The Ultimate Guide to Boyz II Men-Evolution, the Classic R&B Album
Boyz II Men-Evolution: A Review of the Classic R&B Album
If you are a fan of R&B music, you probably have heard of Boyz II Men, one of the most successful vocal groups of all time. They are known for their smooth harmonies, soulful ballads, and catchy pop tunes. But do you know their fourth studio album, Evolution, released in 1997? In this article, we will review this classic R&B album and explore why it is still worth listening to today.
Boyz II Men-Evolution full album zip
Introduction
What is Boyz II Men-Evolution?
Boyz II Men-Evolution is the fourth studio album by Boyz II Men, an American R&B vocal group from Philadelphia. The album was released on September 23, 1997, by Motown Records. It features 13 tracks, including four singles: "4 Seasons of Loneliness", "A Song for Mama", "Can't Let Her Go", and "Doin' Just Fine". The album showcases the group's versatility and maturity, as they experiment with different styles and genres, such as hip hop, soul, gospel, and pop.
Why is it a classic R&B album?
Boyz II Men-Evolution is considered a classic R&B album because it represents the peak of Boyz II Men's career and influence. The album showcases their vocal skills, emotional delivery, and musical diversity. The album also reflects the changing trends and tastes of the R&B scene in the late 1990s, as it incorporates elements of hip hop, new jack swing, and neo soul. The album has been praised by critics and fans alike for its quality and consistency. The album has also sold over 10 million copies worldwide and earned several awards and nominations.
The Songs
Doin' Just Fine
The first track and the fourth single from the album is "Doin' Just Fine", a ballad about overcoming a painful breakup. The song was written and produced by Boyz II Men member Shawn Stockman, who also sings the lead vocals. The song features a piano-driven melody, a gospel choir, and a dramatic climax. The song expresses the narrator's resilience and independence after losing his lover. The song was a hit on the charts, reaching number 33 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number seven on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.
Never
The second track from the album is "Never", a mid-tempo song about staying faithful and committed to one's partner. The song was written by Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, who also produced it with Boyz II Men member Nathan Morris. The song features a smooth groove, a catchy chorus, and a rap verse by Morris. The song showcases the group's harmonies and chemistry, as they sing about their devotion and loyalty to their lovers. The song was well received by critics and fans, who praised its melody and message.
4 Seasons of Loneliness
The third track and the first single from the album is "4 Seasons of Loneliness", a ballad about longing for a lost love. The song was written by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, who also produced it with Boyz II Men member Wanya Morris. The song features a string arrangement, a piano riff, and a soaring chorus. The song expresses the narrator's sadness and loneliness as he misses his lover through the seasons. The song was a huge success on the charts, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and number two on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.
Girl in the Life Magazine
The fourth track from the album is "Girl in the Life Magazine", an upbeat song about falling in love with a model from a magazine. The song was written by Babyface, who also produced it with Nathan Morris. The song features a funky bass line, a guitar solo, and a humorous twist. The song tells the story of a man who fantasizes about dating a girl from a magazine cover, only to find out that she is his friend's girlfriend. The song was well liked by critics and fans, who enjoyed its humor and groove.
A Song for Mama
The fifth track and the second single from the album is "A Song for Mama", a ballad dedicated to mothers. The song was written and produced by Babyface, who also plays various instruments on it. The song features an acoustic guitar, a keyboard, and a string section. The song pays tribute to mothers for their love and support throughout their children's lives. The song was released as a single on Mother's Day in 1998 and became one of Boyz II Men's signature songs. The song reached number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.
Can You Stand the Rain
The sixth track from the album is "Can You Stand the Rain", a cover of New Edition's 1988 hit song. The song was written by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, who also produced it with Wanya Morris. The song features an updated production, a rap verse by Michael McCary (the group's bass singer), and an interpolation of Force MDs' "Tender Love". The song showcases Boyz II Men's respect for their predecessors and their ability to reinterpret classic songs with their own style.
Can't Let Her Go
The seventh track and the third single from the album is "Can't Let Her Go", an uptempo song about being unable to forget an ex-girlfriend. The song was written by Tim Kelley and Bob Robinson (also known as Tim & Bob), who also produced it with Nathan Morris. The song features a sample of Blackstreet's "No Diggity", a rap verse by Erick Sermon (of EPMD), and an interpolation of Michael Jackson's "Human Nature". The song reflects Boyz II Men's attempt to appeal to a younger audience with more hip hop influences.
