Boyz II Men Put Their Better Half Forward

The romance you know and respect from 1990s a-capella hitmakers Boyz II Men has returned in the form of new album "Collide". Taken from said collection we get "Better Half" which finds the now trio (Michael McCarty you are missed) primed to be full fledged lady killers again. Prepare for the sheets to get an excellent workout. As a quartet the guys knew their way around harmonies custom built to get the ladies swooning. In the early 1990s they owned the #1 slot on the Billboard Chart with the monster smashes "End Of The Road" and "I'll Make Love To You". I took a shining to "Water Runs Dry". "Better Half" allows Nathan Morris and brother Wanya along with Shawn Stockman to spread their wings beautifully. To start the mood look no further than the sweat promoting percussion. Add to that a chorus that stares squarely at the now or never time frame. One of the strong points Boyz II Men has always had in its repertoire is the ability to make any tone on the vocal register sound like an invitation to go panties off. With "Better Half" baritone goes on holiday but alto is given the respect it is due. Another plus can be attributed to how the song would sound right at home in contemporary R & B programming formats but not at the expense of the slick stylings Boyz II Men brings to the table. The chorus message tosses out a caveat at waiting too long to jump into love with both hands expecting some ideal that might not be out there. The secret lies in the leap of faith taken for the chance to meet love on its terms and also reap the immeasurable rewards. We can come up with many reasons to be hesitant. In many cases there's justification in not running in blindly. However stay on the sidelines too long and you may miss the big prize that was worth waiting for. "Better Half" is the jazzy yin to "Water Runs Dry's" sedate yang. In the latter number you breathe in the inner peace placed in the spirit of offering. "Better Half" isn't urgent so much as primed to select act over react since that's the usual way business matters get attended to. The trio have matured in the right places. That doesn't mean there isn't some forbidden fruit tucked away at the core of their exalted ponderings. Would they release something as sultry as "Uhh Ahh" today? Perhaps somewhat dated for millennials and the company they keep. "Better Half" hits the musical palate in a friendship strengthening way, like brothers dropping back by the neighborhood to see, hear, and taste what's new. Paired with an exquisite zinfandel you have what promises to be an airy night soaking in the world and your expanding places in it.