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Despite popular belief, it is actually not the end of the road for ‘90s R&B male vocal group sensation, Boyz II Men But this time around, they’ve left the matching cable-knit sweater vests, sticky sweet love songs and coordinating pastel outfits at home.
Nathan Morris, Michael McCary, Shawn Stockman and Wanyá Morris first formed Boyz II Men in Philadelphia (of course!) in 1988 and signed to the legendary Motown Records two years later. During their ‘90s heyday, the quartet was an unstoppable juggernaut, stealing hearts and sailing to the top of the Billboard charts with semi-ridiculous but totally memorable hit singles like “Motownphilly,” “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday,” “I’ll Make Love to You,” “End of the Road,” “On Bended Knee,” “Thank You” and much, much more.
Though the foursome is now a trio (the deep bass-voiced Michael McCary left Boyz II Men in early 2003 due to complications with scoliosis) the group still trudges on. In 2007, the band released a tribute album dedicated to Motown’s most classic tracks, including tunes by the Temptations, the Four Tops, Stevie Wonder and the Commodores, titled Motown: A Journey Through Hitsville USA. Their latest, simply titled Love, is also a covers album to be released on Nov. 17. Songs covered range from classics like “Love” by Sam Cooke to “Shining Star” by Earth, Wind & Fire and still catering to that old-school R&B fan base.
All right, fine, we’ll admit it: Boyz II Men’s newest material isn’t exactly as celebrated these days as it was a decade or so ago—not much of a market for R&B or boy groups in mainstream music anymore. But it’s their early discography that really makes them memorable or even worth seeing.
Boyz II Men: Thurs., Nov. 5, 7 p.m. House of Blues, 1530 S. Disneyland Dr., Anaheim, 714.778.2583. All ages.
