"Evolution" is the fourth studio album by American R&B quartet Boyz II Men, released on September 23, 1997. This album marked their last release on Motown Records and showcased their signature harmonies and emotional ballads. It features hits like "4 Seasons of Loneliness" and "A Song for Mama."
Additionally, a Spanish-language version titled Evolución was released, which garnered significant acclaim, winning the Billboard Latin Music Award for Pop Album of the Year by a New Artist. The album reflects the group's growth and versatility, cementing their place in R&B history.
On August 20, 1997, Boyz II Men held a press conference to discuss their highly anticipated album Evolution, their first since 1994's II. Given that their previous albums had sold nearly 30 million copies worldwide, they faced considerable pressure. Collaborating again with renowned producers like Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, and Babyface, the group aimed to deliver a strong follow-up.
Evolution was released on September 23, 1997, and the same night, the members signed copies of the album at the Virgin Megastore in New York City. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, selling 215,000 copies in its first week, and also topped the R&B Album Charts. However, it only held the number-one position for a week before quickly descending the charts. Ultimately, it sold two million copies in the U.S. and over four million worldwide—figures that were seen as disappointing compared to the monumental success of their earlier albums, Cooleyhighharmony and II.
Critics received Evolution poorly, and the group undertook a promotional tour in Japan and Europe in late 1998, followed by the Evolution Tour, to bolster the album's visibility. Despite the challenges, Boyz II Men remained a significant force in R&B music.
