What makes Pebbles by Perri "Pebbles" Reid notable?

Pebbles achieved commercial success, peaking at number 17 on the Billboard 200 and number 2 on the R&B charts. The album produced hit singles like Girlfriend and Mercedes Boy, which helped define the sound of contemporary R&B during this era and influenced later artists within the genre. Released on November 16, 1987, Pebbles marked Perri Reid's debut album, establishing her as a prominent figure in the R&B scene. It came after her initial success as a songwriter and background vocalist for artists like Toni Braxton and the New Edition group, allowing her to step into the spotlight as a solo artist.

How many songs are on Pebbles?

Pebbles has 10 tracks, running approximately 50 minutes.

Pebbles

Perri "Pebbles" Reid · 1987

50 min · 10 tracks · rhythm and blues

A vibrant fusion of catchy hooks and smooth R&B grooves that encapsulate the late '80s pop-soul aesthetic.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Girlfriend — This track showcases Pebbles' ability to blend infectious melodies with an upbeat rhythm, making it an anthem of female empowerment that resonated widely.
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Mercedes Boy — With its catchy chorus and playful lyrics, this song highlights Pebbles' charisma and solidifies her position in the pop-R&B landscape of the late '80s.
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Do Me Right — The sultry delivery and engaging production on this track emphasize the album's exploration of desire and romance, making it a standout moment.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid songwriting and production typical of late '80s R&B but lacks standout depth or innovation.

What we noticed

The first three tracks establish a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the fourth track introduces a slower ballad that contrasts with the preceding energy.
Several songs feature layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, which enhance the catchiness of the hooks.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Girlfriend 6:42
2 Two Hearts 4:24
3 First Step (in the Right Direction) 4:38
4 Take Your Time 5:18
5 Slip Away 5:11
6 Mercedes Boy 4:56
7 Do Me Right 4:48
8 Love/Hate 5:22
9 Baby Love 4:16
10 Give Me Your Love 4:52

What to play next

Listen next

Always

1990

Go back to

Girlfriend

1987

Full Perri "Pebbles" Reid discography Artists like Perri "Pebbles" Reid

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata