Bobby Brown was on top of the world in 1989 as his sophomore album, Don’t Be Cruel, continued to dominate the charts. So when Peter Afterman, producer of the soundtrack to Ghostbusters II, was looking to replicate the original film's soundtrack's success, he sought out Brown's talents. As you know, Brown would provide two songs for the soundtrack, the #1 charting "On Our Own" and the cold album track "Were Back", while also making a cameo appearance in the film.
However, I wanted to show some love to New Edition, Brown's former groupmates at the time, who also provided a song on the soundtrack, the fan-favorite "Supernatural." Similar to Brown, New Edition was basking in the success of their fifth album, Heart Break. The fellas reunited with Jellybean Johnson and Jam & Lewis for the track, which has the same vibe as their hit single "Crucial."
Over the course of four minutes and thirty seconds, Ralph Tresvant’s and Johnny Gill's voices perfectly complement each other, and the song would feel right at home on the Heart Break album. Towards the end of the song, Michael Bivins and Ron DeVoe get a chance to display their rapping while Ricky Bell receives an opportunity to shine on the bridge. Like Once in a Lifetime Groove and Helplessly In Love before it, “Supernatural” is an eighties soundtrack gem. While I've had the chance to hear the former two in concert before, I hope New Edition adds “Supernatural” to the setlist for their upcoming Vegas residency and 2022 tour.
Final Grade: A
“Supernatural” is available on the Ghostbusters II soundtrack and the expanded edition of Heart Break, and both are available on all streaming platforms.
Be sure to tune into the American Music Awards this Sunday, Nov. 21, at 8 p.m. on ABC as New Edition engages in a friendly battle of the bands titled Battle of Boston with fellow Beantown group, New Kids on the Block.