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Submitted by Sarah from Port St. Lucie USA
Date: Fri Dec 24 15:28:09 1999
I disagree with this article. From a biased standpoint, Backstreet Boys will never become a "past" group. I think they are the exception to the boy band rule. Just by listening to their Millennium album, it is obvious they have grown and matured, just as their audience has. Yes, they are high on the scale of success, but they can improve in many areas. The world is not finished with its obsession with the Boys. Now, from an unbiased standpoint, I still maintain that they will never lose that spark and that appeal that they possess. People all over the world are just now discovering the Backstreet Boys, myself included. Until this past summer, I had no clue who the Boys were. I thought they were the same as NSYNC. (I know, I'm ashamed of myself.) But many people are just now realizing that these guys are for real. That they can last, and that they can put up with the criticism from the music media. So, no, the Backstreet Boys will not be old next year. In fact, I think they'll just get better. I am amazed each time I listen to their old album and then to their new album. If anything, interest should be sparked with the anticipation of their next album. I'm curious to see howmuch they grow.
Submitted by Laurel from Philadelphia USA
Date: Fri Dec 24 14:54:49 1999
I totally disagree with this article. I know how people can think that all pop groups, especially boy bands, will die out in time, but that's just not true for all of them. Now, I don't like 'N Sync. Personally I don't think they're talented enough to withstand the test of time, but that doesn't go for all of them! (Don't worry, I know all of you don't agree with me with my saying that 'N Sync isn't that great, but it's my opinion and that's not the point of this message anyway.) I feel that BSB are so much more talented than any other pop group out there, with maybe the exception of 98*. Note I say GROUP, not ARTIST. NKOTB lasted what, 3years? BSB has been around since '93. Just with that they've proven that they're not just some regular boyband in it for the fame and money. They are 5 of the most talented men in the business right now and I feel that judging them only on past experiences isn't fair. NKOTB wasn't that great... sure, some of them were talented, but they weren't nearly as much so as BSB. The Spice Girls weren't either. They were studio-made, and only a few of them could actually hold a note. They also went after all pop groups in this article! That's just absurd. What about Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Madonna?! They're pop acts and they certainly haven't died out! They're TALENTED! There are so many new pop singers out there, and many of them are talented. Christina Aguilera has the best voice I've heard in a long time, and she only recently turned 19!! The same goes for Jessica Simpson. Mandy Moore is very good too, and she's only 15. It's true that some of the singers out there are more hype than actual talent, but the same doesn't go for most of them. We, the fans, are the ones who decide if they stay around for a long time, and as a fan, I say they do. I'm not going to just ditch them once they all get in their 20's (which actually isn't that far away). BSB appeals not just to teenagers and preteenagers, but to adults too. Their sound is so universal that they're bound to be loved by most anybody who crosses their path. That's my opinion, so thanks! Oh, if you're going to email me about this, make sure to put something about bsb in the subject b/c otherwise I'll probably delete it. =o)
Submitted by Lisa from Evansville IN USA
Date: Fri Dec 24 14:48:31 1999
If there is one term that has been applied far too frequently when labeling the Backstreet Boys, it has to be "boy band". For pete's sake, they are most certainly fiveyoung men and they do form a a singing group, but why does it have to be such a negative term? Whenever I admit that I do enjoy their music and appreciate their efforts, I usually get a few eyes rolled in my direction as the person mutters, "Aren't you a little old to be liking a boy band?" Well, excuse me, but where does it say that once you reach a certain age you must immediately listen to "real" music like Korn, Limp Bizkit, Celine Dion, or any of the other artists out there who are never recipients of rolling eyes? Why must I be ashamed to like a group of guys who sing their hearts out, put every ounce of energy into their sellout shows, and make every effort to out-do themselves with each new song, video, and album?? And as for the statement that "boy bands" will be out of style by summer, I must exasperatedly roll my eyes at that misinformed critic and say, "Puh-leeeze!" How can anyone predict what fans will think in a few months? I totally agree that less-talented copycat groups such as NSync, 98 Degrees, and LFO are declining, but only because the music market has been supersaturated with very similar groups performing the very same type of music, and fickle teenagers (and adults) are growing weary of all the Backstreet-wannabes. Yes, I said "wannabes" because the Boys undoubtedly came before the rest and set the standard for what has become ovewhelmingly popular music. Are any of the other "boy bands" outselling the Backstreet Boys? I don't think so, and even if they cannot uphold the same kind of success that they encountered with "Millennium", I dare not say that they will ever completely be out. They have been embraced my more fans than any other musical act this year, and I sincerely doubt that those fans will wake up tomorrow morning and decide that Howie, Nick, Brian, Kevin, and AJ are "corny" and decide that some girl group is more worthy of their time and