Released December 14, 1988 Length 4:57 | Genre R&B, pop Label MCA | |
Format Cassette single, CD single, Vinyl single Writer(s) James Harris III, Terry Lewis | ||
"Can You Stand the Rain" is a ballad by R&B/pop group New Edition. Released in 1988, it is the third single from their fifth studio album, Heart Break.
Contents
Overview
Written and produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis with Johnny Gill, Ralph Tresvant and Ricky Bell on lead vocals, "Can You Stand the Rain" is about a relationship presently going well, but the man is asking the woman if he can count on her to remain by his side should things ever become stormy.
Release and reception
Despite "Can You Stand The Rain" failing to reach the Hot 100 top forty, peaking instead at #44, it became New Edition's fourth single to top Billboard's R&B singles chart.
Official version
- "Can You Stand the Rain" (Album Version) - 4:57
Other versions
"Can You Stand the Rain" was covered by Boyz II Men for their 1997 album, Evolution.
In 2001, freestyle singers Safire & Cynthia turned the song into a freestyle/club jam, and the song was featured on Safire's CD "Bringing Back The Groove".
In 2003, the song was also covered by Guy Sebastian, the first winner of Australian Idol, on his debut album, Just as I am.
The song gained attention once again in Making the Band, when covered by male contestants in the show.
In 2008, gospel group The Murrills covered the song with alternative lyrics for their album, Family Prayer.
In addition to this, "Can You Stand the Rain" was sampled by Big Sean for his single "My Last" featuring Chris Brown.