ARTSETC.
Backstreet’s back, but bores
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Also by Carolyn Vidmar:
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- Indie rockers' talent front, center at Majestic (February 1, 2008)
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by Carolyn Vidmar
Thursday, November 1, 2007
This week marked the return of the ’90s pop icons, as tabloid sensation Britney Spears and now-quartet Backstreet Boys both released new albums Tuesday. Backstreet’s Unbreakable is an attempt at musical maturity — or at least as much as can be expected from an aging boy band. The album features a few different musical styles but is mostly comprised of generic piano-driven power ballads.
Almost every song on the record sounds the same: like a B-side from earlier albums. Unbreakable lacks the grinding pop beats of 1997’s Backstreet Boys , the record-breaking hit quality of 1999’s Millenium and the edginess of 2000’s Black and Blue. Unfortunately, it is even weaker than 2005’s Never Gone. The boys’ tenacity and perservance is admirable, but their newest album fails to deliver hits.
Formed in 1993 by boy-band monopolizer Lou Pearlman, the Backstreet Boys have been performing and recording for almost 15 years. Though they seem like a typical boy band, their dedication sets them apart; together they have faced several record-company lawsuits and chart battles with ‘N SYNC. In 2006, five became four as oldest member Kevin Richardson left the group. And though record sales are down, the Backstreet Boys are not giving up — even though maybe they should.
Unbreakable opens with a short “Intro,” in which the boys show off their vocal harmonies, and the heavily synthesized “Everything but mine.”
The album’s first single, “Inconsolable,” is, not surprisingly, a piano-driven power ballad that sounds suspiciously similar to the group’s 2005 single, “Incomplete.” The most redeeming of the ballads is “Something that I already know,” which shows a continued improvement in their vocal harmonies, or at least their producers’ ability to fix them.
The Backstreet Boys have lost any edge they ever had — forget the sweet but independent bad boy image that was once their claim to fame. As evidenced by songs like “Trouble Is,” and “Helpless When She Smiles,” the Backstreet Boys have become sappy, groveling men (Sample lyric: “I’m a house of cards in a hurricane/ A reckless ride in the pouring rain/ She cuts me and the pain is all I wanna feel”).
The first song co-written by the boys themselves, “One in a Million,” has a groovy R&B beat, but its lyrics seem questionably familiar. Perhaps the best song on the album is the guitar-driven dance tune “Panic,” which was also co-written by all four Backstreet Boys. They at least deserve props for writing songs slightly better than those given to them by their writers. Can the professionals really not muster up any creativity, though? Or do they assume the album will sell the modest number of records the label expects anyway, so why bother?
Unbreakable ends on a low note; its closing songs, “Unmistakable,” and “Unsuspecting Sunday Afternoon,” might as well be titled “Unremarkable” and “Unsatisfying Sunday Nap.”
Ten years after the Backstreet Boys became a phenomenon with boy band crazed middle schoolers, a few songs are catchy, and their harmonies are perfectly intact. But the group is clearly lacking new material; many of the new songs evoke earlier Backstreet tunes, and they seem to be recycling titles, ideas and lyrics. These songs are cloying even by boy-band standards. Unbreakable could be considered an acceptable pop album with the adult crowd, but Backstreet fans from back in the day (at least those who still willing to buy an album) are sure to be disappointed.
2 stars out of 5
Anonymous (November 1, 2007 @ 9:11am):
I think your album review sucks. BSB have been around for 15 years, and they have sold almost 100 million albums. As a member of their official WeirdWorld fanclub, I assure you that we don't care what you say in your pathetic attempt to put down BSB. Why don't you write about something important like, let's see, global warming?
Critics will not keep the guys or their fans down! We don't care what you say. If you've been a fan for as long as I have, 14 years, you will realize that BSB are very talented and actually nice guys, and have worked hard for where they are. So, we don't give a crap what you say.
Besides, your innuendos and your writing style is fluffy. :)
Anonymous (November 1, 2007 @ 10:35am):
I think you've just lost your mind. BSB is growing up. They're not kids anymore. Their music now has such a more mature feel to it. You're just mad. Get over yourself. Thanks.
Anonymous (November 1, 2007 @ 3:04pm):
I respect your opinion, but you need to rethink your self. The CD has NOT disapointed fans! We think the CD is amazing. We have grown with them over the last 15 years, so we are not immature little kids anylonger. We are all older, and starting families of our own. There are also still younger kids out there they love their music also that just got exposed to their music when Never Gone was realeased. So no Carolyn they have not lost anything. Also, Carolyn if I might add, yes they may be aging, but they are still sexier then ever and sound better then ever. The Backstreet Boys are like a fine wine, They get better with age!
Anonymous (November 1, 2007 @ 3:30pm):
It seems the boys can never win. Every album they have ever released has been panned by critics. Earlier ones were "overly-produced, pathetic attempts for real music" characterized by overly-poppy styles. Now they mature their sound, and it isn't catchy enough? Hmm. Sounds like no matter what they do, critics will complain.
As for Unsuspecting Sunday Afternoon, I find it to be one of the best tracks on the CD. Newsflash: Mature songs (what people seemed to want from BSB) don't come in the form of techno happy songs.
Oh well, I guess I can't expect much from a journalist like you. You could at least pour your efforts into other wortwhile issues.
saijal basi (November 1, 2007 @ 4:20pm):
I also strongly disagree with this review. Since the genre of the music remains the same why should they change their style? Nothing is wrong with their piano ballads and their guitar driven tunes. That is what they are fantastic in delivering. I think this album is one of the greatest out of all and I enjoy driving just so I can listen to all the songs.
Anonymous (November 1, 2007 @ 5:57pm):
The only music that you truly enjoy is the kind of music that only baby boomers like you would even listen to, for example: englebert humperdink(whatever if I spelled his name wrong), wayne newton, etc. IF YOU DON'T HAVE ANYTHING GOOD TO SAY ABOUT BACKSTREET BOYS! DON'T WRITE ABOUT THEM AT ALL!!!!!!!!!!! >:-(
signed,
VERY ANGRY AT YOUR RESPONSE
Anonymous (November 1, 2007 @ 6:14pm):
You have your information wrong. They have not only co-wrote songs for Unbreakable, but for each of their other cd's, starting with Millenium. There were 4 on Millenium (Back to YOur Heart, Larger Than Life, Don't want you Back, & The Perfect Fan), 6 on Black & Blue (Time, Everyone, How Did I Fall in Love With You, What Makes You Different, Yes I Will, & Answer To Our Life), and 1 on Nevedr Gone (Never Gone). At least get your facts straight. It must be rough for you, since you never learned how to properly research an article that you are writing!! Get your facts straight next time.
Anonymous (November 1, 2007 @ 6:28pm):
I think you are completely wrong in what you are saying. The Boys have returned with a great album, and still have the fan power to back them up. Most of their fans have followed them since day one or since one of the cd's came out. They have stood the test time and will continue to do so with the help of their loyal and dedicated fans and new fans also.
Anonymous (November 1, 2007 @ 9:44pm):
While I respect your right to express your opinion, I have to disagree. I have been a fan of the Backstreet Boys since I was 7 years old (I'm 18 now) and while I was not thrilled by Never Gone I truly believe that Unbreakable is an amazing CD. Their power ballads are amazing and they have some wonderfully catching tunes that are great for singing along and even dancing to. Yes, they are getting older but the fact of the matter is that they are still as talented as ever and Backstreet fans all over the world will agree.
Anonymous (November 1, 2007 @ 10:24pm):
She doesn't write about global warming because if you noticed... she writes for the ARTS section of the newspaper. In the end, art is subjective and her opinion means that she did not like it. No of course you are not suppose to believe what she says, but don't insult her because you don't agree. BSB could have been a group for 15 years... that does not mean automatic awesomeness or you are going to be great.
Anonymous (November 1, 2007 @ 10:37pm):
Look I gotta an idea, how about you tell me that you havent ever listened to any pop genre music and then critize them. Because guess what, they may have became really noticed around the time Brit Spears came out, but the difference is they are actually well grounded. The only reason you are bashing them is because you can't find anything interesting about the pot heads who put their kids in a carseat the wrong way or went to jail because they werent driving with a license. Maybe you ought to take it into consideration that they have millions of fans all over the entire world while you obviously dont have many or otherwise there wouldnt be so many ppl disagreeing wtih what your uneducated opinion said. At least their songs actually have meaning to them despite some of these songs out like 'Ay bay bay' or 'Lean Like A Cholo' their's actually has a meaning to them besides oh I don't know, comparing themselves to the language comprehension of a 2 year old or a an instrument. They stick with what is the best and they are the best. Maybe you ought to do a little more research instead of talking out of your a**.
