The music world has changed a lot since Michael Bivens, one-third of the R&B group Bell Biv DeVoe, discovered Boyz II Men. When Boyz II Men dropped "Motown Philly" in 1991, New Jack Swing still had a chokehold on R&B/Soul. Rap music was still primarily about politics, partying or hustling, and mainly coming out of California or New York. Music on Black radio was still being made for and by adults like Sade, Luther Vandross, Anita Baker, Regina Belle, Keith Sweat, Whitney Houston and Vanessa Williams. Boy groups, like Jodeci, the Boys, and Hi-Five, spoke to the younger set. Boyz II Men's endearing love songs and catchy up tempo tunes bridged the gap between the old and the young. By 1994, they were the unstoppable super group breaking records that were previously held by the likes of the Beatles and Elvis.

But that was ten years ago. That was then, and this is now. Since '94, Boyz II Men has lost a member, changed record labels, and released three studio albums that have gone virtually unheard. Boyz II Men's style of music hasn't been able to find a place on contemporary radio, because it appears to be geared toward mainly those under the age of 21. The Boyz have figured this out, and have decided to court the "adult contemporary" market with their new release "Throwback." On their sixth album, they cover 11 popular R&B songs from the 70s and 80s.

"Throwback" is a wonderful effort as it tries to bridge the generation gap in music. The Boyz harmonizing and a tinge of Miami-bass make "Let It Whip," the classic originally recorded by The Dazz Band, new again. Bobby Caldwell's gem "What YouWon't Do for Love" is refreshed by a rap by the legendary MC Lyte. The outstanding track on this disc is the a cappella version of DeBarge's hit "Time Will Reveal." The only mild disappointment is the remake of Al Green's "Let's Stay Together."

Boyz II Men may never be the record-breakers or the trail blazers they once were, but their talent is still relevant and deserve to be heard. This disc is a nice collection of songs that will move you and remove you from the tired offerings on the radio dial. It is the best gift of music to give yourself, your mother, or child.

I absolutely love this CD. They've always had a very nice touch and it's evident on "Throwback" - good song selections to cover. It starts up beat and gradually winds down, ending with a very nice cover of the Stylistics "You Make Me Feel Brand New." Their vocal capabilities on "Time Will Reveal" are amazing, especially Nate's - great range. Other favorites are "Let It Whip," "Close the Door," "For the Love of You," "Human Nature," and "Sara Smile." I would definately reccommend this CD to members of the old and new generations. Lastly, I'd like to compliment Nate, Shawn, and Wanya on "Throwback," and wish them much luck with their new found freedom:)

P.S. - The enhanced CD feature does in fact allow you to play the CD on your PCs.

I bought this album to simply hear how they did "Let It Whip". After I heard that song and how good it was, I knew that the rest of the album would be really good. The stand-out tracks are "Human Nature" and "Time Will Reveal". Those tracks are extremely beautiful. As far as the rest of the album goes, the songs are very good covers of the original songs. This album was very good, but it pretty much went unnoticed by the listening public. I remember watching this album in the Top 200 and seeing the album enter in the 50's. About three or four weeks later, the album had fallen off the chart. What a shame! Boys II Men were once a powerhouse group until their third album. That's when things for the group went south. That album was a 2 1/2 out of 5 and had a few beautiful songs on it, but a lot of the songs were standard to dull. I liked the album nonetheless, but thought they could do a much better job. Their next album was much better, but got the same cold reception as the third album. Their 5th album was magnificent. If the third album had been that good, they'd still be topping the charts now. But, they've fallen off and that's a damn shame. Music needs a singing group the calibre of Boys II Men to breathe life back into it cuz man, these groups now are boring and GOD-AWFUL, using the same concepts and ideas to have a hit song. It's like rapper Canibus called it, "Using the same formulas to have a hit/ Same sh*t, different laxative". R&B and HipHop have become very stagnant and, very boring. So, when B2M dropped "Throwback", the album was like a breath of fresh air, really!!!!! I know that some people may not like this album, but I love this album and am glad that they made this album. Well, I ranted enough. I hope that Boys II Men once again become a powerhouse group. Tata!!!!

First off, I want to praise the Boyz for all of their legal troubles that they have faced and still managed to come back strong, with energy and a zest for always willing to give their fans the best of them. I applaud each of them for their wonderful musical ability and songwriting abilites as well as their eloquant way of sharing the gift that God has given them. I also want to praise specific tracks."Let It Whip" is a perfect introduction into the new album with a funky groove, and a wonderful arrangement. "Let's Stay Together", the Al Green classic is sung here very sweetly and convincingly in the beginning by Shawn "Slim" Stockman and continues til its wonderful ending, however it is the standout "Sara Smile" with its luscious guitar arrangement, and vocal arrangement that truly stands as the standout on this diverse album of soul classics.
I have been a HUGE fan of the group since "Motownphilly" , but I think there are some changes that I would like to see done on the next album. First off, I would like to limit the producers to maybe a few, like when they realeased "II" back in 1995. The next album I would like to see Babyface, Jam and Lewis, and David Foster producing the record. I would also like to bring in Diane Warren and Carol Bayer Sager to pen a tune or two. I would also like to have the Boyz writting and producing. Put all of these heads together, and take the best songs from the bunch and release the album. I would also encourage Koch Entertainment(their label) to try and convince Micheal McCary to come back to the group(McCary retired in 2003 due to back problems). I strongly feel the are the greatest R@B group ever. Just to note, the MAJORITY of their best songs they have done have been written and produced by Jimmy Jam/Terry Lewis and Babyface. Throw David Foster in that mix, and this album would be ther best since "II". I really would love to see that happen

I've read the reviews and STRONGLY dissagree with the majority that don't rate this album 4 or above!!! I'm 23 (only just) and I bought this album two years ago.Since buying it I have played it alot! The funny thing is that every time I play it and people are over they go crazy about it and then go buy it for themselves. The M.J remake of "HUMAN NATURE" is off the hook and every other effort on the album is fantastic. The cover of the album has a basketball T with "1" on it, I really hope that means that there are more to come.Yes they have lost a member due to ill health bot they still have IT!!! And the reason the last few albums passed by with little to no air play is due to the record company's lack of promotion-HENCE they have changed label's so we have yet to hear the last of these fellas. LONG LIVE THE KINGS OF SOUL, HATERS...PS OFF cos y'll really don't know what your talkin bout. Get the album or you are REALLY missing out on some great stuff!!! NUFF SAID