They're well on their way to becoming the biggest name in '90s R&B. And they've done it all without rapping, cursing, or waving a gun.
They're Boyz II Men, and last night at the sold-out Coca-Cola Star Lake Amphitheatre, they proved yet again why all that New Temptations talk is no hype.
The choreography was never less than amazing, from the opening steps of "U Know" to the studied melodrama of Wanya Morris' chair toss in "On Bended Knee." But as much as the moves and harmonies may speak to the sensibilites of the "My Girl" generation, Boyz II Men are no Motor City Retro Revue.
Smokey and the Miracles wouldn't know what to make of those subtle hip-hop rhythms that occasionally made their way into the mix last night. Even some of the mellower numbers took on a decidely post-New Jack flavor.
And then there was underlying current of sexuality, which, though admittedly tame by contemporary R&B standards, probably would have made Marvin Gaye himself blush.
As expected, it was the ballads that ultimately carried the day, from the opening a capella doo wop of "It's so Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday" to the irresistible new soul groove of "I'll Make Love to You." But even that was no match for "On Bended Knee," which showcased the power of all four vocalists as they took turns beggin' and pleading their way through one of the strongest R&B melodies to come down the pike in ages.
Their seven-piece back-up band did a fine job of keeping up, too, especially considering three of the guys were wearing neck braces. Maybe they got whiplash from all those flashpots going off every night during "U Know."