Asian only release! While rap music was the music of choice in the urban charts and radio playlists by the late-'80s/early-'90s, Boyz II Men re-introduced the merits of soul and contemporary R&B, laden with perfectly e... more »xecuted harmony vocals. The group became one of the most successful chart acts of the '90s, especially when their 1992 single, 'The End Of The Road'.« less
Asian only release! While rap music was the music of choice in the urban charts and radio playlists by the late-'80s/early-'90s, Boyz II Men re-introduced the merits of soul and contemporary R&B, laden with perfectly executed harmony vocals. The group became one of the most successful chart acts of the '90s, especially when their 1992 single, 'The End Of The Road'.
CD Reviews
Calling This CD Uninspired is a Compliment
K. Jarmond | New Jersey USA | 01/07/2006
(2 out of 5 stars)
"My taste in music has changed alot since the first Boyz II Men CD came out. However I've never stopped being a big fan of the group. I consider them to be one of the best vocal groups in the history of R&B, Soul, and Acappella music. That being said, Winter Reflections has to be one of the worst releases the group has ever put out.
The opening track begins with a delicate, intricate harmony line with minimal accompaniment that's so well done it makes you wonder how they'll ever top it later in the song. Sadly, they don't top it later in the song, the song just drags on for a long, boring while and ends. Much like many of the other tracks here.
There is a standout track in the group's cover of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen". The Boyz manage to find the perfect blend of the song's traditional classical arrangement and more modern, soulful vocal gymnastics. The tone of the song is playful and yet captivating and complex, a great example of how outstanding musicians can make a challenging arrangement seem easy.
Still, one great track can't save the whole CD. I practically had to force myself to listen all the way through the album on my first try. Lately I've taken to skipping through the songs to get to the few good parts. Something I've never had to do with a Boyz II Men release before.
Ultimately this CD comes off as a lazy effort by the guys. From the many soft baritone lead vocals (that are far too loud in the mix ironically) to the backing tracks being too basic and sterile Winter Reflections just feels uninspired. Floating, whispery, dream-like background harmonies that drift in and our of our discernable soundscape are old hat for this group. They have mastered the form and yet their use of that technique here lacks character and seems merely like an attempt to fill the empty soundspace left by their spartan backing tracks.
Contrast these things with a release like Boyz II Men's other holiday CD "Christmas Interpretations" and the defects I've mentioned become glaringly obvious. Where Winter Reflections largely comes across as bored musicians making boring music, Christmas Interpretations is joyous and energetic, even in it's slowest, most hushed and solemn moments. The backing tracks, harmonies, and lyrics all seem to be coming from people who are truly inspired and enjoying what they're putting out to the world. In comparison one begins to wonder if the group is getting jaded when one listens to Winter Reflections.
Really I can only reccommend this CD for the die hard fans and collectors who simply must have a complete BIIM discography on their shelves. For anyone looking for an collection of holiday music from Boyz II Men that will compliment the season, never get old, give you the warm fuzzies, AND awe you with every listen I'd steer clear of Reflections and go with Christmas Interpretations
...and maybe just DL their God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen track :).
"
Yet Another Remarkable Masterpiece!!
G. Kavaky Jr. | Fredericskburg, VA USA | 03/04/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is yet another remarkable masterpiece from the Boyz I can't express the greatest of this group. I fully agree to someone's previous comment on this album they need to start getting their record label to publicize them worldwide!! I didnt know that they had came out with another CD until I went searching...when I saw this CD I knew I had to get it & was blown away from how great if was! Yeah I did say it...great. I literally listened to "Flowers Bloom" for close to 3 weeks straight it's such an incredible song with the flavor of harmony!!! The best thing also is that it doesn't stop there! Every song, expecially their new songs on the "Reflections" part of the album, will guarentee to take your breath away! Boyz II Men never seems to disappoint & I hope they still make more great music and get back the glory they deserve! This album is a great investment to someone who loves great music!"
THIS ALBUM IS EXCELLENT!!!
DJ Kole | 12/22/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Boyz II Men outdue themselves on this christmas release! The melodies are excellent and their voices shine bright all throughout the album! Every cut makes you feel the spirit of the holiday season...I don't know why this wasn't released worldwide...these guys have to get back on track!!!! Their record label needs to publicize them like crazy! You can listen to this all year round. The "Boyz" sour to new heights on "Flowers Bloom" and "(Overtune) this Christmas" in particular. Keep it up guys!"
True Music.
Deandre A. Davis | Hawthorne, CA | 05/05/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Vocally this is the best group of men to ever walk the planet, and this CD proves it. No one would never even think of releasing a CD like this because they can't. They have done things in the music industry that some people can only dream of. They tried something different. The vocal harmony through the entire CD is breath-taking. GOD has put these men her for a reason and I think its safe to say that they have fuliled their destiny."
Track Listings (14) - Disc #1