It also peaked at number 1 on the Hot Black Singles chart, passing Michael Jackson’s song "Beat It" on May 14, 1983.

[5] "Candy Girl" established New Edition as a bubblegum pop group with stylings from contemporary R&B.

He entered them in a local talent show where they met songwriter/producer Maurice Starr who wrote "Candy Girl" for the group, envisioning them as a 1980s answer to the Jackson 5.

Ralph Tresvant was positioned as the lead singer, because Starr considered his high tenor as reminiscent of a younger Michael Jackson, while having members Ricky Bell and Bobby Brown sharing alternate leads.

The 12" version features producers Starr and Michael Jonzun doing some additional instrumentation in the outro.