Derrick Dunn

Second Listen Sunday: Boyz II Men, “Winter/Reflections”

As R&B fans anxiously await the start of New Edition’s Way Tour with supporting acts Toni Braxton and Boyz II Men, with the holiday season in full swing, I wanted to show some love to the guys from Philly for this week’s Second Listen Sunday.

We all know they released a fire Christmas album in 1993, but unless you’re a diehard fan, you may not know they did another Christmas album twelve years later, “Winter/Reflections”. By 2005, Boyz II Men were no longer dominating U.S. radio, but in Japan, their popularity never wavered. That’s the backdrop for “Winter/Reflections”, the Japan-only project that quietly became one of the group’s more fascinating deep cuts—a split package of J-pop reinterpretations and holiday standards that shows the trio settling into their legacy era with surprising grace.

The “Reflections” disc is a remarkable discovery. It features English-language covers of contemporary Japanese ballads, allowing Boyz II Men to explore new dimensions that they hadn’t ventured into on their mainstream albums. The album opens with “I’ve Been Searchin’,” showcasing the classic warmth of Boyz II Men and setting the tone for a collection rich in slow-burning emotion.

Tracks like “Will” and “Flowers Bloom” exemplify the best of cross-cultural fusion. The group masterfully blends Japanese melodic elements with gospel-infused harmonies, creating a sound that feels both global and deeply soulful. One track that stands out is “Snow White,” a reimagining of a beloved winter ballad. It is characterized by its restraint—floating, cinematic, and beautifully sung without being overly ostentatious.

The “Winter” disc takes a more traditional approach, offering smooth, adult-contemporary interpretations of holiday classics. “This Christmas” embraces a relaxed groove rather than trying to emulate Donny Hathaway’s iconic version, while “Little Drummer Boy” features layered vocals that enhance its dynamics. Although nothing on this disc reinvents holiday music, it remains pleasant, polished, and unmistakably Boyz II Men.

What makes the album worthwhile is its sense of transition. Sitting between the 2004 covers album “Throwback” and 2006’s internet exclusive “The Remedy”, this project marks the moment the group embraced their international audience and leaned into maturity rather than chasing another blockbuster ballad. It’s not essential in the way their ’90s classics are, but it’s far more interesting than a simple holiday throwaway.

Final Grade: B

“Winter/Reflections” is available on all streaming platforms.

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Slow Jam Saturday : Chauncey Black, “Everyday Is Your Birthday”

July 26, 2026

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Second Listen Sunday: Brooke Valentine, “Chain Letter”

July 26, 2026

As my loyal readers know, one of my passions during my Air Force enlistment was being a DJ. Since I was stationed in the UK, it was sometimes hard to keep up with the music scene, as there was no satellite radio, the club scene rarely showcased new music, and I missed out on shows like 106 & Park. Often, I would buy new CDs based solely on their covers and find a way to incorporate the music into my sets, particularly if the artist caught my attention. One such artist was Brooke Valentine, who is this week’s pick for Second Listen Sunday.

Second Listen Sunday : Akon, Konvicted

July 19, 2026

Since my wife’s favorite solo artist, Ne-Yo, is currently on tour, I decided to show some love to Akon this week for Second Listen Sunday by focusing on his second album, “Konvicted.” I first discovered Akon in the fall of 2004 when I made my DJ debut while stationed in the UK. During my warm-up set, I played “Locked Up,” and one of the bouncers came over, handed me a pound, and said it was about time someone played that song.