New Edition, “Can You Stand The Rain” | Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶

In the 97^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2022), we recollect and reflect on “Can You Stand The Rain” by New Edition. 

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶! Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re ancient – no fossils 🦴! All genres of music are welcome – we don’t discriminate ‘round here! In the 97^th edition of Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 (2022), we recollect and reflect on 🎵 “Can You Stand The Rain”, performed by 🎙 New Edition.

Theme & Lyrics ✍

“Sunny days, everybody loves them / Tell me, baby, can you stand the rain?” Well, can you? 🎵 “Can You Stand The Rain” arrives courtesy of male R&B collective, 🎙 New Edition. “Can You Stand The Rain” topped the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop songs chart, though only peaked at no. 44 on the pop charts (Billboard Hot 100). The parent album, 💿 Heart Break, had more success.  It peaked at no. 12 on the Billboard 200, spending 53 weeks on the chart, and was certified double platinum. 

“Can You Stand The Rain” opens memorably with birds tweeting.  The record possesses that quintessential 1980s R&B sound with the boxy drum programming.  It features lush production work courtesy of the 🎛 Jimmy Jam and 🎛 Terry Lewis with the keys and guitars.  Throughout, our ears are blessed with silky smooth, passionate vocals.  🎙 Johnny Gill sounds amazing handling the lead vocals in the two verses (“On a perfect day, I know that I can count on you / When that’s not possible / Tell me can you weather the storm”). 🎙 Ralph Tresvant provides incredible contrast in the pre-chorus section (“‘Cause I need somebody who will stand by me / Through the good times and bad times / She will always, always be right there”).  Of course, the centerpiece is the incredibly memorable, tuneful chorus performed by the entire collective:

“Sunny days, everybody loves them

Tell me, baby, can you stand the rain?

Storms will come

This we know for sure (This we know for sure)

Can you stand the rain?”

Final Thoughts 💭 

Honestly, what more is there to say? 🎵 “Can You Stand The Rain” is a #CLASSIC! It’s hard to believe male R&B groups are pretty much/nearly nonexistent these days.  Back in the day, New Edition was doin’ the da-yum thing – NO CAP!

🎙 New Edition • 💿 Heart Break • 🏷 MCA • 📅 1988

New Edition, “Can You Stand The Rain”: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 97 (2022) [📷: Brent Faulkner, Gerhard G., JL G via Pixabay,  Karl Hörnfeldt via Unsplash, MCA, The Musical Hype]