Full Circle
Bursting with the airtight harmonies, feet-sweeping melodies, and scrub-free swagger the foursome from Philly's come to be known for, Boyz II Men aren't taking any chances withFull Circle, their sixth studio album (and their first on Antonio "L.A." Reid's Arista label).Full Circle's got everything we expect from the guys: the perfect falling-in-love ballad (theBabyfacepenned and produced "Color of Love"); the heartrending break-up ballad ("Oh Well," penned alongside mega producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis); the kickback midtempo ballad ( "Relax Your Mind," featuringFaith Evans); and the obligatory uptempo, let's-get-the-party-started number ("Ain't a Thang Wrong"), which is unfortunate, since it's the only track that breaks up the album's candlelit flow. Still, a genuine ardor seeps through the tracks, and Reid's meticulous production makes this outing a far stronger and more satisfying effort than the Boyz' last album, 2000'sNathan, Michael, Shawn, and Wanya.--Sylvia W. Chan