broomqueesha's Full Review: Backstreet Boys by Backstreet Boys
In the wonderful world known as the late 90's, the entire world was subjected to highly choreographed dance moves, scarily coordinated outfits, and painfully high sopranos in the form of five prepubescent boys called the Backstreet Boys (well, they were the first, anyway). The teen pop hell that broke loose can all be traced back to their self-titled debut, released in 1997, and nearly every track of which was turned into a single somewhere, sometime, somehow. However, I have to give these guys some credit, because I thoroughly enjoy this record, even to this day. Though formulaic and bland, the guys really had something going with their on-point harmonies and fresh batch of catchy dance jingles. Backstreet Boys was truly the sound of the times and reflects an era where an 8-year-old broom had nothing better to do but ogle Nick Carter's perfectly groomed bowlcut. Or not.
We've Got It Goin On is one of the fun dance jams that, I'm not afraid to say, I break it down to every night when I'm alone in my room. With that opening "Ahhhhhh!" and catchy hook, this upbeat number is the perfect way to kick off the record. The vocals aren't quite as polished as the rest of the album, but it suits the track, and I love it. Now I'm sure you're all familiar with Quit Playing Games and its pleasant guitars and twinkly production. This song is so sappy, it hurts, but it's a total guilty pleasure. The vocals are soft and sweet and, though it's hardly a unique cut, I still enjoy it. As Long As You Love Me is nearly identical as far as the overall sound, since they use the same production elements. The vocals are a bit more passionate, but certainly not phenomenal. However, it's catchy as all hell and has a nice little message to it. Not that you care, I'm sure.
I've never been a fan of Everybody and I never will be. It's synth-heavy, catchy, and danceable, but I really don't like those false-sexified vocals, especially with the whole "Am I sexual?" thing not. Because no, Nicky sweetie, little effeminate blonde teenage boys are not sexual. All in all, this tune can become rather grating. On the other hand, All I Have To Give has been one of my personal favorites for years, mostly because it has a smoother, more R&B sound. It's a lush mid-tempo ballad with excellent harmonies and is totally full of cheese, but I love it, dammit. It's not as production-heavy as the other tracks, so that's always a plus. Anywhere For You is one of the album's disposable tracks. Cheesy, airy, and full of off-key harmonies, this track is barely worth the listen. I can see how it would have worked overseas, though. But just skip it, because they're trying to emulate the whole Boyz II Men sound and it just doesn't work.
Hey Mr. DJ is another personal favorite with its thumping bass and slightly less bubblegum sound. It's still infinitely catchy - "Hey Mr. DJ keep playin' this song for me/Out on the floor in my arms she's gotta be/Let's get it on/Jam all night long/Mr. DJ, Mr. DJ" - but not as infinitely annoying. The vocals aren't as whiny and the overall sound is just a bit more mature. I'll Never Break Your Heart is another one of those tear-jerking ballads that touches even me. The harmonies are on point and the smoother, more glistening sound is reminiscent of Boyz II Men. This is easily one of the disc's most impressive numbers, particularly vocally. Everything comes together in true pop power ballad perfection. Darlin' also has some decent harmonies and a pleasant melody, but the production is bland and predictable. It's just too cheesy to really be remembered.
Now for another requisite party song - Get Down is both fruity and cheesy (how'd they manage that one?) and is such a cliche teen pop song. And I love it! With the constant repetitions of "Get down, get down, and move it all around!" this pulsating, synth-happy dance jingle is a definite toe-tapper, even with that horrible rap thrown in. Set Adrift On Memory Bliss is just horrible. Horrible horrible horrible. It's really the only steaming pile of poo on this disc that can't be cleaned up. The harmonies are off, it's not at all catchy, and the production is... well, it's something, that's for sure. Just do your ears a favor and skip it. If You Want It To Be Good Girl, produced by Shania's man Mutt Lange, is another particular favorite of mine. The bass line is massive and, though I don't care for Nick Carter's faux-sexy/whiny vocals, it's rather enjoyable. Of course, the lyrics are a bit racy for a bunch of teenagers to be singing, but it's kind of funny, in a way. Anywho, this song just has a slightly more edgy, roughed-up sound to it, making it unique from the rest of the record.
As a whole, Backstreet Boys is a solid package. Every song fits in nicely like a piece of a puzzle to create an overall cohesive record. Of course, as is true of the times, there aren't any great, innovative leaps or musical milestones contained on this, one of the forerunners of the teen pop movement. But Backstreet Boys is a bright, happy, bouncy record that serves its purpose, however mindless though it may be. It's one of those albums that you really have to put into context when reviewed eight years later (has it really been that long? yeesh!) because it is so dated, but I still really enjoy this record. It's nonsensical and danceable and just focuses on the catchy hooks that were characteristic of that time. The Backstreet Boys' debut effort is, in my opinion, their best and truly epitomizes what was great about the mindless music of the late 90's.
Repeat: "I'll Never Break Your Heart," "All I Have To Give," and "If You Want It To Be Good Girl"
Skip: "Darlin'," "Set Adrift On Memory Bliss," and "Anywhere For You"
Great Music To Play While: Painstakingly trimming your bowlcut to perfection and searching for the largest hoop earrings known to man in order to achieve that dreamy boy bander look.
Other Albums By This Artist:Millenium, Black & Blue, The Hits: Chapter 1
Their debut album brought this group to fame. Since the release of their 1997 debut album, the Backstreet Boys have been redefining the meaning of pop...More at Buy.com Marketplaces
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