Throwback [Slimline]

Performer: Boyz II Men
Artist: MC Lyte
Engineer: Nathan Morris
Producer: Boyz II Men; Patrick Crawford
Distributor: E1 Distribution (USA)

Notes: Boyz II Men: Shawn Stockman (vocals, various instruments); Nathan Morris, Wanya Morris (vocals). Additional personnel: MC Lyte (rap vocals). In the careers of nearly all adult contemporary artists, there is almost an unspoken, obligatory feeling that compels them to pay homage to their roots and inspirations by issuing covers albums. Sometimes these approaches work wonders for a career (case in point: the rejuvenation of Michael McDonald's career courtesy of a record chock-full of Motown covers, which was the defibrillator to an otherwise pulseless career), and sometimes they don't. Thankfully, the Boyz get it right most of the time on Throwback, but not without some setbacks. The reverence that the Boyz show here is evident by their sincere performances and track selection, which obviously pay homage to the radio and records they grew up with (which is self-evident thanks to the title). However, it's the production that is the dragging anchor keeping this album from really setting sail the way it begs to. Resorting to formulaic cookie-cutter R&B beats and production deters from the group's biggest strength: their voices. Of course, there are exceptions from time to time: an all-acoustic delivery of Michael Jackson's "Human Nature," the Philly soul goodness of Teddy Pendergrass' "Close the Door," and a surprisingly faithful arrangement of the Stylistics' "You Make Me Feel Brand New" all bring their true talents to the forefront. The vocals are just as sharp as ever, especially on their stirring interpretations of Hall & Oates' "Sara Smile" and "Human Nature." It's not a watershed moment in their catalog, but for those die-hard fans who simply love the group, it's an engaging listen and a charming audio yearbook. ~ Rob Theakston Record-setting R&B vocal group Boyz II Men have never been averse to covers, having scored mega-hits in the early-1990s with both the Five Satins doo-wop classic "In the Still of the Night (I'll Remember)" and the G.C. Cameron classic "It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday." On 2004's THROWBACK, the group tries its hand at an assortment of vintage R&B tunes and succeeds with an array of fine melodies. THROWBACK is the outfit's first release after the departure of Michael McCary, but the trio's vocal harmonies are as tight and alluring as ever. In fact, it's when the harmonies take center stage that the album is at its most appealing. The group reinterprets Michael Jackson's gorgeous ballad "Human Nature," accompanied by only a few African drums and a light acoustic guitar, as their voices examine the subtle beauty of the song. The ensemble finds an entirely new angle to Hall & Oates's "Sara Smile," but Teddy Pendergrass's sensual "Close the Door" is rendered faithful to the original. Although the boys aren't the superstars they were in the '90s, THROWBACK proves they still know their way around a good song.

While rap music was the music of choice on the urban charts and radio playlists by the late 1980s/early '90s, vocal group Boyz II Men re-introduced the merits of soul and contemporary R&B, laden with perfectly executed harmonies. The group became one of the most successful chart acts of the '90s, especially when their 1992 single, "The End of the Road," set the record for most weeks atop the Billboard charts, a record which they would subsequently reclaim in 1996 with the duet with Mariah Carey, "One Sweet Day."

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