The Lost Boys: How a Pop Sensation Came Undone
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Submitted by Alex from NY NY USA
I would of never listened to pop music if it wasn't for the BSB. Just before Quit Playing Games reached success in the US I had a friend who forced me to listen to their CD. And I liked it. Now I was a person at the time who was very narrow minded when it came to music. But they made me realize that I can like all sorts of music. I appreciate that very much. This article is sad and heart warming for long time BSB fans. It is good to see that someone realizes that they haven't had the smoothest ride in the record business. They were young boys when they started. They were so excited to be signed that they made some poor decisions. They were also trustworthy wich from example in this kind of industry you can see doesn't go hand in hand. I don't much care for Lieghanne, and I hope she doesn't Ono the group. (Ono for anyone who might not know is a reference to the original boy band, The Beatles.) Kristen unlike Lieghanne has the respect and sense not to put herself into the boys business. She isn;t trying to get famous thanks to her husband. No Brian is not my favorite so don't think I am jealous. BUt a few entrys ago a someone said that they have not evolved. Let's think. Can you not see and hear the difference since when they started. For example, Tell me that I'm Dreaming. That was one of their first songs you can not tell me that they have not changed even from Backstreet Self Titled to Black and Blue. We've got it Goin on to Time a beautiful and well written song. And you said not to cpmpare them to Nsync, that is right they aren't Nysnc. But then you said unlike Nsync they haven't changed. Isn't that hypocrtical? You comparing them to Nsync. Who no Personally I don't their sound. Wich is different from BSB and you don't seem to respect that. And Millennium and Black and Blue were very different. Millenium was a ballad based album with a much sweeter and lighter tone. While Black and Blue has a darker element. For anyone who is a fan of older music they might know and realize the comparisons of the BSB and The Beatles. I am not saying in any way BSB changed music like The Beatles did on such a scale but they have some similarities. Please excuse me for rambling. But Not every Beatles album was liked either. Some were darker and they drastically changed and thanks to meddling family and outside realtionships even they crumbled. But BSB has been together now longer than The Beatles. So I have hope that they can still go, maybe not as strong as they were at first but they will still be seen in the music business. Right now we are just weeding out the hardcore loyal fans with the ones who just happened to a of jumped on the band wagon when they came out. BSB and Nsync are very different, looks, sound and style. I just prefer BSB style than Nsyncs. But I am not going to say to someone my god you like them. They can like who they want as long as they respect the fact I like the BSB more. SO don't compare them that was good advice. But I think that is all I have to say for now. Please mail me if you like what I wrote so that I know that there is still some real BSB fans. Despite how Korny it may sound but KTBSPA!
Submitted by tre kirkland from greenville sc USA
I do not understand why people are trying to end the BSB! They are not breaking up. They have said this plenty of times. Also, NSYNC has not "passed" them. NSYNC has some good songs but let's look at numbers. Black and Blue sold 8 million copies not 5.3 as stated in this article. Compare that to Celebrity which has sold 5 million. The BSB Greatest Hits album has sold 2.2 million! A Greatest Hits Album! Black and Blue out did Millienum's first week, while Celebrity went down from No Strings. NSYNC is alright and I am tired of the "war" between the two groups. However, BSB needs the respect they deserve!
Submitted by Marina from Rio de Janeiro, RJ Brazil
lia, maybe the reason why the boys mnusic has'nt evolved is the fact that Jive, and their management has pushed them to make their albums so quicly. Kevin said it himself, he wasn't happy about the album, and felt they should have experimented more, but there was all the preassure for the cd to come out.