attention. As for myself, I may grow older and decide that my musical tastes have matured to the point where I no longer follow every step the Backstreet Boys make, but I am confident that I will ALWAYS pick up their newest album, check out their latest video, and possibly even take in a concert or two just because I am completely impressed with their music. And yes, the BSB are a pop group, meaning that they play popular music that is embraced by large amounts of people....not just teenagers! If only teenaged girls were buying their records, do you think they could have sold over ten million in just seven months? I doubt it. And comparisons to NKOTB are unfounded and unfair, especially since those boys had little talent, internal problems, no growth on their songs, and no appeal to older people. Most parents who bring their children to BSB concerts enjoy the music wholeheartedly and even own copies of their CDs. I think America needs to get over the useless labeling of groups and singers as "popular" "rock" "alternative" or whatever. If you like it, listen to it and be proud of it. If you don't, then quit putting down people who do. And for all of those mind-numbing, clueless critics out there who never quit speculating when a hit group will fade away, I have to wonder why you're so infatuated with tearing people down and counting the days until they're nobodies. Are you jealous? Do you like seeing talented people lose their status as popular icons? It seems like you spend tons of time building them up, and then as soon as the public has embraced them you think of ways to make them look bad, compare them to others, and try to start trends to de-popularize them and remove them from their pedestal. The Backstreet Boys DESERVE to be high atop their pedestal, because they earned it. They spent three years building an audience in other countries, they gave up their teenage years/young adult lives, and they sacrificed valuable time with their friends and family to make themselves successful. And now that they have achieved what they have always wanted, LET THEM ENJOY IT!!! Let them keep making millions of fans happy, and quit trying to knock them back down. I personally can't think of anything wrong with bringing smiles to people's faces all over the world with their music, their voices, and their talent. Call me lame, call me old-fashioned, hell---call me a teenybopper. I DON'T CARE!!! I like the BSB (okay, I LOVE them) and I don't care how many eyes get rolled in my direction. I also don't care how many critics out there think the Boys are a fad or a trend.....the only "fads" out there are those other copycats that jumped on board the "pop" music bandwagon. The Boys have staying power, a loving audience, and enough talent and enthusiasm to keep them going as long as they keep putting out good music. So there.
Submitted by Lily from Cincinnati Ohio USA
Date: Fri Dec 24 14:06:38 1999
I don't think the Backstreet Boys will just disappear! They are different than the other boy bands and they were first. Their music is maturing along with their audience and I have a feeling they will be around much longer than the critics think. The BSB are not just cute guys, they can sing! As long as that remains true the BSB, like Howie hoped, just might be around forever!
Submitted by Karen from Grants Pass Oregon USA
Date: Fri Dec 24 13:58:23 1999
The BSB's days are NOT numbered!!! They will be around for a long time. They are totally different then the New Kids because they actually have some talent. (Don't get me wrong I liked the New Kids when I was little, but that was becase I was only a kid and didn't know music.) Anyways, the BSB are a lot bigger then they are and have much more talent. They are not just for teenagers. My mom loves them just as much as I do (especially AJ Ü). So for all you critics out there, get past the old boy band image and realize that these 5 guys are awesome and will be around for years!
Submitted by Bryn Schockett from Plympton MA US
Date: Fri Dec 24 13:24:48 1999
Being in an abstract industry such as music can be short lived. Unlike sports, the stock market, or selling cars, being a musician is a field where you can't necessarily train yourself into being what everybody needs. It is based on talent, and the public's perception of your music. Because music is a trend often time a great band goes under because they're not "in" anymore. To say that the Backstreet Boys, *Nsync, etc... will be done by next summer may be an over statement. The sales alone show that the world still loves them. Considering that boy bands are supposedly fading, why are they still in the top ten in billboard? The statement has been said that as soon as their fans start going into their 20's then they'll forget about them. I beg to differ because they are like a "first love" for millions of girls(or guys?). You never forget your first love. Even if they slowly fade into the background of the music world and some other big artists come along and take their place, you can't tell me that all of you BSB fans wouldn't come screaming to a reunion tour. Maybe BSB isn't as great of a band as The Beatles, but they certainly have had as great of an effect on our generation as The Beatles on my parents. As for the non-Backstreet people. Its not jealousy, they are not jealous of the Boys. That is not why they call them certain choice 3 letter words. I am a huge fan of Korn, Limp Bizkit, and all of that type of music. In fact I am a fan of any music that can make me move. To me if a song, or a group is good, they will never fade...... One more thing... They will not always look good, they will not always be together, they will not always sell 10 million albums, they will not always be alive, but your love for their music always will be..
