Bobby Brown | King Of Stage



Bobby Brown | King Of Stage

How come nobody ever talks about the 1st debut album from New Edition's Bobby Brown? Yes...the solo career of Mr. Brown when he started out on MCA Records back in 1986 with the release of "King of Stage"?

The album produced 9 solid songs from a collective effort of producers, backup singers & musicians: Larry White, Larry Blackmon (from Cameo), Tomi Jenkins (from Cameo), Allyson Williams, Marva King, Michael Lovesmith, Robert Brookins, Paul M. Jackson, Jr.& much more.

Just right before Bobby launched an impressive, very successful, 8 million copy selling "Don't Be Cruel" album, "King of Stage was, ladies & gents, the official introduction.

Track Listing:
~ Girlfriend
~ Girl Next Door
~ Baby, I Wanna Tell You Something
~ King of Stage
~ Love Obsession
~ Spending Time
~ Seventeen
~ Your Tender Romance



Now, Bobby had skills. A gifted performer without any question. And of course, confident in what he had to offer aside from his heroics with hit B-Boy R&B Group New Edition. Henceforth a track chosen for his opening selection - "Girlfriend". A romantic, slow gem not credited too much these days, but still a joy to hear whenever its played back on the soul music satellite/radio dial. Keep in mind, it peaked at #1 on Billboards R&B charts back in '86 when the album got released.  But when it came down to representation, Bobby reminded me of the energy, Lead Singer from Cameo - Larry Blackmon, always brought with him for the song & music video "Girl Next Door". From the hair style, The thick Gold chain (A trademark magnate of the 80's), the black tights (Ballet?), the dance moves (The power & reminisce of the once popular dance craze "The Wop" was in full stride at the 3:22 mark of the video) & the charisma. Not to mention, the song rocked & jammed the spot. A good one that also made it on the R&B charts at #31.

Much of the remainder of the album exploited Bobby's tenacity as a singer, as well as brought about the talents of various producers: Of course Larry Blackmon touched "Girl Next Door", but also "Baby, I Wanna Tell You Something" with Tomi Jenkins (I heard a pitch of Cameo all over this composition, as well as a glimpse into Bobby's Rap & Beat Boxing Spill - Check it ), & "Spending Time" with that smooth sax solo. Sure would love to know who contributed the time for it.

The productive juices of Michael Lovesmith seeps through for "You Aint Loved Right", while "King of Stage" &  "Love Obsession" by John Luongo definitely makes you feel right at home in the mid-80's. A sentimental value & recognition to the art of mid-tempo'd ballads from the late Robert Brookins touches up "Seventeen", with an application of Robert's background vocals to add the frosting to the cake.

Paul M. Jackson Jr.,... Yes...The very popular jazz guitarist, finished off - polished off the album with his production of "Your Tender Romance", which seriously enlightens how deep Mr. Jackson's musical skills had entrenched into the R&B spectrum. As a producer, composer, musician - you got it - it all sent a memory of his contributions to the game well after a re-listen of the single.

Overall, it was great to see & hear this vinyl spin back on the player. Bobby Brown, again, didn't get the full attention one might thought he could have gotten from this album, but at least it was a worthy effort. Playing this memory back one mo' time was too much fun! But I can't stop there....It's time for me to find another 'hidden gem' from Back In The Day to write about.

See ya later...

Terrill J. Hanna
The Urban Music Scene

Posted by Administration at 4/7/2010 7:47 PM
Categories: Rhythm and Blues, Videos, New School Soul
Tags: Music Videos 80's Music
 

What did you think of this article?




Trackbacks
Trackback specific URL for this post
  • No trackbacks exist for this post.
Comments
  • No comments exist for this post.
Leave a comment

Submitted comments are subject to moderation before being displayed.

 Enter the above security code (required)

 Name (required)

 Email (will not be published) (required)

 Website

Your comment is 0 characters limited to 3000 characters.