N-Toon

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Amazon

Let’s face it. The TV and radio airwaves are flooded with boy bands almost to the point of nausea. From ‘N Sync to the Backstreet Boys, labels are capitalizing on what they hope to be the sound of the next generation. Mysteriously missing from this cynical offering is the youthful R&B boy band. I’ll be the first to admit that young R&B bands seldom have a staying power in the music industry. Groups like ABC (Another Bad Creation) and Soul for Real were both one hit wonders and have seemingly disappeared from the biz, even the older, wiser Boys II Men have had to step aside to make room for flashier, more marketable groups.

Four young men from Atlanta, Georgia who go by the name of N-Toon are trying to change this. Toon Time is a venture from DreamWorks to try to bring some of that R&B flava back to the airwaves. N-Toon will not blow you away with their musical prowess. What they do offer is sing-songy choruses that are free of foul language and sexual innuendos, and it’s refreshing to see a group try to make it in the pop business without the glitz and glamour that has become associated with the MTV generation.

The quartet consists of two brothers Chuckie and Lloyd and their friends Justin, and Everett. Though N-Toon may be young (their ages range from nine-14) they show maturity through their music by reminding other young groups who are exploited by the music industry that it’s all right to be a kid. The group does not attempt to stretch their material by touching on subjects that they know nothing about. Tracks like “Shoulda Been My Girl” and “Lisa Lisa” are soulful ballads about teenage love. They also offer a few danceable songs and two rap cuts. This reviewer found the most enjoyable track to be “Happy Father’s Day,” a dedication to the groups various fathers, past and absent, whom they still feel incredible love for.

N-Toon’s efforts fall short in a few categories. First, it seems as if they can’t decide what type of group they want to be. At times they want to be R&B, and at times they try to cater to a hip-hop audience. Given a few more years to grow and perfect their particular style, whatever it may be, I feel that N-Toon has a bright future in the music industry. Parents should have little trouble finding Toon Time a suitable CD for their young children to listen to.