The most commercially successful R&B group of all times, Boyz II Men, recently released a new project, “Love,”
on Decca/Universal Music just in time for Christmas, produced by Randy Jackson (American Idol) and Boyz II Men. It also features the unbelievable vocals of Michael Buble’ on “When I Fall in Love.”
“We wanted to try something different,” said Nathan Morris, Ph.D. about the new CD titled “Love.” “We want to also show diversity— mainly focus on the love concept. It’s about the lyrics.”
It is also about the vocals and harmony at which Boyz II Men are experts. Their “Love” project consists of 12 cover songs— all about love. You will hear such classics as “I Can’t Make You Love Me” (originally sung by Bonnie Raitt); “If You Leave Me Now” (Chicago); “Misty Blue” (Dorothy Moore), and “Cupid” (Sam Cook).
“Boyz II Men is coming on 20 years next year,” Morris informed me. “We’re balladeers that’s what we do. Boyz II Men has been about love.”
Members Morris, Marc Nelson, Shawn Stockman, Wanya Morris and Michael McCary formed their group in 1988 as a quintet. Nelson left for a solo career. The remaining members became a quartet and signed to Motown in 1990. They helped create the “New Jack Swing” genre of music with their first up-tempo single “Motownphilly” produced by Dallas Austin. Today, minus McCary— for medical reasons in 2003— Boyz II Men is the most successful R&B male group of all times. They have sold over 60 million albums.
In 2004 the guys formed their own label, MSM Music/Koch. They released the “Throw Back, Vol. 1” CD which sold over 200,000 copies independently. In 2007 the group signed with Decca Records and released “Motown: A Journey through Hitsville USA” which received two Grammy Award nominations. In 2008 they released “Showtime” on Decca.
“It was good doing the independent thing,” Morris said about the experience. “It’s not easy. It’s just you. Today it’s tough! It takes a lot of money, especially for a group of our caliber.”
In 2010 they plan to celebrate 20 years together for the entire year with a CD release, tour and cruise. They hope that McCary will be able to join them. What an accomplishment in an industry where groups rarely stay together! “Very few groups make it to 20 years,” said Morris.
I am a hopeless romantic so this CD is an early Christmas gift. My favorite cuts on the album include “In My Life” (Beatles); “Shining Star” (Earth, Wind and Fire); the bonus track “Back for Good” (Take That); “Cupid,” love the classical guitar support; “Misty Blue,” “Amazed” (Lonestar); “I Can’t Make You Love Me,” and “When I Fall in Love” featuring Michael Buble who brings a fresh addition to the song and his vocals reminds me of Nat King Cole— the original singer of this lovely ballad.
Boyz II Men continues to travel the world performing to sold-out crowds. For information about Boyz II Men’s upcoming performances or to listen to songs from the CD, please visit www.myspace.com/BoyzIIMen and www.BoyzIIMen.com.
on Decca/Universal Music just in time for Christmas, produced by Randy Jackson (American Idol) and Boyz II Men. It also features the unbelievable vocals of Michael Buble’ on “When I Fall in Love.”
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