Review: Boyz II Men gives Tampa all the hits in special career-spanning Valentine’s concert [PHOTOS]

At Tampa’s Hard Rock Casino last Wednesday surviving members of Boyz II Men—Nathan Morris, Wanya Morris, and Shawn Stockman—brought a three-decade legacy for a performance that once again proved why they are hailed as one of the greatest vocal groups in music history. Dressed impeccably in all-white attire, the trio exuded elegance and sophistication as they took the audience on a journey through their illustrious career for the special Valentine’s night gig.

Teasing the crowd with the instrumentation of "Thank You", before launching into their signature hit, "Motownphilly," the evening commenced in a smooth but purposeful fashion. Instantly, the venue was alive with energy as fans rose to their feet, swept away by the infectious rhythm and soulful harmonies. The group's seamless blend of vocals captivated the audience from the very first note, setting the tone for an unforgettable night.

As the performance unfolded, Boyz II Men showcased its unparalleled talent with a repertoire that spanned across the extensive discography. From the heartfelt ballad "On Bended Knee", to the nostalgic "It's So Hard To Say Goodbye Yesterday", each song was delivered with precision and emotion, leaving a lasting impression on everyone in attendance. As the Boyz gave a brief pause to formally introduce themselves, they each took moments to share personal stories relating to the formation and evolution of the R&B group, from their debut in 1991, to now in 2024. This awareness to reminisce about the “glory days”, for a mostly Generation X crowd, clearly struck a chord.

The audience, now lost in a Valentine’s daze, was then treated to a fiery remix of "Uhh Ahh" and a soul-stirring rendition of "4 Seasons of Loneliness," further demonstrating the group's versatility and range. Another highlight of the evening was Boyz II Men's tribute to some of music's greatest classic and new-age legends, through a series of captivating covers. With Morris taking the lead vocally, Stockman on lead guitar, and Morris on bass, the trio breathed new life into certified hits such as Bruno Mar’s “Locked out of Heaven”, Sam Cooke's "A Change is Gonna Come", and Lenny Kravitz's "Are You Gonna Go My Way".

Throughout the performance, the chemistry between the trio was palpable, each member bringing their unique charisma and vocal prowess to the stage. Whether delivering heartfelt ballads or energetic anthems, the trio commanded the audience's attention with every note, earning thunderous applause and standing ovations. Despite their undeniable success and enduring popularity, Boyz II Men remains committed to staying true to their roots. On stage, Shawn Stockman reflected on the evolution of the R&B genre and the decline of multipart vocal groups, acknowledging the challenges of staying relevant in an ever-changing industry. Nonetheless, he emphasized that Boyz II Men has always prioritized authenticity over chasing trends, proving his point in a call and response chant which displayed the dedication of the group’s fanbase.

As the night drew to a close, Boyz II Men treated the audience to a string of their greatest hits, including "I'll Make Love To You," "One Sweet Day," and the timeless classic "End of The Road." The venue reverberated with the sound of thousands of voices singing along in unison, a testament to the enduring impact of Boyz II Men's music. Their performance was nothing short of spectacular, with unmatched talent, timeless hits, and unwavering dedication to their craft, Nathan Morris, Wanya Morris, and Shawn Stockman are in their prime now, more than ever, as legends of the R&B genre. To the final notes of "End of The Road" echoing through the venue, it was clear that Boyz II Men's legacy will continue to resonate for generations to come.