Late Night Music Part 14............Boyz II Men

I have been in a reminiscent mood today, and with the upcoming 9th anniversary of 9/11 I have really spent alot of time in the music that has meant alot to me since that time. I would say of all the artists I really really follow, only a handful have been able to stay current and in my favorites over a long period of time while releasing new music. When you think about it, Elton John and Hootie and the Blowfish stand out, but so does the often overlooked Boyz II Men.

I remember when Boyz II Men came out when I was in the.......gulp........3rd grade. They have recently announced the release of another album this year, "Love", which will feature all covered love ballads ranging from Journey to Bonnie Raitt. It will be released in November.

Few artists have been able to stand the test of time like Boyz II Men. When they first arrived, they were the group that put Motown back on the map after over a decade of being stagnant. They were the first African American group to hit a big crossover audience since Michael Jackson in the early 80's. In addition to their unbelievably heavenly vocal arrangements and heartfelt lyrics, they have set great examples for the youth of America.

Also receiving votes in this category were "Sympin'", "Water Runs Dry", "I Miss You", "Pass You By", "Doin' Just Fine", and "You Make Me Feel Brand New".

"Motownphilly". Boyz II Men's first single from their debut album "Cooleyhighharmony", this video was also featured in the "90's R & B" entry. Like I stated before- why is Sudden Impact even IN this video? Anyway, notice the "coats and shorts" style from the early 90's- and thank God this was the only video Michael Bivens was in that Boyz II Men made.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHzkICG47LU

"Please Don't Go". Also from their debut album, this song was very underrated because it wasn't released as a single. The first track on the CD, this song was alot of people's first taste of Boyz II Men. Here is a great live performance from 1992 of that song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7pa2tJEMTY

"It's So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday". I love this video because only Boyz II Men could make jorts look so cool! Beautiful song- was featured on the series finale of "A Different World"- which Boyz II Men also sang the theme to the last season.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VastXQ_hPb0

"Silent Night". From their "Christmas Interpretations" album, this traditional Christmas classic was featured on "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" in 1993. I still don't know if it was really live or recorded. Nonetheless, it was the group's first appearance on major network television. Sales of the CD soared after this appearance on a very high watched episode of Fresh Prince.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfSUyRZuE1g

"End of the Road". Probably their most famous song, this album broke Whitney Houston's streak for most weeks at #1 and held the record for a few years (until Celine Dion came along with a song about a sinking ship). As previously mentioned in the last entry, this song was featured in the soundtrack for the movie "Boomerang", which was far from the gem that this song was. Interesting fact that this song was never included on a Boyz II Men studio album.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZcG0NBMcDA

"Thank You". The opening track of their follow up album "II", which is still their best selling album to date, this song set the tone for the rest of the album. I remember this song being HUGE when I was in 7th grade- yikes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DysP6hul9PU

"On Bended Knee". In their first semi-big budget video, Boyz II Men enlisted the help of Kim Fields, Lark Voorhies, Victoria Rowell, and Renee Jones for this video. Interesting fact that both Jones and Rowell were 34 and 35 respectively, at the time this video was made. No member of Boyz II Men was older than 26. I still think this song has Wanya Morris's best ever solo part.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8giTjtNX3qk

"One Sweet Day". This "duet" with Mariah Carey was featured on several TV shows in 1996.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzeMzo_4pxA

"4 Seasons of Loneliness". With the anticipation of their much awaited follow up to "II", the group released this video with a world wide premiere in 1997 ahead of "Evolution".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_L73JVvMQoQ

"Song for Momma". Also featured on the soundtrack for the movie "Soul Food" (very overrated movie btw, but that's a different conversation), this song is for all the mothers out there.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILtYtOc8lZM

"Can You Stand the Rain". A cover of the New Edition classic, I remember my mom hearing this song and doubting the actual recording and saying "I don't see how it's possible for someone to sing THAT in tune". Despite this song never being released as a single, it is still one of the most popular songs Boyz II Men released.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCVIqHkOHr0

"I Will Get There". I never cared much for this movie, but this song featured on the soundtrack to the "Prince of Egypt" in 1999 became an inspirational song on the gospel charts and was even featured in some spots for 2000 Summer Olympic Games in Sydney.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IY5QgpgrJP0

"I Do". Only Lassiter would agree with me on this, but this is DEFINITELY one of the most underrated Boyz II Men songs. Despite their 2000 album "Nathan Michael Shawn Wanya" performing poorly at the stores, this song remains as a hidden gem in their repertoire.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PM3ucc-fep4&feature=fvw

"The Color of Love". WITHOUT A DOUBT my favorite Boyz II Men song ever. I think the group moving to Arista Records in 2002 to release "Full Circle" probably hurt, Arista Records put in several million dollars to film and premiere this video all over the world. The video was filmed on location in Ghana, Puerto Rico, Japan, India, and New York. For some reason, I can never watch this video without tearing up. Watch and see for yourself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvBpGF8huGY

"Time Will Reveal". From their 2004 cover album "Throwback Vol. 1", this was the first album to not feature Michael McCrary as he left the group due to back problems. Most of you probably remember this DeBarge hit from the 80's.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6db_ZKV0B40

"Sara Smile". A great version of the Hall and Oates classic also featured on "Throwback".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZkdJuQAZwM

"Tracks of my Tears". Boyz II Men most recently released "Motown: A Travel Through Hitsville USA" in 2007 as Randy Jackson produced the album was nominated for two grammies. Eventhough these guys are 18 years older and put on a little weight, they can still get down.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuBjsnZx48Y

"Just My Imagination". It's hard to imagine a group like Boyz II Men being around for so long. It seems like yesterday I was buying their debut album (which was in fact the 2nd CD I ever bought- PLEASE do not ask me what #1 was), and now, 18 years later, I am excited about the upcoming release of their newest album. Enjoy this Temptations hit covered recently, but don't let your imagination run away with you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIqm8JxWBjs&feature=channel

BONUS VIDEO-

The Acapella Version of "End of The Road" featured on "Motown"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppX5MQkyeUA