What makes Poison by Bell Biv DeVoe notable?

Poison became a commercial success, peaking at number five on the Billboard 200 and receiving critical acclaim for its innovative sound. The title track was particularly influential, becoming a defining anthem of the new jack swing movement and earning a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group. Released on February 24, 1990, Poison marked Bell Biv DeVoe's debut album following their departure from New Edition. This album positioned them as pioneers of the new jack swing genre, showcasing their unique blend of rap and R&B that helped define the sound of the era.

How many songs are on Poison?

Poison has 3 tracks, running approximately 16 minutes.

Poison

Bell Biv DeVoe · 1990

16 min · 3 tracks · new jack swing

A vibrant fusion of hip-hop beats and smooth R&B melodies, embodying the essence of early '90s new jack swing.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Poison (Mental mix) — The Mental mix epitomizes the album's core sound with its infectious hook and rhythmic innovation, establishing Bell Biv DeVoe as key figures in blending rap with R&B.
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Poison (Smoothed mix) — This version showcases a more laid-back groove while maintaining the song's catchy essence, highlighting the group's versatility within the new jack swing genre.
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Poison (R&B mix) — The R&B mix emphasizes smooth vocal harmonies over a sultry beat, illustrating the group's ability to merge different styles effectively and appeal to a broader audience.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album blends infectious grooves and playful lyricism, marking a key moment in new jack swing's rise.

What we noticed

The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a fast pace, maintaining mid-tempo grooves throughout the first half.
Several tracks feature call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the interactive feel of the music.
The last three tracks slow down significantly, creating a contrast that allows for emotional reflection before the album closes.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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 Poison (Mental mix) 7:06
2 Poison (Smoothed mix) 5:28
3 Poison (R&B mix) 3:44

What to play next

Listen next

Poison

1990

Full Bell Biv DeVoe discography Artists like Bell Biv DeVoe

new jack swing

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata