112 [PA] (CD - 1996)

Additional personnel includes: Faith Evans (vocals); The Notorious B.I.G., Mase (rap vocals); Bob Robinson (piano, keyboards); Tim Kelley (keyboards, bass, drums); Deric Angelettie (programming); Kelly Price (background vocals); Mr. Cheeks.

Producers include: Sean "Puffy" Combs, Stevie J., Al B. Sure!

Principally recorded at D.A.R.P. Studios, Atlanta, Georgia; Daddy's House Recording Studios, Unique Recording Studios and The Hit Factory, New York, New York.

Establishing themselves not only as new artists but as new songwriters, the four singers in 112 introduce their self-titled debut with a number of ballads and slowed-down grooves that focus on love and life. The smooth sound of their music blends perfectly with their four-part harmonies. With the support of Bad Boy Entertainment founder and producer Sean "Puffy" Combs, and occasional appearances by labelmates Faith Evans and The Notorious B.I.G., 112's songs sound like easy pop hits. "Only You" and "Come See Me" are aimed at the club scene, while "Call My Name" and "Can I Touch You" work best at home with the lights dimmed.

Personnel: Mase, The Notorious B.I.G. (rap vocals); Bob Robinson (piano, keyboards); Daron Jones (piano); Kelly Robinson (keyboards); Tim Kelly (drums); Deric "D-Dot" Angelettie (programming); Kelly Price (background vocals).

Audio Mixers: Tim ; Doug Wilson; Bob ?; Charles "Prince Charles" Alexander ; Darin Prindle; Lane Craven; Michael Patterson ; Paul Logus; Tony Maserati.

Audio Remasterers: Nasheim Myrick; Carlos "6 July" Broady.

Photographer: Danny Clinch.

Unknown Contributor Role: The Emotions.

With a big push from industry mogul Puff Daddy (who helped out with writing and producing the album, in addition to putting it out on his Bad Boy label), 112's debut became a romantic soul hit upon its release in 1996. A quartet that specialize in close harmonies and a light, hip-hop-influenced urban contemporary sound, 112 bear more than a passing resemblance to Boyz II Men, but this detracted from neither their obvious talents nor their record sales.

The group's self-titled first effort is arguably its best. From the cover image of a dapper-looking foursome in white suits to the love-themed slow jams that fill the disc, 112's debut epitomizes the clean, respectable boy group. "Only You," the album's lead-off single, with its addictive, low-end groove, remains a highlight.

As the first romantic soul group on Puff Daddy's Bad Boy label, 112 at least has the appearance of originality. However, their eponymous debut demonstrates that this is only an appearance -- in reality, they are much like a Boyz II Men clone. That's not necessarily bad, actually. 112 have strong voices, and their smooth harmonies are quite seductive, making the lack of originality in their music easy to overlook. A little more variety on 112 would have been nice -- the album consists almost entirely of ballads -- but the group's sound and Puffy's professional production make it a pleasurable record nevertheless. ~ Leo Stanley minimize