"Candy Girl" is the debut single byNew Edition from their debut albumof the same name. It was released as a single in late February 1983 and the song hit number one on theUK Singles Chart,[4] becoming the 31st-best-selling single of the year. It also peaked at number 1 on theHot Black Singles chart, passingMichael Jackson’s song "Beat It" on May 14, 1983.[5]
New Edition was first discovered and mentored by their manager Brooke Payne. He entered them in a local talent show where they met songwriter/producerMaurice Starr who wrote "Candy Girl" for the group, envisioning them as a 1980s answer tothe Jackson 5.Ralph Tresvant was positioned as the lead singer, because Starr considered his high tenor as reminiscent of a youngerMichael Jackson, while having membersRicky Bell andBobby Brown sharing alternate leads.
The 12" version features producers Starr andMichael Jonzun doing some additional instrumentation in the outro.
Released as a single in February 1983 before the album was released, the song made a slow ascent up the chart, peaking on June 25, 1983, at number 46 on theBillboardHot 100 singles chart singles chart,[7] and number 1 on the R&B singles chart in the US.[8] It was most successful in the UK, where it peaked at number 1 for one week in May 1983.[4]
