Album by Bell Biv DeVoe
This album sits right at the crossroads of R&B, hip-hop, and New Jack Swing.
Thirty-plus years later, some of it definitely sounds like 1990. The drum machines, production choices, and overall style are so tied to that moment that parts of the album feel like a time capsule.
But when it works, it really works.
The title track “Poison” remains an undeniable classic. The groove, the beat, the attitude — it’s one of those songs that immediately explains why this sound took over radio for a good chunk of the early ’90s.
Bell Biv DeVoe excel when they find the balance between smooth R&B vocals and harder-edged hip-hop production. Songs like “Do Me!” and “Dope!” have a swagger that still feels infectious, while tracks like “When Will I See You Smile Again?” show the group’s ability to slow things down without losing momentum.
What stood out to me more this time around is how much personality runs through the album. This isn’t polished to the point of feeling sterile. There’s confidence, humor, and a willingness to have fun that keeps things moving even when some of the production choices feel dated.
Not every song landed for me, and there are moments where the New Jack Swing elements feel locked to a specific era. But as a snapshot of where R&B, pop, and hip-hop were headed at the start of the decade, it’s hard to deny the album’s importance.
And it’s still a fun listen.
Some records survive because they’re timeless.
Others survive because they perfectly capture their moment.
Poison manages to do a little of both.
Verdict: Worth a Spin
Explore more from Poison
Official Site | Spotify | Bandcamp
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