Pulse: 60-Second Critic: CD: Boyz II Men

Boyz II Men are back (minus two members) with an album full of Motown covers

It’s been well over a decade since five students from the High School for Creative and Performing Arts harmonized their way into pop stardom with buttery smooth mega-hits like “I’ll Make Love to You” and “End of the Road.” Now decidedly Men, not Boyz, they’re back (minus two members) with an album full of Motown covers. Alas, the Boyz’ effort here is wholly uncreative, perhaps not surprising considering the producers: American Idol judges Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson, who played it safe by choosing such already perfect songs as “Ribbon in the Sky” and “Mercy Mercy Me.” You can’t knock the voices, which have only gotten better with age, but unless you’re a die-hard Motown or Boyz II Men fan, you’re better off sticking with the originals. C-

Boyz II Men, Motown: A Journey Through Hitsville USA (Decca; $17.98)