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.
As the King of Pop’s biopic continues to perform well at the box office, I wanted to revisit one of Michael Jackson’s overlooked solo albums, “Forever, Michael”, released in 1975, for my first Second Listen Sunday of 2026.
As Joe prepares for his upcoming Tiny Desk performance, it’s a fitting time to revisit “U Should Know Me,” one of the hidden gems in his catalog. This song, which he wrote and produced himself, first appeared in 1998 on the soundtrack for “Caught Up”, a hood drama starring Bokeem Woodbine and Cynda Williams.
As fans look forward to his upcoming co-headlining “Nights Like This” tour with Akon, Ne-Yo is smoothly transitioning into country music while still maintaining his R&B roots with his latest single, “Ms. Tundra.” This infectious track is the third release from his forthcoming tenth studio album, “Highway 79,” set for release on July 10 via Compound Entertainment.