"...storms will come this we know for sure can you stand the rain..."
The third major album from Boyz II Men was definitely well worth the wait.
After the release of II in late '94, the Boyz promoted and toured as much as
humanly possible, until finally deciding that they couldn't go on any longer
without burning themselves out. So they went into "retirement" originally for
twelve months, but it somehow managed to stretch into eighteen.
In the past year-and-a-half, Boyz II Men claim to have 'evolved', both musically
and mentally. I don't think so, I think the biggest 'evolution' was going from
Cooleyhighharmony to II (but maybe that's just me). On Evolution Boyz II Men
have worked with producers Keith Crouch and Sean "Puffy" Combs for the first
time. While a lot of it works, not all of it does. "Can't Let Her Go" is the
perfect example. Catchy lyrics and chorus make the song work, but it is just
too repetitive. The one thing it really needs (and you keep waiting for it) is
a Puffy rap in the middle of it. Don't get me wrong, this album is fantastic,
but there are just little things that annoy me about it.
The album starts off great. Doin' Just Fine (written and produced by Shawn) was
the perfect choice for the opening track. It is slow, smooth, and different to
your typical ballad. The first six tracks are excellent. Girl In The Life
Magazine is just such a sweet, innocent song. And Can You Stand The Rain...
what can I say? a brilliant a capella cover of the old New Edition song, the
harmonies these guys can do are unbelievable. After this the beat gets faster
for about five tracks, then the Boyz bring us back to what they do so well; the
ballad which we all know and love. Dear God is a fitting tribute to our creator,
the one who put Boyz II Men where they are, and they know it. If you have the
international version of Evolution the album finishes with the bonus track
Just Hold On, but if you have the US version you're just going to have to wait to
hear it.