Anonymous (November 1, 2007 @ 11:54pm):
the backstreet boys new album is GREAT!!!! i am sooooo proud of the boys! they are the best they can dance sing and make a great album their song Unsuspecting Sunday Afternoon is awesome. Obviously the person who wrote this article doesnt know about music and i bet she probably likes Barry Manilow
Anonymous (November 2, 2007 @ 8:06am):
Ms. Vidmar,
I don't get this "aging boyband" thing. If that's the case with BSB, then you must believe that The Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, The Eagles, Bon Jovi, etc., are all be ready for a dirt nap. How old are you anyway?
Personally, I love all of "Unbreakable". I find it a fresh and exciting project from a versital and unbreakable group of talented young men you know how to carry a tune and keep a fan base. And I'm in my early 50s so I have experience with the other bands I mentioned, and they, like Backstreet Boys, are still around so they must have something people want to hear.
By the way, this is the ONLY part of your article I agreed with:
"...and their harmonies are perfectly intact."
Could you spare it?
Anonymous (November 2, 2007 @ 8:15am):
Well, Ms. Vidmar...I see quite a few folks from the Backstreet Boys Weird World Fan Club crew have come in to comment. *grins* Well, I am also from WW, and I'm the one who said she was in her 50s and made reference to Bon Jovi, The Eagles, etc., taking the "dirt nap". Just wanted to come back and show you than I am NOT alone in feeling you were all wrong in your review. Thanks.
Audra Cornelius (November 2, 2007 @ 9:49am):
Sorry, Lady, but Backstreet still has fans. I have been a fan since 1998 so I can tell you I know what I'm talking about. In fact, at least the Backstreet boys are still together and singing music that still makes their fans happy while N'SUX has broken up and one of their memebers is trying to be a rapper. You so need to go to myspace. I belong to a BSB group and I know that many others feel the same as I do.
Heather Buford (November 2, 2007 @ 10:14am):
apparently you didn't bother to listen to the album either! Unbreakable is their BEST album to date and that is a FACT among the majority of fans. Call them a boyband all you want but the Backstreet Boys are the REAL DEAL! your "critics" need to to recognize and grow up and stop writing them off for being the Backstreet Boys from the start.
and Unsuspecting Sunday Afternoon is a song that could easily be on an Aerosmith or John Mayer album.
But in the end, who cares what noname "critics" think b/c real fans know they are the real deal!
Anonymous (November 2, 2007 @ 11:46am):
what the heck u on about record sales neva dropped! if anything they got more.
Anonymous (November 2, 2007 @ 12:46pm):
Might I add a little knowledge to this review you have may well forgotten. You and countless other "journalists" have stated the Backstreet Boys can't write their own music the very "king of Rock & Roll" who is from your generation Elvis Presley, never wrote a single one of his top hits.
Secondly, I don't know why people like you keep ripping into Backstreet Boys because their music isn't what you would like, The fact that most other artists out their are "over synthesized" or screaming in most of their songs should make you feel refreshed and relieved that there is a music group still true to harmonies and musical lyrics that aren't about talking "bitches" and "hoes".
I don't get where you get off of thinking you have the right in censuring of a band who has withstood your wasteful review, among a thousand others, and has made millions in the process. In the next ten years you'll be praising the genius that is the Backstreet Boys, so meanwhile get over yourself and do your research before your write such overloaded and pompous article.
Anonymous (November 2, 2007 @ 4:15pm):
This review makes the album sound bad. The album does not sound bad in my opinion.
Anonymous (November 2, 2007 @ 4:34pm):
wow these comments crack me up. Vidmar, I feel so bad for you.
Anonymous (November 2, 2007 @ 4:44pm):
I just cannot understand how anyone could feel personally insulted by a pop CD review. If you are still convinced of the Backstreet Boys' genius, that's your prerogative.
But attacks on a student reviewer that boil down to "How dare you not agree with THE FANS!" are not going change anyone's mind.
Anonymous (November 3, 2007 @ 7:16pm):
I think u need to grow up and get over the fact that these guys are talented enough to be around for as long as they have been!!! Ur probably just basicing it just like everyone else does!! "O ITS A BOY BAND" well i am here to tell you that this is not boy band anymore! and i love the new album! trust me i listen to all diferent kinda of music so its not like this is all that i like! get over ur self and if u can't judge albums right based on MUSIC then maybe u should start looking for a new job!! cuz i can tell u right now you SUCk at ur JOB!! and i am suprised that badger herald is keepin you around!
