Stay (Eternal song)

Larry Flick from Billboard described the song as a "shuffling, hip-hop-flavored pop ditty". He added that "sweet lead vocals and pillowy backing harmonies have enough of a soulful edge to hold up against heavy hitting US counterparts SWV and Xscape. Tune is a simple love song, laced with a memorable melody and a fun, sing-along chorus. Expect multiformat acceptance within moments."[3] Gavin Report called the groove "sexy and confident".[4] Music & Media said the group is the British answer to En Vogue, adding that "this uptempo tune certainly has the necessary staying power." Marc Stingl, music director of Radio Gong/Nuremberg received fabulous feedback from his listeners after he made it powerplay. He said, "Our so-called 'hit hammer' is played 36 times a week. According to our rules we never tell what it is, because we want enthusiasts to phone in. Well, it's an absolutely sensational song, a sure-to-be European hit, so our phones were red hot."[5] John Kilgo from The Network Forty noted that a "contagious groove, spiced with vintage harmonies, makes this masterpiece incredibly hip".[6] Steven Wells from NME stated that the song "pack a surprising bite", calling it "dead classy".[7] People described it as "lighter-than-air".[8] Mark Frith from Smash Hits labeled it as "poppy swingbeat".[9]

The music video for "Stay" was filmed in New York City, directed by German director Marcus Nispel, and features the girls executing choreographed dance moves against colorful backdrops. The video became a staple on the American cable network BET's Video Soul in early 1994.