Millennium Review: The Wichita Eagle

Back - Index - Submissions - - What is RSS? Date: Jun 01, 2099 Source: The Wichita Eagle (May 30) Submitted By: Backstreet's Back "Millennium" proves the Backstreet Boys' phenomenal debut success was no fluke. At some point in your life you've probably crticized pop music as being shallow. You've probably said that all of these cookies-cutter boy bands are just a fad, and that you would NEVER listen to a Backstreet Boys cd. But no matter who you are, you're missing out if you don't give the BSB's sophomore album, "Millennium," a try. Featuring amazing ballads that surprisingly outnumber the dance tracks, the group's style seems to have shifted toward a slightly different audience. Vocals and lyrics are stronger, and overall these gives guys have quickly matured over the past two years. Each member experienced a person loss, which brought them closer as a group; that unity shines brilliantly on "Millennium." The group also added a more personal touch by co-writing and arranging several songs. Obviously, BSB didn't completely chance it's style; there are a few lighthearted dance tracks, including "It's Gotta Be You." But for the most part, it's the slow and romantic "I Need You Tonight" and "No One Else Comes Close," and the mild and upbeat "I Want It That Way," the group's current single, that dominate the mood of the disc. Lyrics like "Looking at the crowd/And I see your body sway/Wishin' I could thank you in a different way" from "Larger Than Life," are enough to make a teenage girl scream even louder. And "It's hard to see in a crimson love/So hard to breathe/Walk with me/And nights of light soon become wild a free," from "Show Me The Meaning Of Being Lonely," are enough to make a grown woman teary-eyes and a man - well, introspective. These lyrics, combined with intense R&B grooves that carry "Don't Want You Back" and the gospel-influenced tribute to the Boys' mothers, "The Perfect Fan," demonstrate the range the Boys are capable of. No longer just teen heartthrob crooners, Nick, Howie, Brian, A.J. and Kevin are five young men with a misson to rise above comparisons to other "boy" groups. With "Millennium," they show their talent and credibility by letting the music speak for itself. Backstreet Boys "Millennium" (Jive) **** - Jessica Marshall Comment on this item. Next Item: The Perfect Fan: A Guys Point Of View Prev Item: Millennium Review: Dayton Daily News