Submitted by Mia from USA
If you all feel the need to continually compare BSB and *NSYNC, at least be honest about it. To say that *NSYNC's sound hasn't changed is absurd! They have effectivly evolved from the bubble-gum pop of the Cherion(sp?) studios to a widely accepted hip-hop/electronic sound, that consistantly charts high on the R&B and pop charts. Whether some of us like the songs or not doesn't change the facts. The BSB last few singles have failed to even chart in the top 20 in the U.S. according to Billboard, the industry Bible. Why? Because BSB are the group who's sound hasn't evolved. Shape of My Heart, for example was a poor retread of Millenium-it was ok, but almost every unreleased song off of Millenium was better. With all of the talent that the BSB have it amazes me that they don't try to experiment with their sound to keep ahead of the game. As for the postings that keep saying how succeful BSB are all over the world-they are-but have dropped off considerably, just like in the United States. This next album (assuming it gets made) is vital to prove to the music industry and their record company that they have what it takes to maintain a long career. Vocal talent doesn't go very far if you do not keep growing musically- with the songs you choose to sing. I don't know how they are going to do this though. They are so different. Brian and Kevin like more organic/country type music (Ex. James Taylor is one of their heroes)-Nick likes rock (Ex. Bryan Adams)- Howie and AJ like a more hip-hop/R&B sound. How do you make all that work well on one album? Their success in the past was easy because they had Max Martin basically guiding the whole projects- so they didn't get much of a say so- which kept a lot of fighting down and didn't show their differences. Now that they are more in charge it's hard for them to mesh well. It doesn't help that on top of all this they have continually had bad management, meddling family members (Leighanne), and embarassing incidents (Nick's arrest, AJ/rehab) etc. A lot of you keep saying, also, that Joey from Nsync has a baby and the press and management for *NSYNC don't make an issue of it. They don't because he doesn't have his girlfriend involving herself in his group. She maintains a low-key profile because she must understand that Joey's career is not her business to be attending meetings and voting as a sixth member, a lesson Leighanne would truly benfit from. I hope that despite it all the BSB will pull it together and show the world how truly amazing they are.
Submitted by Erin from Orlando Florida USA
Wow. I definitely agree that it's about time someone wrote something like that to show everyone out there just what these guys have had to go through the past 9 years. I know I, for one, will always support each of them in whatever it is they choose to do in their lives or their careers, whether it be as a group or solo. I don't think they have lost support from their fans though. It seems that every time they want to take time off to be normal human beings and spend some quality time with family and friends or even work on projects for new albums or promotions the media wants to portray it as the Backstreet Boys are dead. Well of course they aren't going to get as much fan attention or media attention if they aren't in the spotlight at that moment in time. I guarantee you though, when a new album hits and they are going around doing promotions, just like Millennium and just like Black & Blue, the craze will start back up and they will once again be shutting down Time Square. Yes they are getting older. That is inevitible. No they may not be around forever. That too is inevitible. But no matter what happens, either now or in the distant future, one thing is for certain. We, the fans, know that we are still here for them. I think Nick said it best "As long as we have our fans, we can conquer anything." And he was right on the money. So my advice to everyone, don't feed into media crap. I think Kev, Bri, Nick, AJ and Howie have proven to us over the years just how honest and straight forward they are with us. The Backstreet Boys will never be dead to me until I hear it from the Boys themselves. Be good, be real, and KTBSPA!
Submitted by Mandy from Australia
I can't believe this! I knew the BackstreetBoys have been through a lot of shit, but I had no idea it was anything like that. It's good that whoever wrote this put everything in perspective for a lot of people who diss the guys saying stuff like they never do anything for themselves. This article was really good, it almost made me cry because I realised how dificult it must be for them. All the bad publicity and haters and stuff just put more and more pressure on them. I think people should give them a break and try and see how they'd feel in the Backstreet Boys' shoes.
Submitted by Kelly from Long Branch New jersey USA
I am in shock! I have to agree with all the fans on this one! I still love backstreet boys and I hope that, Everyone out there is not going to give up on the boys! I think, that It all came out at once and It was just a whole big shocker to the fans! But, Do you guys think that They will blow up again, once the album comes out? I sure as heck hope so! We can't give up guys!!!
Submitted by Julie from Australia
I agree with Ashley, it's about time something like this was written about BSB. At least now us fans have an incite into what they've been going through. When I read it, it all made sense. You start to understand why things happened. As for the whole Nick vs the rest of the band....it could all have been avoided if they were properly looked after in their early years. He could've started a solo career if he wanted and not let it interfere with the group. It's just another case of exploitation. The last thing the guys need right now is conflict within the group. That's how everything crashes to the ground.
