Those who came of age in the 90s may remember All-4-One, who scored a massive 1994 hit with "I Swear," a cover of the John Michael Montgomery country tune. The ballad "I Can Love You Like That" also reached the top 5 in Billboard's singles chart that same year. After they received the Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal Grammy for "I Swear," the foursome (singers Tony Borowiak, Jamie Jones, Delious Kennedy, and Alfred Nevarez) seemed to largely disappear from US charts, eventually finding more success overseas. Their first US release in seven years, No Regrets, aims to recapture the American market
The best single off No Regrets is "My Child," a slow jam that recalls 70s Philadelphia soul. The group sings lyrics written from the perspective of a man pleading with the mother of his son to let him become more involved in raising the child. On this track, the four demonstrate their considerable harmonizing skills.
Continuing the retro vibe is "Ol' Fashion Lovin,'" a nod to 50s doo-wop groups (think The Penguins' and Crew Cuts' versions of "Earth Angel" from the mid-50s). "I Luv That Girl" is the group's stab at the Motown sound; while the song may not equal the memorable qualities of such a tune, the doo-wop background vocals recall the 60s-era Temptations.
All-4-One are less successful when they sing more contemporary tunes that simply do not sound distinctive enough from other tunes by late-90s boy bands like 98 Degrees or the Backstreet Boys.
The four sing ballads like "Perfect" well, but the lyrics about not being "perfect,"
but rather that the lady is "perfect" for him do not say anything new. "If Your Heart's Not in It" contains the same problems—unremarkable lyrics and an indistinct melody; the song is reminiscent of typical "boy band" ballads from the late 90s.
"My Child" stands out because of its unique perspective, which would have been welcome on other No Regrets tracks. Instead, the album contains too many ballads like "When I Needed an Angel," which leans too heavily on that generic, R&B-influenced pop sound. While "The Day Life Began" also suffers from clichéd lyrics, the chord changes and the All-4-One's full-bodied harmonies in the chorus rescue the song.







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