Boyz II Men - Evolution
Boyz II Men - Evolution (Motown) It has been three years since Boyz II Men released their highly successful second album; Evolution was definitely worth the wait.
The tracks are smooth and sultry and thankfully lacking the irritating recent rhythm and blues trend of using a token rap interlude.
The formula is similar to their previous album, with both Babyface and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis using their hit-making prowess with the crooners to create some stellar tracks. Jam and Lewis' 4 Seasons of Loneliness, the album's first release, is a beautiful slow jam that showcases the Boyz' harmonising abilities that have made them one of today's most successful R&B groups. Girl In The Life Magazine is another highlight, particularly with Babyface's guitar playing that made Water Runs Dry from the previous album such a haunting love song.
One addition to their sound is pop hip-hop king Sean 'Puffy' Combs. Although Combs' sound borders on repetitive, he is still one of the industry's most sought-after producers. The appearance of Puffy raised fears Boyz II Men would tend towards the commercial hip-hop rhythm and blues sound he is renowned for.
Thankfully, the rest of the album indicates they still have signature sound and is proof of why these Philly crooners are one of the few rhythm and blues groups still around.