Submitted by Ashley aka BSBz Bath Water from Virginia Beach Virginia USA
Is it just me who thinks this article was positive? Look, it was very honest. VERY honest. But it showed everything that the Boys have had to deal with. All the trials. In my opinion, it's about time something like this was written about BSB. Hopefully people will read that article and gain a whole new respect for the guys, because they really have been through a lot...and they're still here. They WILL be back, and if they keep on toughing it out, they'll come out on the other side, because that's what happens when you fight hard for a good reason.
Submitted by Erica from Singapore Singapore
Ok......what's wrong with who ever that wrote
Submitted by Ana from Romania
Hey you guys! It's really great to see you're still keeping your spirts high! You've made feel a little better.
Submitted by Patty from Los Angeles California USA
Those critics, media, and/or haters need to stop criticizing BSB! They are always making up rumors that they are braking up and crap! I hate that they are saying that NSYNC is better than BSB and that they are younger than BSB! BSB is still cool; it doesn't matter if they are getting old and have been trough some down times! Arosmith is old and has been through drugs and alcohol and is still very popular! Just like some old 60’s 70’s bands! NSYNC is a little younger (big deal!), but in fact Chris is like 30 years old! Also, who cares if Brian and Kevin got married, they need to get married some day, its not like they can stay single forever! Fans understood them and stuck by them! It seems that NSYNC has a better chance of braking up than BSB. I mean everyone is doing their own thing and like forgetting about the group. And the media doesn't make a big deal about that! But when BSB has a little problem they are all over them and making up false rumors! Those people need to get a life!!! And saying that Nick is going to be replaced is stupid and crazy!! Nick is fateful to his buds and his album is going to sell millions just like BSB's new album! I know BSB's fans are also fateful and will support BSB and be by them in there in need; just like when they were they’re for A.J! So like I said before those critics need to get a life and stop saying that NSYNC is better that BSB, cause they couldn't be more WRONG!!!
Submitted by Bonnie from USA
Oh geeze..I definitely have a lot to say. First, I think everybody who's enough of a fan to be concerned about this is on the same page...we love BSB. We always will, AND we know they aren't going anywhere! I was never too concerned with all the business crap going on but that article sort of shocked me. I knew it was all going on but for them to focus on that and overspeculate about it seemed completely absurd. BSB is not some hot toy that record companies and management are trying to re-sell year after year! And as for Nick's album--Power to him! For pete's sake, those of us that call ourselves fans should know that it won't harm the group in any way, and that his CD is gonna kick! (Forgive my bias, Nick just happens to be my..well..fave is a harsh word, so let's try "dream lover".LOL!)But bias aside I truly am proud of Nick. As I type I'm listening to clips of the album and I love them! The idea for everyone to go out and buy Now or Never ASAP is great..I think it would really work.
Submitted by justine from anaheim ca USA
karina and anna are right. esp. AFTER THAT HORRIBLE DEFEAT OF NICK. JUSTIN BEAT HIM LIKE CRAZY! we gotta make bsb and nick on top again! we gotta show the world it's still cool to be fans of bsb. the truth is, the number of records sold is important. no one can actually say it doesn't matter. when the album comes out the first day (nick's) but it. i kno i'm buyin his album the first day and might buy 2, one for me and one for my friend's b-day. that way i can support them and get my friend a quality present.
