Twenty (2 CD)

If your looking for that overly romantic, bubblegum-ish, pop music laced fare that made me a fan and made them millions over the years, then let me do you and your wallet a favor....just keep steppin', cause this ain't your grandma' group anymore. It took me 3 spins around the player to actually get it. Here is a group that grew up before out eyes, and even though their sound may not have changed much in the beginning, it has definitely changed now, and it's for the better. Here is a more adult version being presented with a more adult sound and they seem to be taking chances with different music styles. Outside of the last song on disc 1, I totally approve.

Disc 2, I thought that it was a small, greatest hits collection, and because I already had their greatest hits cd as well as their past releases, it seemed like a waste to me, but before I played disc 1, I popped in #2 and got the suprise of the entire cd. These songs were remade over without Michael, and even though you can hear his presence missing, and I gotta admit, some of these songs actually sound better than the originals. Now THAT is called talent!

'"Believe" is my anthem! As a teacher, I think that many schools should use this song to inspire kids...not just at pep rallies, but at other functions like test preps. "I Refuse to be the Reason" is the song for any guys who have stayed faithful to a woman and then been left when she decides she doesn't want to try anymore (even though it's more her fault). "I Shoulda Lied" is an incredible statement about the semi-ethical issue of whether being honest is actually what women want or should be given...though "Benefit of a Fool" shows that an old "dog" can learn new "tricks" if he has the right woman. Guyz, this is an outstanding album and I am seeing a Grammy in your immediate 2012 future. My only issue with the album is that "Please Don't Go" and "Pass You By" weren't on it. Reading the insert, I'm sorry about what happened with Mike...He is totally missing out. Waiting for the new(er) album in 2012! (that means the NEXT one)

Best Songs: Believe, Refuse to be the Reason, Benefit of a Fool, Slowly, I Shoulda Lied, and Not Like You.
Worst Song: More than You'll Ever Know (Who picks BIIM's singles? The first single should have been Believe or, well, one of the songs on my "Best Songs" list.

Weird Moments: 1 Will you be there sounds like a Janet Jackson song from the mid-90's...2) Motownphilly having a 40-something year old Mike Bivins still saying the same words, 3) the fact that most of the re-recorded songs sound better than the originals, 3) Not Like You being a song that should have been on a Shawn Stockman solo album.

Grammy nominations are forthcoming. This is the Boyz's best album since II because Evolution and Nathan Michael Shawn Wanya (and really, Full Circle, too) had songs on them that didn't fit...like one or two per album that should have been just left off--Can't Let Her Go (Evolution), Bounce, Shake, Move, Swing (NMSW), Roll Wit Me and Ain't a Thang Wrong (Full Circle)...

I rank their albums like this:

Original Albums:
1) II (1994)
2) Twenty (2011)
3) NMSW (2000)
4) Cooleyhighharmony (1992)
5) Remedy (2006)
6) Full Circle (2002)
7) Evolution (1997)

Other/Special/Remakes
1) Christmas Interpretations (1993)
2) Motown: A Journey Through Hitsville (2007)
3) Throwback (2004)
4) The Remix Album (1995)
5) Love

Excellent Job Boyz!!!

Let me start off by saying that it is unfortunate that Boyz II Men will always be compared to their best effort commercially which was II. Having said that, Twenty melody wise in my opinion is a throwback to how that album sounds. When I listen to this album I'm impressed as usual with their talent and singing ability. Their commercial dominance may be long behind them, and that is ok. But no one can deny the impact that this group has had on popular music and for that I am grateful that not only do they keep R&B music alive but that they do it because they love it and as a result we the fans benefit from hearing.

Twenty is a welcome and solid album that deserves to be in your collection. Even without the bass, the Boyz have managed to keep it moving. I wish a female group that I admire similar to BIIM would do the same.

The reinterpreted songs from their hey day are done just as well, if not in some cases better. Sure the bass is not present, but when you can truly sing like these guys, do you really need him? I think with this release they have proven they don't. Get the album because I recommend it.