singing on street corners to their later success as chart-topping artists, New Edition has left an indelible mark on the music industry. In this article, we will explore the top 10 best New Edition songs of all time.
From their upbeat dance hits to their soulful ballads, New Edition’s music has captured the hearts of fans worldwide. Their timeless classics have been covered and sampled by countless artists and continue to be celebrated today. With a career spanning over three decades, New Edition’s influence on R&B music is immeasurable. Through the years, the group has experienced both triumph and tragedy, but their music continues to live on. In this article, we will take a closer look at the top 10 songs that have solidified New Edition’s place in music history. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the group’s music, these 10 songs are sure to make you dance, sing, and reminisce.
1. Can You Stand the Rain
“Can You Stand the Rain” is a classic ballad by New Edition that showcases their exceptional harmonies and vocal range. Released in 1988, the song features heartfelt lyrics that express the importance of having a strong and lasting relationship that can weather any storm. The smooth, soulful melody is backed by a mellow beat and soft piano, making it the perfect slow jam for a romantic evening. The track is a perfect example of the group’s ability to create memorable songs that have stood the test of time.
2. Mr. Telephone Man
“Mr. Telephone Man” is a classic R&B track by New Edition that was released in 1984. The song is a plea to a telephone operator to connect the singer with his lover, as he has been trying to call her without success. The catchy chorus of “Mr. Telephone Man, there’s something wrong with my line” became an instant hit and has remained an enduring favorite. The song features the group’s signature harmonies, which blend seamlessly together, along with a funky beat and playful lyrics. “Mr. Telephone Man” reached the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and helped establish New Edition as one of the top R&B groups of the 1980s.
3. Lost in Love
“Lost in Love” is a smooth and soulful ballad that showcases the vocal prowess of New Edition. The song is about the overwhelming feeling of being in love and feeling lost in that emotion. The slow tempo, the lush harmonies, and the heartfelt lyrics create a romantic atmosphere that is perfect for slow dancing. The arrangement includes a prominent keyboard riff, a grooving bassline, and a gentle guitar melody that adds to the romantic mood of the song. The lead vocals by Ralph Tresvant and the backing vocals by the group create a dreamy and harmonious sound that is pure New Edition. “Lost in Love” is a classic slow jam that captures the essence of 80s R&B and remains a fan favorite to this day.
4. Cool It Now
“Cool It Now” is a classic New Edition song that combines funky beats and pop melodies with a catchy chorus. The song features the group’s signature harmonies and showcases their youthful energy and charisma. Released in 1984, it became a chart-topping hit and remains one of their most popular songs. The upbeat tempo and playful lyrics make it an irresistible dance-floor favorite, while the youthful charm of the group’s performance makes it a beloved classic. The song tells the story of young love and the difficulties of navigating relationships, making it relatable to many listeners. The music video features the group’s iconic dance moves and fashion, cementing their status as one of the most influential boy bands of their era. “Cool It Now” showcases New Edition’s signature sound and laid the foundation for their continued success.
5. Candy Girl
“Candy Girl” is a 1983 hit song by New Edition. It has a catchy, upbeat rhythm with the group’s signature harmonies and youthful energy. The song tells the story of a boy’s infatuation with a girl and his desire to be with her. The lyrics are playful and innocent, making it a perfect feel-good song for any occasion. The song’s music video features the group’s members dancing and singing in colorful outfits and sets, showcasing their undeniable charisma and talent. “Candy Girl” is widely regarded as one of New Edition’s most iconic songs and a classic in the 1980s R&B genre.
6. I’m Still in Love with You
“I’m Still in Love with You” is a classic New Edition ballad that was released in 1986. The song was written by Alton “Wokie” Stewart and produced by Vincent Brantley and Rick Timas. The track features the smooth vocals of Ralph Tresvant, Ricky Bell, and Johnny Gill, with the other members adding their signature harmonies to create a perfect blend of voices. The song talks about a man who is still in love with his significant other, despite the challenges and obstacles that they have faced in their relationship. The heartfelt lyrics and the soulful melody make it a timeless classic that continues to be loved by fans of all ages.
7. A Little Bit of Love (Is All It Takes)
“A Little Bit of Love (Is All It Takes)” is a 1986 hit song by New Edition, featuring a blend of R&B, pop, and dance music. The track is from their fifth studio album “Under the Blue Moon” and showcases the group’s exceptional vocal harmonies. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy chorus make it an instant hit, reaching #4 on the US Billboard R&B chart. The track’s lyrics speak about the importance of love in one’s life, urging listeners to open their hearts and let love in, no matter how small or big it may be. The song’s vibrant and energetic beat combined with the harmonious vocals of the group creates a joyous and feel-good vibe that has stood the test of time. It remains one of the most popular tracks of the group and a fan favorite at concerts and events.
8. If It Isn’t Love
“If It Isn’t Love” is a hit song by the American R&B group New Edition, released in 1988 as the lead single from their fifth studio album, “Heart Break”. The song features the group’s signature harmonies, coupled with a catchy melody and upbeat tempo that make it impossible not to dance along. The lyrics describe the all-consuming feeling of falling in love, and the doubts and insecurities that come with it. The song’s infectious chorus, “If it isn’t love, why do I feel this way?” has become a classic R&B hook and is often sampled in modern pop and hip-hop songs. Produced by the legendary production team of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, “If It Isn’t Love” helped propel New Edition into even greater commercial success, peaking at number seven on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming one of the group’s most recognizable hits.
9. Popcorn Love
“Popcorn Love” is a fun and upbeat song by New Edition that captures the essence of young love. The song was released in 1983 and became one of the group’s early hits. The lyrics are playful and catchy, telling the story of a young man who is falling head over heels for a girl and can’t resist her charm. The upbeat tempo and playful melody make this song perfect for dancing and singing along to. The chorus is particularly infectious, with the group singing “Pop, pop, pop, popcorn love” in a playful and flirtatious tone. The song showcases the group’s early R&B sound and their signature harmonies, which helped to make them a beloved boy band of the 80s. “Popcorn Love” is a fun and lighthearted song that is sure to make listeners smile and reminisce about their own experiences with young love.
10. Is This the End
“Is This the End” is a classic track by the R&B group New Edition. Released in 1983, the song features the group’s signature harmonies and catchy melodies, with lyrics that tell the story of a relationship that has come to an end. The upbeat tempo and lively instrumentation, including horns and percussion, make for an energetic and memorable tune. The song also features standout vocal performances from each member of the group, showcasing their individual talents and blending together in perfect harmony. “Is This the End” is a beloved classic of the New Jack Swing era, known for its catchy hooks, infectious rhythms, and memorable lyrics that have continued to resonate with fans over the years.
Erica Henderson is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