Submitted by Sarah from IL USA
I was 13 years old the first time I heard a Backstreet song, and I'll be 18 in 2 months. I've been a fan for 6 years, and as I've grown up, so have the boys, and to me that is a good thing. When I was 13 it wasn't about the music to me, it was how blue Nick's eyes were or if I liked his haircut that day. I did the whole arguing over who is cuter: Nick or Brian, and as time went on, who is better: BSB or Nsync. The difference b/w 13 and 18 is undeniably incredible. Now I'm worrying about the ACT, not Nick cutting his hair. But the best part is that I'm still a fan, reqardless. Of course now it's for different reasons, I actually listen to the music. The past 6 years have been one big rollercoaster in my life, but that's how the teenage years are. Personally, I don't know what I would have done without the boys. Sometimes in life you just need a reason to smile, and the boys have been my reason a lot of times whether it be b/c the lyrics to a certain song I could really relate to, or Nick was wearing a shirt that mocked abercrombie and fitch. I've been dealing with depression since I was 10 and I can honestly say that had it not been for a couple of silly backstreet songs on my bad days, i probably would have lost my mine, really. It may sound ridiculous, but they gave me a sense of security b/c I really relied on their music to get me through, and it did. Last year when A.J. went into rehab it had such a huge effect on me b/c I felt that my source of strength for the last 6 years needed me to be strong for them, and it nearly killed me b/c i was so used to them being my strength. I'm getting to my point now, I promise. Basically what I'm trying to say is that we will never know everything about what goes on in their business lives. We will never know the complete truth about Lou Pearlman, or Jive, or The Firm. But, the boys have been giving us so much for the past 10 years that if they want to stop, that is ok. We have so much from them already. We don't know what goes on behind closed doors, so all we can do is accept what they give us and support them. Don't get all worked up over a newspaper aricle. Everyone has their side to a story. As far as I'm concerned, If Nick wants to go solo and the other guys want to continue w/out him separately, LIFE WILL GO ON. We will still get music, and a reason to smile every now and then. I mean, who knows what would have happened if the Backstreet Boys had done that Disney concert instead of Nsync, NOBODY. All of the "what might've beens" in the world can't change things now, so just enjoy the music and live your lives. And if Nick wants to go solo, Let Him!! The Boys will never be lost as long as we don't forget what they have give to us over the past decade. And ya know what, they haven't come undone. They are who they always were, but guess what, EVERYONE HAS TO GROW UP. That is what we do as humans. And the whole argument over who is better: BSB or Nsync, is getting really old, so lets just drop it already. If the NY Times has nothing better to do than obsess over two bands' conflict with Lou Pearlman, especially with everything that is going on in the world, then I think they have bigger problems than whether or not Nick or Justin's solo album does better. It's a NEWSpaper for goodness sakes, not Rollng Stone.
Submitted by anna from vancity Canada
I totally agree. lets all go with friends and rush thereand get a copy. leave the store and have the sales people saying..sorry we're all sold out. BUT you have to go on the FIRST day ok? do that for both da bsb and nick album
Submitted by Karina from San Antonio Texas USA
There are so many things I'd like to say but I will narrow it down to this. You all say that the article was crap and that the boys aren't going anywhere, well now here is the chance for all of us to prove it. The day Nick's album comes out let's ALL rush to the store and buy a copy. Remember both Nick and Justin's album come out around the same time, I think they're a week or two apart or something. Let's prove to everyone that BSB fans are still here and that we care. Let's ALL come together and support the boys everyway we know how. Remember what the boys always say "The Backstreet Boys have the best fans in the world!" Now it's time to prove it!!!
Submitted by Barb from Windsor Ontario Canada
This article really upset me for so many reasons. The article will make others think false things about the boys and that they are done. All groups have their downs, and i hope that people dont take in this info and forget about our boys. They are working hard to get back in the scene and something like this always comes up. Thought this article had some strong points and anyone who reads it will see how powerful this group is and how hard they have worked throughout their career. Though it does give them the "boyband' image even more. I know the boy will be back on top in no time. They are working for their fans. I just hope everyone out there doesn't forget about them! KTBSPA!!!!!!!!!!!!!Its up to us!!!!!!!
Submitted by Maecey from Manila Philippines
Submitted by Cindy from Ohio USA
When I read this article I was like the rest of you...This is shit! Even though the boys aren't exactly the center of attention right now it doesn't mean they are done for. I have to admit that alot of girls did turn there back on the boys when some of them got married.(you act like they're actually gonna marry you) Get over it!! No matter what the Backsteet Boys will always be #1 because thats what they were in the beginning. Personally I think the guys get better looking as they get older and every album gets better too. A true fan grows with them, changes with them, and loves them no matter what (yeah sounds alittle like marriage-you got to make the commitment). Well screw this article and screw that guy, cause the backstrret fans, have backstreet pride!!!!!
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