Submitted by Marie from San Antonio Texas United States
Date: Fri Dec 24 12:25:05 1999
I really believe that everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but to say that BSB is going to end up like NKOTB is ridiculous. My little cousin who is 5 is in love with Brian and my teacher who is going to turn 30 is in love with Kevin. To have that kind of age range between their fans and then say that they will not last is stupid. And to say that they will be fading away by next summer, excuse me but hasn't their Spring tour practically sold out if it isn't already. I will admit that at first i was like whatever whenever my freinds would talk about them being cute and everthing, but that is because i didn't really know who they were. but now i do and i am glad to say i am a BSB FAN and i am sure everyone out there is too. thanks for letting me voice my opinion KTBPA Forever Marie:)
Submitted by Deborah from Rockaway New Jersey USA
Date: Fri Dec 24 12:07:00 1999
This is in response to the music market review about how the "boy band" fad will end in 6 months. We all bought the album "BackStreet Boys" and enjoyed it thoroughly, am I correct? And over 500,000 of us ran out and bought "Millennium" on May 18th, right? So why do the supposed "people in the know" choose to write off the BSB as just another fad? The true fans have waited two and a half years for Millennium to be released and made it the best selling CD of 1999. Think about it: can a fad really last 3 years? I know it might sound strange, but our beloved Boys were puppets for a while. They were pulled by several managers and producers and directors who told them what to say, how to say it and what to wear. When the Boys finally decided to write their own music and apply themselves to older fans, they were criticized by the same critics who once thought that their sound would revive the world of pop music. And revive they did. The BackStreet Boys have, as they said, "opened many doors for other groups." Why do you think less talented groups such as *NSYNC and LFO have been able to make it in this business? They were the ones who were hot on the heals of our Boys and making money. With the release of Millennium (which blares in the background as I write this), the BSB have "taken a step in the right direction" with their music. They don't want to be puppets anymore. They don't want to be known as a "boy band." They don't want to sing other people's songs. All Brian, AJ, Howie, Nick, and Kevin want to do is create their own music: something the music companies don't want them to do. Can you blame them? Who wants to change the sound that has brought millions of dollars and teary eyed fans to thousands of concerts around the world and is a big money maker? Who would want to change that? Instead of criticizing the BSB, the critics should be praising them for their steps to create their own brand of music. Other groups are fads who get by on digitally enhanced CD's and almost good looks, but the BSB are genuine. The music for Millennium is some of the most difficult piano music to play and the key changes are beyond belief. They have talent and are willing to work at what they have to make it right. So the companies have a "formula" for groups to follow. Who cares? The BSB are individuals who deserve all the success and praises that they are receiving all around the world. The critics are correct in one respect: many older fans are picking up Millennium to give it a listen. My father, who is Mr. Conservative and flipped out when he first saw AJ, now goes around the house singing random songs. Once I caught him singing part of "Show Me The Meaning" when it wasn't even on the radio! My mother, who DEFINATELY has no musical ear what-so-ever and thought that AJ was Nick and Brian was Howie, acknowledges that the BSB have talent and once came into my room to request that I put on "I Want It That Way." Even my grandmother, who hasn't listened to pop music for maybe 50 years or so, knows who the BackStreet Boys are, and when I showed her my calendar of the Boys, picked out AJ and said he was cute! People all over the world listen to Millennium and can identify in some shape or form to "Show Me The Meaning" which is about loss or to "Larger Than Life" which was writtten as a thank you to the fans. In one respect or another, the BSB have proven themselves to be more than a fad. They give everything they have to make us, the fans, not record producers happy. They have an understanding for their audience and realize what they like, but more importantly have not lost sight of what THEY like. This new CD was made for us, not to make companies happy and to have extra money in their pockets. But back to the original question: Are the BackStreet Boys a fad? I think not.
Submitted by Mandy from Ottawa Ontario Canada
Date: Fri Dec 24 11:58:40 1999
After reading that artical, my opinion about the BackstreetBoys haven't change. I think because of the people they are, and the music they make, sets them apart from other groups. One of the reasons that I love the Backstreet Boys so much, is because they are as real as you can get. We all know that they have had to overcome a lot of trials, and tribulations. Brian's heart surgery was a big one for me. To see that they have problems and concerns, and fears just like the fans really means a lot, and it really shows that with everything that they have had to go through the past couple years, that they can still make good, wholesome music, shows the world that they aren't a flash-in-the-pan-group, they are real, and are going to be around for a long time. I've been a fan for 5 years coming up, and I have grown with them, and their music, and I'm sure that the new fans or younger fans with do the same.
Submitted by Betsy from Monroe NC USA
Date: Fri Dec 24 11:26:59 1999
Why would anyone think that the current "boy band" fans (who are mostly female) would suddenly decide they liked "girl groups" instead? A big part of the attraction of the BSB is the fact that they are good looking GUYS. These fans are not going to feel the same way about girls. The Backstreet Boys are five extremely talented guys. I think as long as they continue making great music they will have a large fan base. As a mature fan (38) I get a lot of crap from people but I don't let it bother me. I know the guys are great, and I can go to any one of thousands of websites and find people who agree with me. KTBSPA!
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