Long before American band B2K and UK’ers JLS began ruling the charts in their respective countries, R&B boyband Boyz II Men were serving quite the winning formula (“male-groups-who-dance-and-harmonize”).

Today, From The Vault will focus on the boys’ first ever single, ‘Motownphilly’ – lifted from their exquisite ‘Cooleyhighharmony’ LP.

The 1991 track, written by the guys themselves and produced by Dallas Austin, was a huge success, peaking inside the Top 5 and giving them a taste of the success which characterised much of their recording career.

A classic in every way, the New Jack Swing cut is the group’s claim to fame of sorts. Indeed, not only does it narrate how they got signed to Michael Bivins’ (of Bell Biv DeVoe fame) label, as well as how they never stopped believing in their dreams, but it also showcases their trademark “hip-hop doo-wop” style – which juxtaposed intricate retro harmonies with modern beats.

‘Motownphilly’s accompanying  visual is everything we love about the early 90’s: crazy hairstyles, bold colours, energetic dance routines, the whole nine yards.

Although many had tried to vie for their title, Boyz II Men remain the biggest selling R&B male group. Indeed, even though a commercial chart resurgence for the 40-somethings is truly unlikely at this point, no one can deny that they upped the standards for boyband’s (and R&B, moreover) on a global scale. Boys II Men, we salute you.

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