Cooleyhighharmony is the debut studio album by American R&B vocal group Boyz II Men, released on April 30, 1991, by MotownRecords.[1][2] The album, primarily produced by Dallas Austin, features a blend of new jack swing rhythms and the group's signature a cappella harmonies, often described as "hip-hopdoo-wop."[3][4] It consists of 12 tracks on the original edition, including ballads and uptempo songs that showcase the quartet's vocal prowess.[5]The album spawned several hit singles, with "Motownphilly" reaching number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 4 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, while "It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday" peaked at number 2 on the Hot 100 and number 1 on the R&B chart.[6][7][8] "Uhh Ahh (My Precious Thing)" also charted, reaching number 18 on the Hot 100. Cooleyhighharmony debuted at number 58 on the Billboard 200 before climbing to number 3, and it was certified 9× Platinum by the RIAA in the United States, selling over 9 million copies there.[6][9] Internationally, it achieved platinum status in Canada and New Zealand, 2× Platinum in Australia, and gold in Japan and the United Kingdom.[9]A reissue in 1992 added the massive hit "End of the Road," which topped the Billboard Hot 100 for 13 weeks and boosted the album's commercial success further.[2] The album established Boyz II Men as one of the leading acts in contemporary R&B, earning them a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist in 1992 and setting the stage for their multi-platinum follow-up, II.[10]
The recording sessions for Cooleyhighharmony took place across multiple locations in 1990, including Studio 4 in Philadelphia, Soundworks Studio in New York City, and Doppler Studios in Atlanta.[13] The project was executive produced by Michael Bivins of New Edition fame and Vida Sparks under Biv Entertainment, with Motown Records overseeing the overall release.[13][14]Dallas Austin served as the primary producer through his Diva One Productions, handling the majority of the tracks (2 through 6, 8, 9, and 13 through 16 on the expanded edition), while the production duo known as The Characters contributed to tracks 11 and 12.[15][13]Engineering duties were shared among several professionals, including Brian "B" Keeling, Rick Sheppard, and Joe "Flip" Wilson, with Sheppard also responsible for drum programming and MIDI sampling on key cuts like "Motownphilly" and "Please Don't Go."[13] The album's mixing occurred at Larrabee Sound Studios in Hollywood, California.[13]The entire production timeline spanned roughly six weeks, accelerated by the budding radio airplay of the lead single "Motownphilly," which prompted a rush to finalize the album.[15] To capture the group's raw energy, creative choices leaned heavily on their signature layered vocal arrangements—often multi-tracked harmonies arranged by the members themselves alongside Austin—combined with drum programming that infused new jack swing rhythms, blending R&B balladry with hip-hop beats and samples for a "hip hop doo wop" aesthetic.[15][13][16]A notable decision during post-production was the use of rough mixes for the final release, eschewing more polished versions to retain the demo-like grit and immediacy. Dallas Austin later reflected on this, stating, "The album… isn’t the one we mixed. Those are my rough mixes… [Motown president Jheryl Busby] thought when the songs were mixed, they sounded too slick and lost some of the grit."[15]Mixing engineer Dave Way assisted in New York sessions to refine this approach, ensuring the tracks maintained their urgent, streetwise vibe despite the compressed schedule.[15]
Musical content
Style and influences
Cooleyhighharmony exemplifies the new jack swing genre, fusing late-1980s R&B vocals with hip-hop-inspired beats and swingbeat rhythms pioneered by producer Teddy Riley. This style, characterized by its energetic fusion of contemporary R&B and urban grooves, defined much of the album's sound, as seen in tracks that incorporate rhythmic drum patterns and synthesized elements to create a fresh, danceable foundation.[17][15]The album draws heavily from influences like New Edition, whose harmonious bubblegum pop the group evolved into a more sophisticated, street-oriented R&B approach, while incorporating production aesthetics from Teddy Riley's work with Guy and Bobby Brown, including bass-heavy lines and call-and-response vocal arrangements.[18][19][20]Sonically, Cooleyhighharmony marks an evolution from New Edition's lighter pop sensibilities to an edgier R&B infused with hip-hop and doo-wop elements, emphasizing multi-tracked harmonies over explicit, narrative-driven themes. Production techniques rely on drum machines for punchy percussion and synthesizers for layered textures, enhancing the group's signature close-knit vocal delivery.[21][22][17]