Anonymous (November 3, 2007 @ 8:59pm):
Seems this so called journalist needs to go back to college and take music apperication again! Either you didn't learn squat or your deaf tone!!
Anonymous (November 3, 2007 @ 10:01pm):
Well, I'll just put it this way..
I could rant and complain about how this so called 'critic' is wrong, but all I want to say is that the Backstreet Boys have MILLIONS of fans around the world, and what it all comes down to is they make the music for their fans..Not for the critics and the charts. Give me a break, do you honestly think that they need the chart topping singles and albums to create a fan base anymore? They have reached the biggest fan base in this generation, and they don't need to prove anything to the fans that have been with them from day one.
Unbreakable is in the end, genius. Each and every song delivers amazing melodies, lyrics, and harmonies. This is by far, the best Backstreet Boys album to date.
As a fan, I can't wait for the tour and then another album! Like someone already posted, just like wine - the Boys get better with age. Think about it: They're growing men now, not some young boys trying to impress the ladies. Who cares anymore?
They're out there for their amazing fan base, making excellent music time and time again.
I hope you realized that writing a so called review like this was going to create an uproar with the fans. And they are right, get your facts straight. Then try writing a truthful review. It's sad to think that some people are going to read this mess and not buy the album because of your lame opinion. I think the fans are the only true critics to the musicians.
On that note, I am happy to see all the Weird World'ers on here and expressing the honest opinion of the album. Congrats, I am sure the Boys appreciate it all.
adele mcartney (November 4, 2007 @ 9:29am):
I have been a fan of Backstreet Boys since 1993. i have liked all songs/albums(including this 1) and will continue to as long as they are willing to release them.so please i know you are only doing your job but do not act like you know what we want or think we will like or dislike. you are obviously not a fan otherwise you wouldnt be talking such rubbish.as a fan i think most will agree that this album is great. so please crawl back under the rock you came from and stay there. do us all a favour. x
Anonymous (November 6, 2007 @ 10:24pm):
Here's a memo to all the BSB fans who posted here: Believe it or not, critics are allowed to have their own opinion on the music they write about. They do not have to consult with any "Weird World" fan club to make sure that their opinion is going to be OK with fans of the group. The fact that a group has been together for a long time does not automatically make them good. If you like the album, fine. Enjoy it. That does not mean that Carolyn Vidmar or anybody else has to like it. Get over yourselves, stop behaving like crybabies because someone doesn't like your treasured Backstreet Boys. And stop hating on the critics just because their opinions differ from yours.
Anonymous (December 24, 2007 @ 9:35pm):
Girl, you got some issues! Backstreet's new Unbreakable is awesome, every bit of it. I may only be 11 and have only been a fan of them ever since this year's September, I'm criticizing! Whether you like it or not, Backstreet's Back, ALRIGHT!!!!
melodee ray (January 22, 2008 @ 2:03pm):
"And though record sales are down, the Backstreet Boys are not giving up — even though maybe they should."
i think the last part was really unprofessional... but eh...
i agree, they aren't as popular as they used to be, but, i think that their music is more "mature", we went from "we've got it going on" "all i have to give" which lyrics are somewhat pathetic to song with a lot more of feelings like "unbreakable" "helpless when she smiles" ... which i think people can rely to it much more than "i'll never break your heart" or any old songs they used to sing.
i think it will take some times before backstreet boys music gets a second chance, but probably is all worthy in the end...
you know i don't thing they have to be as big as they used to anyway. before it was "crazy" now it's much more laid back and thats ok because thats basically happening to every 90's or 80's big bands. don't be confused, that doesn't mean it's the end... ;)
Anonymous (April 10, 2008 @ 2:27pm):
I have a couple of things to say.
1. I know we are all entitled to our opinions and all, but what kind of reviewer are you if you don't get your facts straight? Please do your research next time you review any artist's music.
2. Yes, the Backstreet Boys aren't that popular anymore, but that's only because our generation has moved on to music where all you can hear is screaming about nonsensical things. The Backstreet Boys' music actually means something.
3. And, the Backstreet Boys do not only have adult fans. I have actually been a BSB fan for 10 years, and I am now 16. It doesn't really matter how old or young you are, because either way, the Backstreet Boys ARE amazing.
4. Every song on their new album is excellent. Enough said. :)
Anonymous (April 20, 2008 @ 9:30am):
STUPIC EDIOT!!!
you make no scense
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