Stay with Me (Erasure song)


"Stay with Me" is a song by British synthpop duo Erasure. It was released as the lead single from their self-titled, seventh studio album. The track is a slow love ballad written by Erasure members Vince Clarke and Andy Bell. Starting with simple synth chords from Clarke and subdued vocal from Bell, "Stay With Me" builds to a mid-tempo gospel-influenced conclusion, complete with vocal contributions from the London Community Gospel Choir. Like the other two singles from this album, it was edited for its release as a single. The single's B-side, "True Love Wars", is an extension of the Erasure album opener "Intro: Guess I'm Into Feeling". Both tracks use the same instrumental track and share several vocal elements, although they are different songs.
Upon its release, "Stay With Me" was not as successful as prior Erasure singles. The song reached number fifteen on the UK singles chart and did not chart in the United States or Germany.
Billboard commented that the song "stands among most enchanting and hitworthy recordings to date." They noted further that "The music blends delicate music-box-like keyboards with Andy Bell's gorgeous, theatrical vocal performance." They also added that "this ballad soars to a beautiful conclusion, as Bell is surrounded by a gospel choir that adds spiritual depth to the song's sweet, romantic lyrics."
In an interview with John Marshall from Lincs FM in 2009 Andy stated it was one of his favourite Erasure songs.

Track listings

Cassette single (CMUTE174)

  1. "Stay With Me"
  2. "True Love Wars"

    12" single (12MUTE174)

  3. "Stay With Me"
  4. "Stay With Me"
  5. "True Love Wars"
  6. "Stay With Me"

    CD single #1 (CDMUTE174)

  7. "Stay With Me"
  8. "True Love Wars"
  9. "Stay With Me"
  10. "True Love Wars"

    CD single #2 (LCDMUTE174)

  11. "Stay With Me"
  12. "Stay With Me"
  13. "Stay With Me"
  14. "Stay With Me"

    U.S. maxi-single (66084-2)

  15. "Stay With Me"
  16. "Stay With Me"
  17. "Stay With Me"
  18. "Stay With Me"
  19. "Stay With Me"
  20. "True Love Wars"

    Charts