Stay was Lisa Loeb’s breakout hit, and it quickly became a sensation on the airwaves. The song’s success was driven by its simple yet catchy melody and Lisa Loeb’s emotive and authentic vocal delivery. The song’s message of love and vulnerability also resonated with audiences and helped it to become an instant classic.
Stay spent three weeks at the top of the US charts, making Lisa Loeb the first artist to ever have a number one single without being signed to a major record label. The song also reached the top 10 in several other countries, including Canada, Australia, and the UK, where it peaked at number 6.
The success of Stay helped to propel Lisa Loeb’s debut album, Tails, to commercial success. The album reached the top 20 on the US Billboard 200 chart and was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for selling over 500,000 copies. In addition to Stay, Tails also spawned the hit single Do You Sleep? which reached number 18 on the US charts.
Beyond its chart success, Stay also garnered critical acclaim and earned Lisa Loeb a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Performance by a Female Artist in 1995. The song’s success also helped to pave the way for other female singer-songwriters in the 1990s, including Alanis Morrisette, Sheryl Crow, and Jewel.
Tails, the album that features Stay, was released shortly before Alanis Morrisette’s Jagged Little Pill. Although it didn’t achieve the same level of success as Jagged Little Pill, it did share one thing in common – it was recorded using an Alesis ADAT recording system.
Stay is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences today. Its success helped to establish Lisa Loeb as a major artist in the 1990s, and it remains a beloved part of her legacy. The song’s simple yet powerful message of love and vulnerability has made it an enduring favourite among fans of all ages.