Themes and songwriting
The lyrics of Cooleyhighharmony predominantly revolve around themes of romance and seduction, capturing the emotional highs and lows of young love in early 1990s urban settings. Tracks like "This Is My Heart" and "Please Don't Go" explore tender romantic pleas and commitments, emphasizing vulnerability and longing through heartfelt verses that draw from the group's personal experiences as Philadelphia teenagers.[3] Seduction emerges as a playful yet intense motif, particularly in "Uhh Ahh," where sensual imagery blends with harmonious vocals to convey intimate desire and physical attraction.[2]Cautionary tales about relationships form a significant undercurrent, warning against infidelity, toxic dynamics, and heartbreak to empower listeners navigating complex partnerships. "Poison," a cover reinterpreted with raw emotional delivery, serves as a stark advisory on the dangers of manipulative love, highlighting betrayal and self-preservation through its narrative-driven structure.[3] Similarly, "It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday" reflects on the pain of loss and moving on, using reflective storytelling to underscore resilience amid relational turmoil. Male bravado infuses upbeat selections like "Motownphilly," where the group asserts confidence and hometown pride, mixing swagger with aspirational tales of rising from urban challenges.[23]Songwriting on the album is largely credited to the group members—Nathan Morris, Wanya Morris, Shawn Stockman, and Michael McCary—who penned most tracks, often collaboratively with external contributors like Dallas Austin. This hands-on approach results in verses rich in storytelling, detailing personal anecdotes of youth and romance, paired with catchy, repetitive hooks designed for vocal layering and audience sing-alongs.[5] The overall narrative arc positions the album as a "survival guide" for modern relationships, mirroring the experiences of early 1990s urban youth through a mix of humor, sensuality, and caution—evident in "Do Me!"'s lighthearted yet bold exploration of attraction.[23] Blending these elements with new jack swing influences, the lyrics prioritize emotional authenticity over complexity, fostering a sense of communal reflection.[24]
Release and promotion
Album release
Cooleyhighharmony was released on April 30, 1991, by Motown Records. The album was initially issued in multiple formats, including compact disc (catalog number MOTD-6320), cassette, and vinyl LP, catering to the dominant consumer preferences of the early 1990s.[25]The album's artwork depicts the four members of Boyz II Men—Nathan Morris, Wanya Morris, Shawn Stockman, and Michael McCary—posed in shearling leather coats, evoking an image of urban sophistication and group unity.[25] Art direction was handled by Stephen Meltzer, with creative direction by Michael Bivins, design by Kaie Wellman, assistant design by Elizabeth Matheny, and photography by William Kanitz.[26]Distribution began with a primary focus on the United States market, followed by an international rollout in regions including the United Kingdom (May 27, 1991), Europe, Canada, and Japan later in 1991.[5] The original edition featured 10 tracks, providing a concise introduction to the group's new jack swing-infused R&B sound.[25]
Singles and marketing
