Poison
Bell Biv DeVoe · 1990
46 min · 10 tracks · new jack swing
A vibrant fusion of hip-hop beats and R&B melodies, filled with infectious grooves and playful lyricism.
Top tracks — play these first
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Do Me! — This track exemplifies the album's blend of sensuality and rhythm, featuring catchy hooks that became a defining characteristic of new jack swing.
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Poison — As the title track, Poison encapsulates the album's overall vibe with its irresistible beat and memorable chorus, making it a staple at parties and dance floors.
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B.B.D. (I Thought It Was Me)? — This song showcases the group's playful lyrical style and strong vocal harmonies, reflecting their roots while pushing forward into a new sound.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
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
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic flow with rhythmic peaks
- danceable tracks for celebrations
- head-nodding grooves for gatherings
- nostalgic vibes for throwback parties
Maybe skip if you
- slow-paced reflective listening
- minimalist soundscape preferences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- When Poison was released in March 1990, Bell Biv DeVoe was transitioning from their time as members of New Edition to establishing their own identity. This debut album marked a significant moment in their careers, showcasing their evolution into the new jack swing genre, which blended R&B with hip-hop elements and solidified their place in the music scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Guy· New Edition· Jodeci
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Dope! 3:42
- 2 B.B.D. (I Thought It Was Me)? 4:35
- 3 Let Me Know Something?! 4:39
- 4 Do Me! 4:32
- 5 Ronnie, Bobby, Ricky, Mike, Ralph and Johnny (Word to the Mutha)! 4:31
- 6 Poison. 4:21
- 7 Ain’t Nut’in’ Changed! 3:33
- 8 When Will I See You Smile Again? 5:11
- 9 I Do Need You. 4:37
- 10 Poison. (extended club version) 7:06
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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