Preceding the release of Besoin, Stéphanie released her début single "Ouragan", which she produced herself. It reportedly sold more than 2 million copies.[citation needed] Stéphanie then signed a recording contract with French record labels Julisa and Carrere. The album was produced by Yves Roze.[2]Besoin was released in September 1986, incorporating dance-pop, synthpop, dance and pop music. Despite the success of her first album, Stéphanie did not make a follow-up for five years until the release of Stéphanie in 1991.
"Flash" was released in 1986, charting at number four in France and number 28 in Switzerland.[5] Its English language version "One Love to Give" reached number one in Sweden[6] and number ten in Germany.
"Young Ones Everywhere" was not released as an official single, but to benefit UNICEF.
"Fleur du mal (à Paul)" was released in 1987, and charted at number 16 in France.[7] The single version has been retitled "Fleurs du mal".[8]
"Live Your Life" was released in 1987 as the final single from Besoin. It peaked at number nine at the Norwegian Singles Chart.[9]