The lead single from Cooleyhighharmony, "Motownphilly", was released in April 1991 as a precursor to the album's launch, establishing the group's new jack swing sound with its energetic tribute to Philadelphia's musical heritage.[27] This was followed by the ballad "It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday" in August 1991, which highlighted the quartet's vocal harmonies, and "Uhh Ahh" later that November, emphasizing sensual R&B grooves.[28][29] These singles were strategically timed to sustain momentum, with "Motownphilly" serving as the primary hype-builder ahead of the full album release.Music videos played a central role in the singles' promotion, all directed by Lionel C. Martin to capture the group's dynamic stage presence and urban roots.[30] The "Motownphilly" video, shot in Philadelphia locations, featured intricate dance choreography amid cityscapes and included cameo appearances by Michael Bivins of Bell Biv DeVoe and members of Another Bad Creation, enhancing cross-promotional ties within the Motown family.[30] Similarly, the "It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday" video incorporated archival footage dedicated to the late rapper MC Trouble, blending emotional storytelling with the group's a cappella-style performance, while "Uhh Ahh" showcased flirtatious interactions in contemporary settings to appeal to MTV's young audience.[31][32] Heavy rotation on MTV and Black Entertainment Television amplified the videos' reach, integrating visual storytelling with the singles' radio campaigns.Marketing efforts centered on Motown Records' urban contemporary push, including extensive radio airplay on R&B stations and endorsements from club DJs who spun the tracks in Northeast markets.[2] Promotional tie-ins leveraged producer Michael Bivins' connections, positioning Boyz II Men as successors to New Edition through shared billing on live appearances and Motown's artist development programs. The group supported the singles with a promotional tour in 1991, performing at regional venues and opening slots to build grassroots buzz, followed by international outreach with releases like "Please Don't Go" tailored for European audiences in 1992.[33] This multi-faceted strategy, combining media exposure and live engagements, effectively introduced the album's blend of hip-hop influences and doo-wop harmonies to a broadening demographic.
Durations and credits sourced from original release notes.[25][34]
1993 US reissue
In 1993, Motown reissued Cooleyhighharmony as a single-disc edition with a revised track order and seven bonus tracks, including remixes, a sequel version, and hits from the group's subsequent singles like "End of the Road" and "In the Still of the Nite (I'll Remember)". This version totals 17 tracks and incorporates elements from the 1992 Christmas EP.[13][34]
No.
Title
Duration
Writer(s)
1
"Al Final Del Camino (End of the Road)" (Spanish version)
"It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday" (Radio Version)
3:29
G. Johnson, F. Massara, C. Mayfield
17
"End of the Road" (LP Version)
5:49
A. Worthy, L. P. Williams
Durations approximate based on standard releases; some remixes vary slightly.[13][35]
2009 re-release
The 2009 Expanded Edition, released by Hip-O Select on April 21, 2009, is a two-disc digital remaster featuring the original album tracks on Disc 1 augmented with seven bonus tracks (including previously released singles and the Spanish version), followed by Disc 2 containing 13 bonus tracks with unreleased material and remixes. This edition restores the original sequencing for the core album while adding archival material for completeness. Total: 30 tracks across both discs. The Christmas Interpretations EP is a separate 1993 release and not included here.[36]Disc 1:
"It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday" (Gospel Version with Dedication)
4:15
G. Johnson, F. Massara, C. Mayfield
Durations and credits from remastered edition liner notes.[36]
Variations
International editions, such as the 1991 UK and Japanese releases, generally mirror the original 1991 US track listing and durations without significant changes, though some later international reissues incorporate bonus tracks from the 1993 US version or exclusive regional mixes like the Spanish "Al Final Del Camino".[5] No major sequencing alterations are noted beyond reissue additions.[35]
Personnel credits
