The Backstreet Boys have been a favorite of mine since the summer of 1997 when I first bought the single Quit Playing Games. I had not heard it but I was buying any thing that hit the top ten. Back then when it was a singles chart it was easier to do. Now its harder to find songs that chart because they might not even be available. How ludicrous is that? Here's the most popular song of the week but it is not available for anyone to buy it in any form. Argh! Anyway, ever since that first single I have snatched up anything and everything put out by Brian, Kevin, AJ, Howie, and Nick. This year Black and Blue was the most played CD and at number twelve is The Hits - Chapter One, their greatest hits compilation. Also, on Black And Blue they have done more collaborative songwriting on songs like The Answer To Our Life and Time.
What is it about the Backstreet Boys that appeals to me so much? There is no doubt I am a fan of melodic pop music. Melody is everything to me and their songs are filled with strong melodic lines and infectious hooks. Their harmonies are at the top of the field and when one sings solo they each bring something unique to the song. Brian is the comforter, Nick is the vulnerable one, AJ is the rebel, Howie is the encourager, and Kevin is the romancer. Each personality comes through in their interpretations of their songs.
