Boyz II Men's "II" is a seminal album in the R&B genre, released on August 30, 1994, through Motown Records. This album marked a high point in the group's career, building on their success from previous releases with a string of impressive hits.
The album is particularly notable for its consecutive No. 1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100: "I'll Make Love to You" and "On Bended Knee." This achievement made Boyz II Men only the third act to replace themselves at the top of the charts, joining the ranks of Elvis Presley and The Beatles. "I'll Make Love to You" set a new record for the longest run at No. 1, spending 14 weeks on top, and equaled the record held by Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You," a record they had previously set with "End of the Road."
Other successful singles from II included "Water Runs Dry," which reached No. 2, and "Thank You," which peaked at No. 21. However, "Vibin’" did not perform as well, only reaching No. 52.
The album's track "Khalil (Interlude)" is a poignant tribute to their road manager, Roderick "Khalil" Rountree, who was tragically killed in 1992. The group’s emotional connection to this tribute adds a layer of depth to the album.
II was awarded the inaugural Grammy Award for Best R&B Album at the 37th Grammy Awards in 1995, highlighting its critical acclaim and impact. In 2020, Rolling Stone ranked the album at No. 495 on its list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, underscoring its enduring legacy.
The production of II was initially set to be handled by the duo Tim & Bob, but Motown Records' president Jheryl Busby decided to bring in established producers Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, and Babyface to ensure the album's success. The decision to lead with "I'll Make Love to You" as the first single, despite some internal disagreements, proved to be a highly successful move.
Though over 20 songs were recorded for the album, many were left out of the final track list. Some of the tracks produced by Tim & Bob, such as "Now That We're Done" and "Can I Touch You," were later featured on 112's debut album.
II remains a cornerstone of 90s R&B, solidifying Boyz II Men’s place as one of the genre's most influential groups.
