The Backstreet Boys have grown 20 years older since they started out but has their music grown with them? 20 years after
We were first introduced to Nick Carter’s floppy blond locks, Backstreet’s back with all five members. The Boys managed to persuade Kevin Richardson to return for an 8th album and a world tour. But can they reclaim the charts with their efforts?
From Boys to Men
Not many things are more embarrassing than a group of old men trying to sound young. That’s why I think it’s commendable that the Backstreet Boys (out of which four are proud fathers), have decided to tone it down from their teeny-bopper pop past to the adult contemporary sound that’s heard in their latest album, In A World Like This.
It’s a brave move, and yet an essential one, because their fans have grown up, and so have they.
A Change in Sound
That said, The Backstreet Boys may have steered a little too far from what they (and we) are familiar with. Most of the songs are ballads, with no stand-up anthems – great to listen to on your average day but not pumped-up enough to spur me to my feet.
In fact, many of the songs do sound a little similar to one another. The tracks that stick out would be the slightly more upbeat “Permanent Stain” and the acoustic “Madeleine”, an inspirational anti-bullying track that does a great job of putting AJ McLean’s crooning centre-stage.
“Show ‘Em (What You’re Made Of)” is another song you should look out for, with a chorus that’s probably the catchiest of the lot.
Overall, it’s a respectable and listenable album but as a 20th anniversary comeback, I wouldn’t say that it’s as strong as I had hoped it would be.
Tune in to Charmaine Phua on Eats & Entertainment as she shares her love for food and movies, on Saturdays from 5pm-9pm, on Power 98FM.
About the author, Charmaine Phua
Charmaine Phua is Executive Producer / Presenter of Power 98. She is proud to say that she’s never screamed at the top of her lungs for any boy-band or girl-band (or hair-bands). Tune in to her on Power 98FM.
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