King of Stage is the debut solo album by American R&B singer Bobby Brown.[1][2] Following his exit from New Edition, and at 16, Brown signed a solo deal with the group's label MCA Records, which had earlier promised Brown a solo deal if he decided to leave New Edition. His first solo album was released in 1986.
King of Stage | ||||
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Studio album by | ||||
Released | December 9, 1986 | |||
Recorded | March 5, – June 13, 1986 | |||
Genre |
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Length | 42:29 | |||
Label | MCA | |||
Producer | Larry Blackmon John Luongo | |||
Bobby Brown chronology | ||||
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Singles from King of Stage | ||||
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The album spawned the singles "Girlfriend", "Seventeen", and "Girl Next Door". None of the singles were major US Hot 100 hits, however, Brown had a number-one R&B hit with the first single, the ballad, "Girlfriend".[3][4]
The album was produced by Larry Blackmon and John Luongo; Brown and Luongo produced the title track.[5][6] Brown was unhappy with the production, and elected to go with proven producers for his next album.[1]
Review scores | |
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Source | Rating |
AllMusic | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
The Encyclopedia of Popular Music | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
The Rolling Stone Album Guide | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
AllMusic wrote that "as enjoyable as the Blackmon-produced tracks are, top honors must go to 'Seventeen' -- a riveting account of a teenage mother who turns to drugs and prostitution -- and the unapologetically sentimental, '70s-like soul ballad 'Girlfriend'."[7] The Los Angeles Times called the album "an ill-conceived mess" marked by a "lack of focus, inconsistent production and mostly inferior material."[9] The Boston Globe deemed it "a versatile blend of street funk, rap and ballads."[10]
Adapted from liner notes
Chart (1986) | Peak position |
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U.S. Billboard Top Pop Albums | 88[11] |
U.S. Billboard Top R&B Albums | 12[12] |
Year | Single | Chart positions | |
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US Pop |
US Soul | ||
1986 | "Girlfriend" | 57 | 1 |
1987 | "Girl Next Door" | - | 31 |
"Seventeen" | - | - |
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Albums |
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Singles | |||||||
Featured singles | |||||||
Related articles |
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