Final answer:
Boys II Men updated the boy band style with emotional R&B ballads and harmonious elements borrowed from soul and doo-wop. They influenced artists like Justin Timberlake and groups like One Direction, blending contemporary sounds with the boy band image.
Step-by-step explanation:
'End of the Road' by Boys II Men is often cited as an update of the Teen Idol/Boy Band style for its time period, early 1990s. This R&B ballad distinguishes itself by dialing back on the more energetic pop vibes that characterized much of the genre in previous decades, and infusing more emotionally resonant and expressive vocals that are heavily influenced by soul and doo-wop harmonies from the 1950s and '60s. Boys II Men's focus on vocal harmony and smoother R&B sound updated the boy band formula to include these older, classic influences, setting a trend that would be followed by subsequent bands.
The style of Boys II Men can be seen as a bridge between the romantic expressions of early Motown artists and the modern R&B genre. Their powerful harmonies, keen fashion sense, and polished performances helped them to stand out. As for their influence, it is evident in the music of current artists and groups such as Justin Timberlake, who has often blended R&B with pop, as well as in bands like One Direction who have drawn on the boy band image while incorporating more contemporary sounds.