UB Celebrates the 25th Anniversary of New Edition’s ‘Home Again’

All six members returned for their much-lauded reunion album, “Home Again.” Released 25 years ago today in 1996.

Marking the first time all members of New Edition, past and present – Ralph Tresvant, Ricky Bell, Ronnie DeVoe, Michael Bivins, Johnny Gill and Bobby Brown recorded as a unit.

The albums lead single “Hit Me Off” went gold and topped the R&B chart and reached #3 pop, “I’m Still In Love With You” went Top 10 pop and R&B and “You Don’t Have To Worry” scored another R&B Top 10.

“Hit Me Off,” was seven years after the last New Edition single, and entered the Hot 100 at #3, their first single to debut in the Top 5.

Prior to this, the highest – debuting New Edition single was a remake of the Penguins‘ “Earth Angel,” which entered at #71 in August 1986. The most successful Hot 100 title by New Edition before “Hit Me Off,” was the group’s third chart entry, “Cool It Now,” which reached #4 in January 1985.

“‘Home Again’ reflects New Edition’s matured performance skills and offers solidly crafted songs with thoughtfully arranged melodies and close, understated harmonies.” – Louil Silas Jr.

Befitting an act as important as New Edition, Home Again was produced by some of the hottest and freshest names in urban music, including longtime collaborators Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Jermaine Dupri, Sean “Puffy” Combs and the late greats Chucky Thompson and Gerald LeVert. Edwin Nicholas, Silky and Dinky Bingham also contributed.

The mesmerizing results valiantly span the gamut of modern black pop. Among the highlights: the mighty, anthemic “Oh Yeah,” “It Feels So Good,” seamless R&B/hip hop masterpieces such as the groove-hardy “You Don’t Have To Worry,” the hypnotic “Tighten It Up” and the chugging “Something About You,” the creepin’ testimony “Shop Around” and the brooding “Hear Me Out.”

The ballads “Still In Love” and “One More Day,” were both highlights on the album. There’s also the gospel-tinged Johnny Gill-produced interlude, “Thank You,” and of course, the melodic heart-tugging opus that is the title track, replete with orchestra.

At the center of it all is New Edition, sporting those smooth trademark harmonies and the exciting, soulful performances you get when you’ve got a group full of lead vocalists. It’s what you’d expect from N.E.

“The toughest part of making this album was making sure it didn’t sound too much like any of our solo projects,” stated Michael Bivins for their Home Again bio; “But, at the same time the great thing about Home Again is that every member makes the music what it is. That’s how, after all this time, we can still come together and make a record that has the N.E. vibe.”

According to Johnny Gill, there were other creative issues beyond simply getting the group into the studio. “We were concerned that all the guys would have vocal balance on the project. Everyone in the group makes New Edition what it is, so it was important that everyone’s talents were felt throughout the album.”

And Bobby states, “When I came on board, it felt like old times. Over the years, a lot has changed. All of us, one way or another, had found success on our own. But once we started laying tracks, it was like, ‘Yeah, this is it, this is what we should be doing.’”

UB spoke to NE in 2004, for the release of “One Love.” At the time Michael Bivens and Ronnie DeVoe told us, what’s been the biggest challenges for them as a unit and they speak on why it’s important for New Edition to always work with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.

Michael Bivins: The challenges have been the right business deals and getting the respect we feel we deserve. We’ve never had an album sell over two million. Everyday has been a lot of hard work and us trying to make sure NE stays true to who we are. The reward is to still be here after 20 years and inspiring other groups who have came out. When they come up to us and tell us they look up to us and we inspired them.

Ronnie DeVoe: Also being able to support our families has been a huge reward. We are able to put food in our families mouths and the respect that comes from that is a great reward.

UrbanBridgez.com: Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis once again contribute to this release, what makes you guys keep returning to them?
Michael Bivins: We keep going because we know we’re going to get hits. They have captured our signature sound and they always bring it to life unlike any other producers. They’ve worked with us for a long time and they bring out the adult NE, but without losing that sound. To not have them on an NE album isn’t heard of, there will always have to be a Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis record on our album.

Celebrate New Edition’s “Home Again” on it’s 25th Anniversary!