Millennium

by

Backstreet Boys

Edit

While this review is for all, it is somewhat geared for those in the 25-35 range. You know who you are. You remember what it was like to hear and see New Kids on the Block everywhere. You loved "Soldier of Love," only to reel in horror when you found out it was Donny Osmond. Now, 10 years later, you find yourself liking the Backstreet Boys. What to do? Put away any shame you might feel and go buy Millennium. Be proud you picked a quality piece of music that features wonderful orchestration, depth and range of style and emotion, fun and well thought out lyrics, and great vocal harmonics.

With 5 major hits already, you can't go wrong purchasing this release, even if the rest wasn't as great. But there's no fear of that -- these are 12 gems you be singing along with for a long time. "Larger Than Life" is a huge power dance tune with great lyrics and an undeniable groove, I've car danced to this song frequently on my commute. A smooth groove, "I Want It That Way" is a boppy ballad with great harmonics that are fun to sing along with. "Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely" is a power ballad that features strong orchestration, vocals and lyrics. "It's Gotta Be You" is a funky dance groove with great attitude for the dance floor. A silky smooth ballad that features beautiful piano and vocals, "I Need You Tonight" will send chills down your spine with its emotional power. "Don't Want You Back" is a fantastic power attitude song that features funky syncopation and a great chorus. Though it might sound trite, "Don't Wanna Lose You Now" is a fantastic ballad that features powerful orchestration and vocal harmonies. "The One" is another fun, uplifting, sway-along dance tune that creates a great positive attitude. The final 4 songs are ballads, however these are much lower-key in orchestration, allowing the Boys to showcase their vocal and harmonic depth. "Back to Your Heart" features minimal guitar and percussion; the depth comes from the richness of the Boys' voices. With little orchestration, "Spanish Eyes" concentrates on the harmonies, however they seem a bit off and strained. "No One Else Comes Close" is nice with really great backing vocals, and kudos for the bridge key change. We conclude with "The Perfect Fan" which has an anthemic feel with its power orchestration elements and a backing choir that help heighten the emotional intensity of this beautiful ballad dedicated to mothers everywhere.

Doing a review of this CD is somewhat out of character for me. I have had this CD for less than a year. And I am not a BSB fan; I didn't buy their first album, and I don't know any of their names and couldn't pick them out of a lineup. However, what BSB have released here is a strong piece of pop music for the new millennium. This isn't a release you can simply listen to once and then put back on the shelf. It will be interesting to see 10 years down the road, but I have a strong feeling this CD will still be with many of us and bring fond memories. While originally thinking I'd give it 4 stars (since it's so new to my collection), this most recent listen convinces me that a low 5 star rating is really in order -- it really is that solid.

My recommendation is if you've liked what you've heard on the radio thus far, you can't go wrong buying this CD. Forget the fact that they are the most recent boy band that every teen and pre-teen girl in America is screaming over. Forget the fact they get probably way too much air play on MTV and the Top 40 stations. Get away from the kids or friends who play this release 24/7. Give it a serious listen by yourself, and you will come to realize there is no shame in admitting you like BSB. Beyond all the hype, they really do have talent. And how many pop stars can you truly say that about?

Stand proud with your copy of Millennium. It really is a great addition to any pop music collection.

The Backstreet Boys continue to churn out some sweet-sounding pop tunes on this one. I think "Show Me the Meaning..." and "I Want It That Way" are a couple of the nicer ones.

And while I'm not a diehard fan of "the boys," (I'm a little too old for that) I must say a few things in their defense--especially after reading a few of the album's former reviews.

To a reviewer from South Africa and one "from the womb": Music is in the ear of the listener. I'm not going to claim I think the Backstreet Boys give us sophisticated music, but to talk of "true" and "proper" music is inane. Anything that touches a chord within us or makes us tap our feet--that moves us in some way--is music. A song does not have to be complex or even unique to draw a listener. Some of the simplest melodies can be the most beautiful. And singing melodiously, with soul and harmony--even if the music is taken away altogether--can make for "music." (As for having to play an instrument to be musical...I thought Ozzie Osbourne dedicated most of his time to biting the heads off animals and urinating on statues.)

The Backstreet Boys' looks have nothing whatsoever to do with their music (only with some of the fans they attract). Welcome to the pop-music industry. Get over it.