The personnel for Cooleyhighharmony consist of the four members of Boyz II Men—Nathan Morris (baritone vocals), Wanya Morris (tenor vocals), Shawn Stockman (tenor vocals), and Michael McCary (bass vocals)—who provided all lead and background vocals throughout the album.[5]Production was led by Dallas Austin, who handled tracks 1 ("Please Don't Go"), 2 ("Lonely Heart"), 3 ("This Is My Heart"), 6 ("Motownphilly"), 7 ("Under Pressure"), and 8 ("Sympin'"). Additional production by the group on 5 ("It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday"). "Uhh Ahh" was produced by The Characters (Troy Taylor and Charles Farrar). Tracks 9 ("Little Things") and 10 ("Your Love") were produced by Troy Taylor. Executive producers were Michael Bivins and Vida Sparks.[37][38][15]Musicians featured Dallas Austin on piano, drums, percussion, and keyboards for multiple tracks; Troy Taylor on percussion, bass, piano, and keyboards for "Uhh Ahh"; and Rick Criniti on acoustic guitar for "Please Don't Go." Female backing and spoken vocals were provided by Nichole Williams and Nakia Keith on select tracks, including "Please Don't Go" and "Under Pressure" for Nakia Keith. MIDI programming and sampling were handled by Rick Sheppard on most Austin-produced tracks.[13]Technical staff included recording and mix engineers such as Dave Way, Chris Trevett, Darin Prindle, Dennis Mitchell, Jim "Jiff" Hinger, Jon P. Kelly, Mark Partis, Mike Pela, Ric Wilson, and Steve Ett, with mixing also by Dallas Austin, Jon Gass, and Rico Anderson on select tracks. The album was mastered by Brian Gardner at Bernie Grundman Mastering in Hollywood, California.[39][36]Other contributors encompassed A&R assistant Darrale Jones; administrative assistant Dianne Johnson; art direction by Stephen Meltzer; design by Kaie Wellman; and photography by Mark Sullivan. Jheryl Busby served as executive boss and chief administrator.[5]
Reception and performance
Critical reviews
Upon its release in 1991, Cooleyhighharmony received generally positive reviews from music critics, who highlighted the group's impressive vocal harmonies and the album's fusion of new jack swing with classic R&B influences. The Los Angeles Times awarded it three out of four stars, describing Boyz II Men's sound as "like Take 6 for the pubescent set" and praising the quartet's "silky, coming-of-age style" that appealed to a young audience seeking alternatives to hip-hop.[40]Rolling Stone rated it three out of five stars (equivalent to 60/100), commending the infectious hooks in tracks like "Motownphilly."[41]Entertainment Weekly offered a mixed assessment, scoring it 67/100 and noting its strong singles amid otherwise standard fare.[41]Critics commonly praised the album's energetic production by Michael Bivins and the replay value of its hit singles, which showcased the group's seamless harmonies and Motown-inspired flair. Robert Christgau of The Village Voice gave it two stars (a "good" rating), appreciating the crisp arrangements but critiquing the generic songwriting.[42] Some reviewers, however, criticized the formulaic lyrics and the album's heavy reliance on the polished sound pioneered by producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, which occasionally overshadowed the group's raw potential.[41]Aggregated scores from contemporary reviews equate to approximately 72/100, reflecting solid acclaim for its role in revitalizing vocal R&B.[41] In retrospective assessments, the album has been hailed as a cornerstone of new jack swing, with AllMusic awarding it 4.5 out of five stars for its blend of hot singles and strong album tracks.[34] Post-2000 analyses, including entries in the 1995 Spin Alternative Record Guide, recognized Cooleyhighharmony as a key influence on 1990s R&B, emphasizing its impact on subsequent vocal harmony acts.[43]
Commercial success
Cooleyhighharmony debuted at number 58 on the US Billboard 200 in May 1991 and climbed to a peak position of number 3 later that year. The album also topped the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, where it remained for a significant portion of 1991 and 1992, accumulating 122 weeks on the ranking overall. Internationally, it reached number 7 on the UK Albums Chart in 1992. The album performed strongly in other European markets, entering the top 20 in the Netherlands and Switzerland.The release achieved substantial commercial sales, with over 9 million copies sold in the United States alone, earning a 9× Platinum certification from the RIAA on December 18, 1995. Worldwide, it has sold more than 9.4 million units. On Billboard's 1991 year-end chart, Cooleyhighharmony ranked number 27 among the top albums. It also placed in the top 100 R&B albums of the 1990s decade-end list.The album's success was further propelled by hit singles such as "Motownphilly," which peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100.[44]
Legacy and reissues
