“Stop!” is a powerful and emotionally charged blues-rock ballad by Sam Brown, released in November 1988 with “Blue Soldier” on the B-side as the lead single from her debut album Stop!. Written by Brown, along with Gregg Sutton, and Bruce Brody, the song became her biggest hit, known for its soulful vocals, dramatic instrumentation, and heartbreaking lyrics.
Lyrically, Stop! is about unrequited love and emotional pain, with the narrator pleading for someone to end the torment of a one-sided relationship. Lines like “Stop! Before you tear me all apart” convey deep sorrow and desperation, making the song a raw and relatable anthem of heartache.
The track blends rock, soul, and blues influences, featuring a dramatic piano-driven melody, soaring string arrangements, and an emotional guitar solo. Sam Brown’s impassioned vocal performance, full of raw intensity and vulnerability, is the song’s defining feature, drawing comparisons to soul legends like Janis Joplin.
The song was a commercial success, reaching the top ten in numerous European countries and Australia. In the UK, it peaked at No. 4 on the UK Singles Chart. Though it had limited impact in the U.S. Despite this, it has gained cult status over the years.