"Stay" is a song written by Bob Khozouri and Mark Stevens, and originally recorded by American singer Glenn Jones and released in 1990. It reached number six on the US BillboardHot Black Singles chart. The song became a worldwide hit for British girl groupEternal in 1993 and 1994.
Three years after the first recording, "Stay" was the debut single of British girl groupEternal. It released on September 20, 1993, as the lead single from their 1993 debut album, Always & Forever.[2] The single entered the UK Singles Chart at number 16 on September 26, 1993, eventually peaking at number four on October 17, 1993. The single was also a hit on the US Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 19 on March 12, 1994 and selling over 220,000 copies in the US.[3]
Critical reception[]
Larry Flick from Billboard described the song as a "shuffling, hip-hop-flavored pop ditty". He added that "sweet lead vocals and pillowy backing harmonies have enough of a soulful edge to hold up against heavy hitting US counterparts SWV and Xscape. Tune is a simple love song, laced with a memorable melody and a fun, sing-along chorus. Expect multiformat acceptance within moments."[4]Gavin Report called the groove "sexy and confident".[5]Music & Media said the group is the British answer to En Vogue, adding that "this uptempo tune certainly has the necessary staying power." Marc Stingl, music director of Radio Gong/Nuremberg received fabulous feedback from his listeners after he made it powerplay. He said, "Our so-called 'hit hammer' is played 36 times a week. According to our rules we never tell what it is, because we want enthusiasts to phone in. Well, it's an absolutely sensational song, a sure-to-be European hit, so our phones were red hot."[6] Alan Jones from Music Week deemed it a "powerful" remake, adding that the girls "have excellent voices".[7] John Kilgo from The Network Forty noted that a "contagious groove, spiced with vintage harmonies, makes this masterpiece incredibly hip".[8] Steven Wells from NME stated that the song "pack a surprising bite", calling it "dead classy".[9]People Magazine described it as "lighter-than-air".[10] Mark Frith from Smash Hits labeled it as "poppy swingbeat".[11]
Music video[]
The music video for "Stay" was filmed in New York City, directed by German director Marcus Nispel, and features the girls executing choreographed dance moves against colorful backdrops. The video became a staple on the American cable network BET's Video Soul in early 1994.
