Originally published in 2003 on NE20.com (inactive)
After Heart Break, each member of NE became a superstar in his own right. Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins and Ronnie DeVoe were key New Jack Swing architects. Johnny Gill resumed his solo career and Ralph Tresvant carved a unique identity outside of NE. Former member Bobby Brown became a household name as the King of New Jack Swing.
In 1991, all six New Edition members united on Bell Biv Devoe’s “Word to the Mutha” (featured on WBBD-Bootcity!) and fans wondered if the group would ever reunite. Someday, they promised.
In the meantime, fellow Bostonians New Kids on the Block were fading away while Michael’s protégés Boyz II Men were becoming the most successful R&B group ever. As New Jack Swing waned and the Neo-Soul movement rose to prominence, NE’s follow-up solo projects didn’t have the same chart success as their debuts. By 1996, the group decided it was time to take care of some unfinished business.
Bobby rejoined New Edition and the super group released Home Again. The album is a great collection of singles, produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Sean “Puffy” Combs, Jermaine Dupri and others.
Due to their talent and solo success, the members now had equal status in the group. The men had strong personalities which came through loud and clear on Home Again. Noteworthy are Bobby’s strong presence (especially on the album’s first half) and Ricky’s outstanding performances throughout.
Given the number of great songs on this CD, Home Again might be the best album by NE. It’s puzzling why MCA didn’t release more singles from the album, which (only) sold two million copies in the U.S.
Will Leon 