Millennium Review: Billboard

Back - Index - Submissions - - What is RSS? Date: May 25, 2099 Source: Billboard Submitted By: a href The second U.S. release from leading boy band Backstreet Boys might as well be deemed a smash, even before its release. First single ``I Want It That Way'' is already No. 17 on The Billboard Hot 100 (no single is available) and No. 1 in seven countries, while MTV drew its largest street crowd ever May 16, when the quintet made a two-hour live appearance at the network's Times Square studio. And that's just the beginning. This album is as deep as the ocean blue, with richly produced singles that extend the vocal prowess of each of the group's members _ all together now: Nick, A.J., Howie D., Brian, and Kevin _ while maintaining the essential BSB sound that will send fans swooning into a vaporous faint all over again. As is key in the effort to further the shelf life of the historically ephemeral teen-group phenomenon, the team behind ``Millennium'' strives here to fatten Backstreet's appeal to an adult audience, particularly via the sumptuous and universal future No. 1 ballad ``Show Me The Meaning Of Being Lonely'' and the lovelorn swayers ``I Need You Tonight'' and ``Don't Want To Lose You Now.'' The guys are also still intent on tearing up the dancefloor, as heard on the obvious singles ``Larger Than Life'' and ``It's Gotta Be You,'' which both capitalize on the driving beat of 1998's ``Everybody (Backstreet's Back).'' Two of the members earn songwriting props, with three co-writer credits for Brian Littrell and one for Kevin Richardson. The title of this soon-to-be-a-blockbuster album is more than indicative of a bright future-at least through the duration of this album. It also embodies the very essence of mega-pop purity that now defines the top 40 airwaves. Comment on this item. Recent Comments Submitted by: Eugene Submitted by: Lemat Submitted by: Joe Comment on this item. Next Item: SNL review Prev Item: Millennium Review: The Toronto Sun