The year was 1986, and Bobby Brown, a well-known teen idol, was at a critical juncture in his career. His childhood friends had recently voted him out of their musical group, New Edition. Nonetheless, his label’s CEO, the late Jheryl Busby, apprised Brown that the label was obligated to offer him a solo deal. Consequently, Brown embarked on his debut solo album, “King of Stage,” which we chose as our featured selection for this week’s Second Listen Sunday.
Brown had previously sung lead on the New Edition hits “Mr. Telephone Man” and “Jealous Girl,” in addition to showcasing his tenor on “Let’s Be Friends,” “Who Do Your Trust” from “All For Love” his last album with the group. For the first single, “Girlfriend,” Brown delivered a ballad. Kirk Crumpler, Lee Peters, and Larry White wrote the song, and White also received production credit. The song doesn’t deviate much from the typical NE formula, as Bobby Brown sings about love, longing, and the desire for companionship. The lyrics convey a sense of yearning for a deep emotional connection with a romantic partner, emphasizing the significance of love and intimacy, which was relatable for teenagers then.
Brown teamed up with Cameo members Larry Blackmoon and Melvin Wells for his second solo single, “Girl Next Door.” The song tells a story about how he developed an infatuation with his neighbor. Both songs were solid efforts, showcasing Brown’s ability to shine as a solo artist. Brown has spoken about not liking the album’s direction and promo campaign that the label rolled out. The rest of the album sees Brown experimenting with different styles to find his footing or appease the label,
The album has a hip-hop title track, a message song called “Seventeen,” and “Your Tender Romance” with some funk elements. I particularly like the album’s other ballad, “Spending Time,” but the rest is mostly filler. As a fan, I find it surprising that Brown did not collaborate with some of the producers who had worked with him on his solo projects during his New Edition days. These producers would have a better understanding of his vocal style.
“King Of Stage” has grown on me since the first listen, and while Brown rarely revisits any material from the album, it sets the stage for things to come.
Final Grade: B-
“King Of Stage” is available on all streaming platforms.
Martial arts auteur Siyu Cheng delivers his latest action-packed fest in “The Tai Chi Master” from Well Go USA. The Tai Chi Master” examines the journey of Zhang Junbao, a dedicated disciple of Wuji, who emerges as a crucial figure during significant upheaval.
On a musical level, the documentary is a library of Williams’ great works. It’s dramatic performances of his most famous songs, such as the classic “Star Wars” marches, the grand piano music from “Jurassic Park,” and the melancholy music from “Schindler’s List.” Each song is part of a narrative, a call to revisit old films and remember their heart-wrenching connections. Its thrilling finale (which celebrated his work on “Harry Potter”) also underscores the longevity of his music among audiences today.
Megan Fox teams up with director S.K. Dale to bring her feminine wiles to the world of A.I. in “Subservience” from XYZ Films. Will Honley and April Maguire wrote the film’s screenplay. Alice (Fox) is a lifelike, artificially intelligent android who can care for any family and home. Looking for help with the housework, struggling father Nick (Michele Morrone) purchases Alice after his wife Maggie (Madeline Zima) becomes sick. Alice suddenly becomes self-aware and wants everything her new family has to offer, starting with the affection of her owner — and she’ll kill to get it.