Motown (Hitsville USA) - Boyz II Men

...drawn more and more to Motown and Soul, probably after developing a love for the Queen of Motown, Diana Ross, six or seven years ago -big hair, total diva, fabulous voice, what's not to love?!

Not long before Christmas, I was watching an episode of the X Factor, and the special guests were Boyz II Men. I was surprised they were still together (although now as a threesome following Michael's departure), but they were looking good and ...
...Men's version of this classic Motown No.1 hit doesn't stray too far from the 1971 original, staying at a similar tempo, but I think the combination of the three voices gives it a bit of a smoother edge to the song.

2. It's the same old song / Reach out - This is actually a combination of two classic songs by The Four Tops - Their 1965 hit 'It's the same old song' and the more well known 'Reach out (I'll be there)' released in 1966. ... more

I can't say I have always been a huge Boyz II Men fan - back in the early 90's I was Take That obsessed, and I would never have betrayed them by liking another group - especially not another boy band - that would have been the worst possible sin imaginable back then! I must admit though, I took notice of Boyz II Men's music, and I did (secretly of course, I wouldn't want to betray Gary, Mark and co.) really like a few of their tracks - 'End of the Road', and 'I'll make love to you' especially. I always was a bit soppy.

Now, I'm a bit older and my tastes have developed (but my loyalty to Take That remained - once a Take Thatter, always a Take Thatter, I'm afraid), I find myself drawn more and more to Motown and Soul, probably after developing a love for the Queen of Motown, Diana Ross, six or seven years ago -big hair, total diva, fabulous voice, what's not to love?!

Not long before Christmas, I was watching an episode of the X Factor, and the special guests were Boyz II Men. I was surprised they were still together (although now as a threesome following Michael's departure), but they were looking good and sounding even better. I realise that there is a stigma surrounding boy bands - they are generally seen as manufactured - a bunch of guys wearing white suits, sitting on stools lip syncing etc.. but just listening to voices of Shawn, Nathan and Wanya it is clear that these guys actually do have talent - and no lip synching to be found - these guys are so good they don't need to. A few days after seeing this, I booked tickets to their concert and bought their latest album, Motown: Hitsville USA, so I would be able to sing along at the concert - God, I pity the people who sit next to me at concerts!!

~Cover Art and insert~

The cover features a picture of the three boys sat in an American style diner. There are plenty of other pictures inside the insert as well as the gushy 'thank you' pages. The CD itself is designed to look like an old LP complete with grooves, which I thought was a nice touch.

~The songs~

1. Just My Imagination - Originally released by the temptations Boyz II Men's version of this classic Motown No.1 hit doesn't stray too far from the 1971 original, staying at a similar tempo, but I think the combination of the three voices gives it a bit of a smoother edge to the song.

2. It's the same old song / Reach out - This is actually a combination of two classic songs by The Four Tops - Their 1965 hit 'It's the same old song' and the more well known 'Reach out (I'll be there)' released in 1966. The two songs go well together, and are more up-tempo versions of the originals, and are both great examples of motown at it's best, and I'm glad to say Boyz II Men's vocals are superb and do the songs justice. This is definitely one of my favourite tracks on the album.

3. Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)- I'd never heard this song before purchasing the album. A quick internet search tells me it was originally released by Marvin Gaye and was apparently one of his most famous tracks. Just goes to show how much I know! Anyway, the lyrics about the changing environment seem very apt, given the way climate change and 'green issues' are being constantly pushed on us. This is a nice track, very soft and soulful and I think this it is perfect for sort of background music over dinner with a bottle of wine - I mean that in a nice way, honest!!

4. Tracks of My Tears - Originally sung by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, this again is a more up-tempo version of the original, sung immaculately, and doesn't take too much from the original, if anything it's an improvement.

5. Money (That's what I want) - I was never a big fan of the original track and can't say I'm a huge fan of the cover either - it's just not my type of song.

6. Easy - I would say that of all the songs on this album, Easy by Lionel Richie is one that I know best. The first time I listened to this cover, I wasn't keen on it -the arrangement and tempo is pretty much the same as the original- I guess it was just strange hearing another voice singing a song I knew so well. I must admit though, after time this version has grown on me a lot.

7. I was made to love her - Another Soul classic, this is a cover of Stevie Wonders 1967 hit. I actually prefer this to the original, it has a bit more bass, and although the tempo and arrangement don't deviate too far from the original track, this version is just a bit punchier.

8. All This Love - Smoothly sung DeBarge cover, but not one of my favourite songs on the album, I find it a bit slow for my liking, and I'm not sure about the Spanish sounding undertones in a Motown track.

9. Ribbon in the Sky (Acapella) - This A Capella version of yet another Stevie Wonder track, Ribbon in the Sky, is a brilliant song that really showcases the marvellous voices of the guys.

10. Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing - This track is fantastic, one of my favourites on the album. Originally sung by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, Boyz II Men have teamed up with the amazing Patti LaBelle for this track, and their voices work really well together creating an effortless, seamless track.

11. There'll never be - A nice track, which again brilliantly showcases the bands voices, but again not one of my favourites.

12. Got to be there - I love this song, every time I hear it, I am singing it for days afterwards, much to the annoyance of the people around me I imagine - especially as the only words I can remember are actually 'Got to be there, Got to be there'! This was originally sung by Michael Jackson when he was pretty young, but I think it really suits being sung with three voices.

13. War - Aaargh this song really annoys me! Again, I didn't like the original very much and to me this is a bit loud and shouty, but the lyrics are very to the point and it makes a change from soppy love songs.

14. End of the Road - Well I guess the album wouldn't be complete without a Boyz II Men classic, and here we have it with a fantastic A Cappella version of probably the most recognisable Boy II Men track.

~Price and Availability~

This Album can be purchased from Amazon for £10.98.

~Conclusion~

This album is a must for any fans of either Boyz II Men, or just Motown music in general. The voices are flawless throughout, and I can confirm they are just as good singing live too! We were talking about 90's music at work recently, and I mentioned I had just been to see them live, and I was surprised at how many people turned round and said that they had this album, or had been disappointed because they had been unable to get tickets for the concert - people I would never have thought would like this type of music or be boy band fans! So, my parting comment is, that even if you don't think this is your sort of thing, give it a try, I don't think you'll be disappointed!

*Also posted on Dooyoo 

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