By Jeanette Toomer

It was just a few years ago when two of the hottest R&B groups topped the record charts. This past Saturday, The fine divas of En Vogue and funky gents of Boyz II Men returned and rocked a standing-room-only crowd at B.B. King’s Club on 42nd Street.

En Vogue set it off with their hit “Hold On” and reprised several hot numbers. When they lit into “Free Your Mind,” the whole club bounced to the frenetic neat and tightly harmonized lyrics. These three ladies turned on the charm with the romantic “Don’t Let Go, “ and cautioned sisters to “Give It Up, Turn It Loose” if their relationship is one-sided.

Boyz II Men kicked off their set with none other than their upbeat introductory self-titled track. They then served up one of their smoothest ballads “Down on Bended Knee.” By this time, everyone was either singing along or swaying quietly, mesmerized by the three who delivered smooth harmonies and choreography.

Nathan Morris, Shawn Stockman and Wanya Morris introduced tunes from their new CD, “The Throwback Album,” released on August 24th. They have recorded classic R&B tunes from the 70’s and 80’s, which they said had inspired them. For the enthusiastic fans they performed a few selections, among them “For the Love of You,” Sarah, Smile” and “What You Won’t Do for Love.”

The crowd got what it wanted in the end- the Boyz II Men classics- as they brilliantly delivered two of their greatest love songs, “Water Runs Dry,” and “I’ll Make Love to You.” The audience swayed from side to side and couples hugged each other.

Boyz II Men returned for an encore after they were called back by the audience and performed the song that put them in the record books for all time, “The End of the Road.”

This night seemed like a new beginning for this ever-popular trio.