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II

by Boyz II Men

Released: August 30, 1994

R&B, soul, pop, hip-hop soul

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Breakthrough.

The Album

Though over 20 songs were recorded for the album, many were left out of the final track list. 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.

Inside the Recording

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. 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.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

The decision to lead with "I'll Make Love…

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.

However, "Vibin’" did not perform as well, only…

However, "Vibin’" did not perform as well, only reaching No. 52.

The album's track "Khalil (Interlude)" is a poignant…

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…

The group’s emotional connection to this tribute adds a layer of depth to the album.

II remains a cornerstone of 90s R&B, solidifying…

II remains a cornerstone of 90s R&B, solidifying Boyz II Men’s place as one of the genre's most influential groups.

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Essential Tracks

Thank You

"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.

Khalil

The album's track "Khalil (Interlude)" is a poignant tribute to their road manager, Roderick "Khalil" Rountree, who was tragically killed in 1992.

On Bended Knee

Water Runs Dry

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Explore the Album

Boyz II Men - II

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Then

Reception

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. 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. "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.

Now

Legacy

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.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

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.

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.