Introduction
" King of Stage" is the launching solo album by American R&B singer Bobby Brown, released in 1987 under MCA Records. Brown had risen to prominence as a member of the popular R&B group New Edition before starting a solo career. The album achieved moderate success, developing Brown as one of the foremost R&B artists of the late 80s. It featured numerous hits, consisting of "Girlfriend", which reached primary on the Billboard R&B chart, and "Baby, I Wan na Tell You Something", which also performed well on the charts.
Background and Production
Bobby Brown exited the group New Edition after their hit 1985 album, "New Edition". Wishing to pursue a solo profession and showcase his talent as a private artist, Brown teamed up with distinguished manufacturers, including Larry Blackmon, Cameo, and Vincent Brantley. The young singer aspired to establish his sound, blending his emotional vocals with catchy pop-infused beats.
" King of Stage" was taped in different studios, consisting of Unique Recording in New York and Island Sound Studios in Toronto. The album's production provided Brown with a chance to incorporate a series of designs, such as R&B, soul, and dance-pop.
Album Content and Style
" King of Stage" showcases Bobby Brown's vocal expertise and his capability to deal with various genres. The album includes a mix of uptempo dance tracks, smooth ballads, and funky grooves that catered to varied audiences. Some of the noteworthy tracks from the album include:
1. "Girlfriend" - The album's standout hit, "Girlfriend" is a tender ballad where Brown admits his love for his loved one. This ballad reached top on the Billboard R&B chart, granting Brown his first-ever chart-topper as a solo artist.
2. "Baby, I Wan na Tell You Something" - Another hit from the album, this track showcases Brown's dance-pop sensibilities and transmittable energy.
3. "You Ain't Been Loved Right" - A mid-tempo groove that shows Brown's soulful voice and strong vocal range.
4. "King of Stage" - The album's title track and a funky dance number that frames Brown's smooth vocal shipment with horns and synth lines.
5. "Love Obsession" - A sultry, slow-jam that highlights Brown's sensual side and ability to convey emotion through his vocals.
Reception and Legacy
"King of Stage" received mixed evaluations from critics upon its release. While some applauded Brown's singing capabilities and the album's different sonic scheme, others found the album too irregular in quality. Despite these criticisms, the album took pleasure in moderate success, peaking at number 88 on the Billboard 200 chart and number 10 on the Billboard Top R&B/ Hip-Hop Albums chart. The album sold over 300,000 copies and assisted establish Brown as a popular R&B figure in the late 80s.
Following the release of "King of Stage", Bobby Brown's star continued to increase with his subsequent album, "Don't Be Cruel" (1988), which is widely considered his advancement job. Brown's debut album laid the foundation for a remarkable solo career that included various chart-topping hits, distinctions, and collaborations with other prominent artists.
In summary, "King of Stage" marked the start of Bobby Brown's solo career, showcasing his singing talents and ability to manage different musical styles. While it might not be his most commercially successful or critically well-known work, the album stays a vital part of Brown's discography, using fans a pleasurable listening experience and a glance into his early foray into the world of R&B as a solo artist.
Artist: Bobby Brown
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