LOS ANGELES, CA- Standing on the steps of the Hollywood Bowl, under the glowing arch that has hosted musical legends for decades, I felt like a giddy high school kid all over again. Seeing Boyz II Men perform for the first time at this iconic venue wasn’t just a concert; it was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream, wrapped in memories that had shaped my youth and love for music. As their three-night stand kicked off, I couldn’t help but reminisce about those early days when “Cooleyhighharmony” became a foundational pillar in my personal musical education.
Back in high school, Boyz II Men had me so hooked on their smooth, harmonious sound that I hunted down a red blazer at an estate sale—yes, a red blazer—and paired it with baggy jeans for high school dances. The blazer was my homage to the cool, polished style Boyz II Men embodied, and it became part of my own awkward attempts at cool. Their debut album was more than just an introduction to R&B; it was a soundtrack to my adolescence, guiding me through countless mixtapes and high school crushes. When their album “II” dropped, tracks like “On Bended Knee,” “I’ll Make Love To You,” “Water Runs Dry,” and “End of the Road” became the go-to selections for every mixtape I made for a girl I was trying to impress. In a way, Boyz II Men had become my musical wingmen, and their ballads were the sweet melodies of unspoken feelings and endless teenage yearning.
So, fast forward to the Hollywood Bowl in 2024, and there I was, reliving every moment that had connected me to their music. But before Boyz II Men took the stage, there was another pop legend that deserved her spotlight—Paula Abdul.
Let’s talk about Paula Abdul for a moment. It wasn’t my first time seeing her perform live—I caught her set a few years ago at a festival, and she absolutely blew me away then. But this night, she reminded me once again why she’s one of the most underrated pop icons of her generation. I mean, she’s in her early 60s and still dancing better than people half her age. Watching her work the stage with the same precision and energy she had decades ago was like watching an ageless force of nature. Her choreography was on point, her vocals sharp, and her stage presence magnetic. Paula Abdul is an underrated pop queen who still dances circles around us all.
I think today’s youth seriously overlook her music. Her hits—songs like “Forever Your Girl,” “Straight Up,” and “Opposites Attract”—are pure pop perfection. They capture the essence of late ’80s/early ’90s pop in a way that few artists have managed since. Every time I hear “Forever Your Girl,” I can’t help but smile. It’s one of those infectious tunes that pulls you back into a carefree, joyful state of mind. It’s a song that never fails to remind me of simpler times when life revolved around cassette tapes and dance floors. Seeing her perform it live again, even now, was a nostalgic rush and a firm reminder that Paula’s music is evergreen—just like Boyz II Men.
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And then it happened. The lights dimmed, the crowd roared, and Boyz II Men walked onto the stage. In that moment, the Hollywood Bowl—this hallowed ground where musical giants like Frank Sinatra once performed—felt more significant than ever. The Bowl is more than just a venue; it’s a stage reserved for the elite, for artists whose talent transcends time. And Boyz II Men fit that bill perfectly. Their harmonies were as flawless as ever, their stage presence dignified yet humble, and their connection with the audience palpable.
Let’s not forget, this group is responsible for some of the greatest ballads in modern music. From the minute they launched into “On Bended Knee” and “Water Runs Dry,” I was swept back into those high school days when their music served as the soundtrack to every romantic aspiration and heartbreak. Their setlist was a comprehensive journey through their catalog, hitting all the right emotional notes with classics like “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday,” “One Sweet Day,” “I’ll Make Love to You,” and of course, “End of the Road.” Every song felt like a chapter of my own story, and judging by the audience’s reaction, I wasn’t the only one feeling that way.
At one point during the show, Boyz II Men took a pause to thank Paula Abdul, recounting a special moment when they first met her. They shared how, in their early days, before they had become the global R&B icons they are today, Paula was already ascending the heights of her pop career. Her influence and encouragement left a lasting impression on them as young artists. Standing on stage together at the Hollywood Bowl all these years later, they called it a “full-circle moment,” recognizing how far they’d come and how their journeys had intertwined in ways that felt almost serendipitous. It was a touching nod to Paula’s impact on their careers and a beautiful reflection on the passage of time and success
What really set this night apart, though, was how effortlessly Boyz II Men covered songs that others might treat as karaoke renditions. They performed a medley of American classics—”A Change Is Gonna Come,” “Are You Gonna Go My Way,” “American Woman,” “Locked Out of Heaven,” and “Purple Rain”—and managed to own them in a way only true legends can. When they launched into Journey’s “Open Arms,” I felt the Bowl’s energy shift. They took that rock ballad, a classic in its own right, and turned it into something uniquely their own, with soaring harmonies that gave the song new life. Their rendition didn’t just pay tribute to the original; it elevated it.
The highlight for me? “4 Seasons of Loneliness.” That song has one of the most beautiful transitions from bridge to chorus I’ve ever heard, and hearing it live was nothing short of breathtaking. It’s the kind of song that sneaks up on you emotionally, and when that chorus hits, it’s like an emotional release. Boyz II Men knows how to build a song, layer it with harmonies, and deliver it with such sincerity that you can’t help but feel the weight of every note.
By the time the night came to an end, I was full of gratitude—for Boyz II Men, for Paula Abdul, for the Hollywood Bowl, and for the moments in life when music transcends time, space, and memory. Seeing Boyz II Men at this esteemed venue was a full-circle moment for me. It was like being transported back to those high school dances, but now with the wisdom of years and the deep appreciation of an adult who understands just how special those musical moments were.
Boyz II Men isn’t just a group from the ’90s—they’re part of the soundtrack of a lifetime, and their talent continues to prove that they deserve every bit of reverence given to artists like Sinatra who once graced the same stage. And I, for one, am just thankful that I got to witness it all firsthand.
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