Full Circle

Released in 2002, Full Circle represents a pivotal moment in Boyz II Men's discography as their sole release on Arista Records and the final album to feature bass singer Michael McCary. Following their departure from Motown and a brief stint at Universal, the group collaborated with long-time mentor Babyface, who penned the lead single 'The Color of Love.' Sonically, the album bridges the gap between the sweeping orchestral ballads of their 90s peak and the more programmed, mid-tempo R&B prevalent in the early 2000s. While critics noted that the material lacked the era-defining impact of 'End of the Road,' they praised the group's technical proficiency and the enduring power of their four-part harmonies. The inclusion of Faith Evans on 'Relax Your Mind' signaled a desire to remain contemporary, yet the album's heart remains in its 'adult contemporary' soul. It stands as a sophisticated, if understated, bookend to the group's most famous era.