The genre of R&B underwent quite the resurgence in 2016 thanks to the wonderful albums released by the likes of Frank Ocean, The Weeknd, Solange and Anderson Paak. As 2017 hits full gear, this resurgence gets a blast from the past from one of the most recognizable R&B acts of the ‘90s, Bell Biv DeVoe.

The trio responsible for the classic single “Poison” released their first album since 2001 in “Three Stripes.” The 10-track LP sees the group pick up right where they left off with their trademark sound, demonstrating that there is no school like the old school. The Boston-natives are resisting the urge to imitate the modern sounds and stick with the style that brought them so much fanfare throughout the ‘90s.

Since the formation of the hip-hop genre, R&B has always been closely associated as the sensitive side to hip-hop’s aggression. The positive and negative outlooks on romance have accounted for much of the content in Bell Biv DeVoe’s catalogue since their formation. What sets them apart from some of the rest has been their ability to accompany Ricky Bell’s soulful vocals with the swag of Michael Bivins and Ronnie DeVoe as rappers.

This is on full display on “I’m Betta,” a track produced by Kay Gee of Naughty by Nature. Biv and DeVoe keep it real, convincing a woman to ditch the guy who has been playing her, while Bell is the compassionate one, suggesting that he is a greater option.

Production is a key highlight from this album. The group finds a way to make old trends work incredibly well. Sampling within songs like  “Find a Way” and “I’m Betta,” to the effective utilization of ‘80s-style synthesizers on “Hot Damn.” But the absolute best production comes on the album’s lead single “Run.”

Like “Find a Way” and “I’m Betta,” “Run” is driven by its sample of Herb Alpert’s “Rise,” which will be more recognized as the classic single “Hypnotize” by The Notorious B.I.G. The beat reimagines the original songs as Bell describes his dilemma of giving his all to a woman who will not reciprocate his feelings, yet will gladly accept his gifts.

The lyrical content of “Run” is almost an ironic twist, given that Bell himself sung the famous line “that girl is poison” on the group’s most iconic track. It could be viewed as a modern-day take on their smash hit “Poison,” yet it does not sound like anything the group has ever put out before. From the song’s obvious tribute to Biggie Smalls, with 2017 being the 20th anniversary of his death, to its refreshing, back-to-basics nature in terms of production, this could very well be one of the best singles in 2017.

The album as a whole feels like a tribute to some of the best periods of R&B, from the ‘90s to the early 2000s. Bell Biv DeVoe even teams up with other classic hip-hop and R&B artists such as Doug E. Fresh on “Ready,” Sisters with Voices on the Usher-like slow jam “Finally” and Boyz II Men in the ‘70s soul-inspired “One More Try.”

The end result is an album that reminds listeners of just how incredible R&B was in its heyday, yet it is not merely about capturing nostalgia. The thing about the greats is that they find a way to exist and be successful in adapted time periods and Bell Biv DeVoe discovered a way to be successful while sticking to their guns as musicians. “Three Stripes” is a standout album that is a testament to the greatness of the old school artists while prolonging the resurgence of R&B.