“Cool It Now” is a song by the American R&B group New Edition, released in August 1984 as the lead single from their second studio album, New Edition. The song became one of the group’s biggest hits and helped solidify their place in the music world during the 1980s.
“Cool It Now” is an upbeat, catchy track that blends R&B with pop and early new jack swing influences. The song features smooth harmonies from the group and a memorable melody, driven by a funky bassline and synthesized beats that were characteristic of mid-1980s pop music. Ralph Tresvant’s lead vocals stand out, while the rest of the group provides strong backing harmonies.
The song’s lyrics tell the story of a young man who is falling for a girl, but his friends are warning him to “cool it now” and not rush into the relationship too quickly. The lyrics capture the tension between youthful passion and the advice of friends, making it relatable for teenagers and young listeners at the time. The song has a playful, lighthearted tone, reflecting the innocence and excitement of young love.
“Cool It Now” was a major commercial success, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. It also topped the Billboard Hot Black Singles (R&B) chart, marking a significant achievement for the group.
“Cool It Now” became one of New Edition’s signature songs and is considered a classic of 1980s R&B and pop. The song’s success helped launch the group into stardom, paving the way for future hits and cementing their influence on the boy band genre. It also highlighted New Edition’s ability to appeal to both R&B and pop audiences, making them one of the most successful and influential groups of their time.