"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 Billboard Hot Black Singles chart. The song became a worldwide hit for British girl group Eternal in 1993 and 1994.

"Stay"
Single by Eternal
from the album Always & Forever
B-side	"Don't Say Goodbye"
Released	September 20, 1993 (1993-09-20)
Studio	Sarm (London, England)
Genre	New jack swing[1]
Length	3:50
Label	EMI 1st Avenue
Songwriter(s)	Mark Stevens Bobby Khozouri
Producer(s)	Nigel Lowis
Eternal singles chronology
"Stay" (1993) "Save Our Love" (1994)
Alternative cover
Japanese mini-CD cover

Eternal version

Three years after the first recording, "Stay" was the debut single of British girl group Eternal. It released on September 20, 1993, as the lead single from their debut album, Always & Forever (1993).[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

Jon O'Brien from AllMusic viewed the song as an example of "perfect R&B-infused pop".[4] Larry Flick from Billboard described it 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."[5] Bill Speed and John Martinucci from the Gavin Report called the groove "sexy", "confident" and "a jam!".[6] Pan-European magazine Music & Media declared the group as 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."[7] Alan Jones from Music Week deemed it as a "powerful" remake, adding that the girls "have excellent voices".[8] John Kilgo from The Network Forty noted that a "contagious groove, spiced with vintage harmonies, makes this masterpiece incredibly hip".[9] Steven Wells from NME stated that it "pack a surprising bite", calling it "dead classy".[10] A reviewer from People Magazine described the song as "lighter-than-air".[11] Mark Frith from Smash Hits viewed it as "poppy swingbeat".[12]

Music video

The accompanying 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.

Track listings

Credits and personnel

Credits are lifted from the Always & Forever album booklet.[23]

Studio

• Recorded at Sarm Studios (London, England)

Personnel

• Mark Stevens – writing
• Bobby Khozouri – writing
• Nigel Lowis – all instruments, production
• Steve Jervier – additional production and remix
• Peter Craigie – mix engineering
• Ren Swan – engineering

Charts and sales

Glenn Jones original

Eternal version

References