Baby C'mon
The eighth track from the album is "Baby C'mon", a seductive song about making love to one's partner. The song was written by Keith Crouch (who also produced it with Nathan Morris) and Kipper Jones (who also sings background vocals). The song features a sensual groove, an electric guitar solo by Tony Rich (who also co-produced it), and an interpolation of Marvin Gaye's "Sexual Healing". The song showcases Boyz II Men's sex appeal and confidence.
Come On
The ninth track from the album is "Come On", an energetic song about having fun with one's friends. The song was written by Tim & Bob (who also produced it with Nathan Morris) and Marc Nelson (who also sings background vocals). The song features a sample of Kool & the Gang's "Jungle Boogie", a rap verse by Black Thought (of The Roots), and an interpolation of Earth Wind & Fire's "Let's Groove". The song reflects Boyz II Men's playful side and their appreciation for old school funk.
All Night Long
The tenth track from the album is "All Night Long", an upbeat song about partying all night long with one's lover. The song was written by Rodney Jerkins (who also produced it with Wanya Morris) and LaShawn Daniels (who also sings background vocals). The song features a sample of Lionel Richie's "All Night Long (All Night)", a rap verse by Faith Evans (who also sings background vocals), and an interpolation of Diana Ross' "I'm Coming Out". The song represents Boyz II Men's collaboration with new producers and artists in the late 1990s.
The Impact
How did Boyz II Men-Evolution influence the R&B genre?
to their R&B roots. They also collaborated with some of the most prominent producers and artists of the time, such as Babyface, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Rodney Jerkins, Faith Evans, and The Roots. They inspired and influenced many other R&B groups and singers who followed their footsteps, such as 112, Jagged Edge, Brian McKnight, and Usher.
How did Boyz II Men-Evolution perform commercially and critically?
Boyz II Men-Evolution performed well commercially and critically. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts, selling over 200,000 copies in its first week. The album was certified triple platinum by the RIAA, selling over three million copies in the US. The album also charted well internationally, reaching the top ten in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and several European countries. The album received positive reviews from critics, who praised its production, vocals, and songwriting. The album also earned several awards and nominations, such as a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Album and an American Music Award for Favorite Soul/R&B Album.
Conclusion
Summary of the main points
In conclusion, Boyz II Men-Evolution is a classic R&B album that showcases Boyz II Men's talent and diversity as a vocal group. The album features 13 tracks that cover various themes and genres, such as love, loss, loyalty, fun, and sex. The album also features collaborations with some of the best producers and artists of the late 1990s, such as Babyface, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Rodney Jerkins, Faith Evans, and The Roots. The album was a commercial and critical success, selling over 10 million copies worldwide and receiving several awards and nominations.
Personal opinion and recommendation
Personally, I think Boyz II Men-Evolution is a great album that deserves more recognition and appreciation. I think it is one of Boyz II Men's best albums and one of the best R&B albums of the 1990s. I like how the album showcases their vocal skills, emotional delivery, and musical diversity. I also like how the album reflects the changing trends and tastes of the R&B scene in the late 1990s. I would recommend this album to anyone who likes R&B music or who wants to discover more about Boyz II Men's legacy and influence.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Boyz II Men-Evolution:
Q: When was Boyz II Men-Evolution released?
A: Boyz II Men-Evolution was released on September 23, 1997.
Q: How many singles were released from Boyz II Men-Evolution?
A: Four singles were released from Boyz II Men-Evolution: "4 Seasons of Loneliness", "A Song for Mama", "Can't Let Her Go", and "Doin' Just Fine".
Q: Who produced Boyz II Men-Evolution?
A: Boyz II Men-Evolution was produced by various producers, such as Babyface, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Rodney Jerkins, Tim & Bob, Keith Crouch, Tony Rich, Erick Sermon, Black Thought, and Boyz II Men themselves.
Q: How many copies did Boyz II Men-Evolution sell worldwide?
A: Boyz II Men-Evolution sold over 10 million copies worldwide.
Q: What awards and nominations did Boyz II Men-Evolution receive?
A: Boyz II Men-Evolution received a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Album, an American Music Award for Favorite Soul/R&B Album, a Soul Train Music Award for Best R&B/Soul Album - Group, and a Billboard Music Award for Top R&B Album.