No group solidified nineties R&B more than the quartet Boyz II Men. In February 1995, the group was basking in the success of their multiplatinum-selling album II when the third single, “Thank You,” was released. As you know, it’s Slow Jam Saturday, and “Thank You” isn’t exactly a ballad. However, as die-hard Boyz II Men fans know, the EP for “Thank You” featured the ballad “Fallin,” which is this week’s pick for Slow Jam Saturday.
While “Fallin” did appear as a Bonus Track on the initial International pressings of II, most US fans heard the song for the first on the Thank You EP. “Fallin” found Boyz II Men reuniting with R&B superstar Brian McKnight who produced the track and co-wrote it with Brandon Barnes. Boyz II Men’s signature harmonies carry the track over a lush production. The strength of the song for me has always lied in the relatable lyrics. I’m sure anyone who is falling in love for the first time can relate to
“Everytime I think of you
The woman all my life been waiting
There’s nothing that I’d rather do
Than love you endlessly
Don’t know what you see in me
Girl you bring out the best in me
And I realize when I look in your eyes
There’s nothing that I can do
Catch me I’m fallin’
Head over heels in love with you
Oh bless me fallin’
And no one can do
Catch me I’m fallin’
And my heart is like brand new
I’m falling in love, falling in love
With you”
If “Fallin” is an indicator of what Boyz II Men left on the cutting room floor for II (yes, I know that Tim & Bob produced—”Now That We’re Done” and “Can I Touch You”—ended up on 112’s 1996 self-titled debut), I would love to hear the remaining tracks.
Final Grade: A
“Fallin” is available on YouTube
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The year was 1987, and in the world of sports, The Giants won the Super Bowl, the Lakers won the NBA, and the Minnesota Twins won baseball. In television, the world would get their introduction to “The Simpsons,” in cinema, Eddie Murphy would appear in his first sequel.