Stay (Eternal song)


"Stay" is a song written by Bob Khozouri and Mark Stevens, and originally recorded by Glenn Jones and released in 1990. It reached number six on the US Billboard Hot Black Singles chart. The song became a worldwide hit for British girl group Eternal in 1993 and 1994.

Eternal version

Three years after the first recording, "Stay" was the debut single of British girl group Eternal. It released on 20 September 1993 as the lead single from their 1993 debut album, Always & Forever. The single entered the UK Singles Chart at number 16 on 26 September 1993, eventually peaking at number four on 17 October 1993. The single was also a hit on the US Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 19 on 12 March 1994 and selling over 220,000 copies in the US.

Critical reception

from Billboard described the song as a "shuffling, hip-hop-flavored pop ditty". He added that "sweet lead vocals and pillowy backing harmonies have enough of a soulful edge to hold up against heavy hitting US counterparts SWV and Xscape. Tune is a simple love song, laced with a memorable melody and a fun, sing-along chorus. Expect multiformat acceptance within moments." Music & Media called them the British answer to En Vogue. They wrote that "this uptempo tune certainly has the necessary staying power." Marc Stingl, music director of Radio Gong/Nuremberg received fabulous feedback from his listeners after he made it powerplay. He said, "Our so-called 'hit hammer' is played 36 times a week. According to our rules we never tell what it is, because we want enthusiasts to phone in. Well, it's an absolutely sensational song, a sure-to-be European hit, so our phones were red hot." John Kilgo from The Network Forty noted that a "contagious groove, spiced with vintage harmonies, makes this masterpiece incredibly hip". Mark Frith from Smash Hits labeled the song as "poppy swingbeat" in his review of Always & Forever.

Music video

The music video for "Stay" was filmed in New York City, directed by Marcus Nispel, and features the girls executing choreographed dance moves against colorful backdrops. The video became a staple on the American cable network BET's Video Soul in early 1994.

Track listing

Charts and sales

Glenn Jones original

Eternal version

Weekly charts

Year-end charts

Certifications and sales