Cultural impact
Cooleyhighharmony played a significant role in popularizing new jack swing within mainstream R&B, fusing the genre's rhythmic hip-hop elements with intricate vocal harmonies to create a fresh sound that resonated widely. This approach paved the way for later acts like Jodeci and SWV, who built on the album's blueprint of blending street-savvy beats with soulful group dynamics.[2] The album's energetic tracks, such as "Motownphilly," became enduring dance staples in 1990s clubs, capturing the high-energy vibe akin to Bell Biv DeVoe's "Poison" and helping solidify new jack swing as a club and radio phenomenon.[3]Beyond new jack swing, Cooleyhighharmony contributed to a pivotal shift in R&B toward greater hip-hop integration, demonstrating how traditional vocal groups could incorporate urban production techniques for broader appeal. This fusion influenced subsequent artists like TLC, whose debut album Ooooooohhh... On the TLC Tip (1992) echoed the harmonious yet rhythmically bold style by merging R&B with hip-hop flair.[3] The track "Uhh Ahh" from the album has left a lasting mark through sampling, notably in Beyoncé's "Countdown" (2011), which interpolated its vocal hook to bridge 1990s R&B with modern pop.[45]The album also permeated popular culture, with "Motownphilly" featured in the 1991 film House Party 2, embedding Boyz II Men in the era's urban cinema narrative of youth and music.[46] As the group was discovered and mentored by New Edition's Michael Bivins, Cooleyhighharmony extended the success story of New Edition alumni transitioning to influential solo or group endeavors in R&B.[23]Cooleyhighharmony garnered notable recognition, including a nomination for Favorite Soul/R&B Album at the 1992 American Music Awards and a win for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals at the 1992 Grammy Awards.[47] Its singles, including "Motownphilly" and "It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday," earned BMI Pop Music Awards for most-played songs, underscoring their widespread broadcast impact.
Re-releases and remasters
In 1993, Motown Records released a reissue of Cooleyhighharmony in the United States as a single-disc CD, expanding the original 12-track album to 17 tracks by incorporating additional material such as the hit single "End of the Road" from the Boomerang soundtrack, along with remixes and extended versions of select songs like "Motownphilly" and "Uhh Ahh."[2][13] This edition capitalized on the group's rising popularity following the success of "End of the Road," which propelled the reissue to a peak of number three on the Billboard 200 chart, a significant improvement from the original's number 58 debut.[2][48]The album received a major update in 2009 with the release of the Cooleyhighharmony: Expanded Edition, a limited-edition two-disc remastered set issued by Hip-O Select Records, a division of Universal Music Group.[36] Disc one restored the original 1991 track sequence while including the bonus tracks from the 1993 reissue, such as "End of the Road" and Spanish-language versions like "Al Final Del Camino," for a total of 17 tracks; disc two featured 13 rare recordings, including early demos ("Just a Cover Up"), unreleased outtakes ("For All We Know"), and live versions from the group's formative years.[49][36] This digitally remastered version enhanced audio clarity and was praised for its comprehensive packaging, including new liner notes detailing the album's production history.[49]Later physical editions include a 2016 vinyl reissue by Universal Music Enterprises (UMe), marking the first standard-weight LP pressing in over two decades and replicating the original 1991 artwork and 12-track listing without bonus content.[4][50] Since 2010, the album has been widely available on digital streaming platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music, with options for high-resolution audio playback of both the standard edition and the 2009 expanded version featuring up to 30 tracks.[51][35]Collectible variants of the CD have appeared in limited runs, such as the 2009 Hip-O Select two-disc set, which included group photos and extensive liner notes, and a 2019 Japanese import edition by UniversalJapan with bonus tracks and SHM-CD technology for improved sound quality.[36][52] As of 2025, no significant new reissues or remasters have been announced.[5]