Disco de Boyz II Men: “Nathan, Michael, Shawn, Wanya”

Boyz II Men return to the R&B scene after a three year haitus is greatly welcomed. In a throng of male vocal acts who can't decide if they want to be thugs or crooners and equate sex with love, it's nice to hear Boyz II Men on the radio singing with heartfelt emotion. Their new album, "Nathan, Michael, Shawn, Wayna," brims with mid-tempo dance treats that don't hide their vocal talents (like on their previous cd Evolution). The ballads, of course, are what they do best. "Lovely," the 12th track on the cd, reminds fans of current R&B that songs about making love do not have to be raunchy (as they proved 9 years ago with the song "Oooh, Ahhh"). Boyz wrote or co-wrote nearly every song on this good and solid album, proving that they have strengths both in front of and behind the microphones.

Many reviewers will say that Boyz II Men's sound has finally grown up, but it was grown already. Their material has always held the balance of being radio friendly and good. The cd packaging, however, tries very hard to shed their old good guy images. Wayna sports corn rows and Shawn gives us a peek at his undies. Perhaps this is what is needed to sell records in the R&B market today. The fellas even allude to it in the aptly titled track "Good Guy." "I try to be the good guy; You take me for granted; Rather have a man that will tell you lies; Tell me why, tell me why I should be the good guy and get left for the man that don't treat you right; There's nothing good in being good guys; Tell me why..."

I'll tell them why. Because in the year 2000, R&B needs the good guys again.

The latest from the pioneer "boy band" of the early 90's is a hodgepodge of old and new Boyz II Men with a little "craziness" thrown in for good measure. Unlike anything else that they have done, this album, for want of a better word, is simply MAGNIFICENT.

Kicking off with the Latin-Caribbean influenced "Beautiful Women," the disc goes uphill from there. The dance floor should be smoking with "Step On Up," cut number two. The female background provides a soothing echo to the superb harmonies of the group. "Bounce, Shake, Move, Swing" is another "foot-shaker" that allows the guys to "go a little wild," while "I Do" is signature Boyz II Men.

But the "topper" is "Never Go Away," with a Boys II Men meets The O'Jays flavor. This is one is that separates those other "boys" from these MEN.

Finally, a group who can really sing! Boyz II Men have set yet another standard for R & B groups to aspire to. This is by far, the best R & B album to hit the scene in years and it totally obliterates any so called competition. The Boyz know how to perform and make you believe what they're saying. They have real lyrics, real melodies and best of all, real talent. Wanya and Shawn have grown as vocalists (amazing) and Nathan and Michael show why this is a group & not a bunch of solo artists waiting for an opportunity. Nobody harmonizes like these men. No one blends melodic notes with such sensuality and sincerity as these men. This CD is a must for any true R & B fan. If you're not in love already, this CD will inspire you to fall in love, not in "lust". Thank God Boyz II Men have declared, loud and clear, "Real Music Is Back!!!".

I love this album! My girl hates it, 'cause I simply overplayed it (sorry for that). The original BIIM harmony (bringing back the cooleyhighharmony days) make this album so unique! It's so much better than "Full circle", which I personally didn't like at all! This album wasn't as successful as II and Evolution, simply because it's not as commercial as these previous releases. Further, promotion for this cd was close to zero. If you like the Boyz you should have all of their albums up to this release. Peace out!

I have to admit, I was skeptical when I first bought this album. I bought it on the premise that their last albums were very good. I was not disappointed. The jams to look out for are: Dreams, I Do, Thank You In Advance, Beautiful Women and a couple more. Thank You In Advance is one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard. Its about meeting someone you are destined to marry, have children with, and spending the rest of your life with. Touching! Buy the album, you won't be disappointed.