The Boyz are back in town

Shane Gammon

Friday, May 15, 1998 | 11:13 a.m.

It seems Boyz II Men has finally grown into its name.

Since the group's 1991 debut album, "Cooley High Harmony," the soulful, Philadelphia-bred quartet's musical maturity has evolved, evidenced by its most recent disc, "Evolution," which was released late last year. It features the songwriting talents of a pair of rhythm and blues' and hip-hop's most prominent artists.

Singer/songwriter Babyface contributed the tunes "Girl In The Life Magazine" and the radio-embraced "A Song For Mama"; Sean "Puffy" Combs lent a hand with "Can't Let Her Go" and "Come On."

"No more boyish melodrama," Vibe magazine said about "Evolution." "With grace and skill, the Boyz in the band have indeed morphed into Men, and they have the songs to prove it."

Boyz II Men makes its fourth appearance in Las Vegas on Saturday with a performance at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Rolling Stone magazine also reviewed "Evolution" and noted that it "brushes away that ambiguity, making the claim that the group has finally jumped the fence and landed firmly on the side of manhood."

For those not familiar with the Boyz, they are: Wanya Morris, Nate Morris (no relation), Shawn Stockman and Michael McCary. The group has released five albums. The singers' harmonious voices have also appeared on the soundtracks of the films "Boomerang" and, more recently, "Soul Food."

Stockman admitted to Time magazine that prior to the release of Boyz II Men's second album, the aptly titled "II," he was nervous about the record and prayed that it would be a success.

The fretting was for naught: "II" went platinum 11 times to become Motown Record's best-selling album ever. It also produced four singles -- "Thank You," "Vibin'," "Water Runs Dry" and "On Bended Knee."

With the success of "Evolution," it's apparent Boyz II Men has not yet reached the "End of the Road" (the title of another of its hit singles). In fact, the band told Vibe: "Actually, we've come to the beginning of the road."

Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. concert are $35 and $55, and can be purchased at the MGM Grand Garden box office and at Ticketmaster outlets. Call 891-7777 for more information.