Millennium Review: Seattle Times

Back - Index - Submissions - - What is RSS? Date: Aug 07, 2099 Source: Seattle Times Publications, Inc. Submitted By: Reviewed by Brittny Nielsen, Renton High There are millions of girls who love Backstreet Boys. These girls (and some guys too) are faithful -- ready to listen to Millennium, Backstreet's new album, and love it. I'm sure they will, because, as surprising as it is to me, I love it already. The first track, "Larger Than Life," annoyed me at first. It seemed cheesy and over-the-top (kind of how I pictured the Boys). Then, when I realized what it was about, I began to like it. The song tells fans how the Boys feel about their fame ("All of our time spent in flashes of light"); they appreciate the love, but it's way overwhelming ("I may run and hide when you're screaming my name."). I totally agree. It's one thing to enjoy the music and support the artists, but there must be a line drawn between that and say, pulling up grass from Nick Carter's lawn. Speaking now of Mr. Carter, one of the most lusted after young men of his generation, he has his "own" song on Milennium, "I Need You Tonight." I must admit, I'm not Carter's biggest fan, but I adore this song. Carter's voice, though I commend him for pulling through the years of voice changes, is still rough. I don't doubt that he will be a great singer someday (someday soon hopefully) but his cocky sort of conceited-ness is unattractive. The song, however mushy, is perfect for Carter because he is still a teenager, and these are words any young woman would wish her boyfriend to say. Two songs on the album, "The Perfect Fan," and "Back to Your Heart"were written by Backstreet Boys. Brian Littrell, possibly the most down-to-earth person ever in show business, wrote "The Perfect Fan" for his mom. Kevin Richardson penned the latter track, which is a great song in itself. It's a step forward for Backstreet to write their own songs, especially when I'd consider them among the best on the album. Unfortunately, as much as I hate to mention another group in this review, I must say that Backstreet Boys grabbed the hook tune from 'N Sync's "I Want You Back" for "It's Gotta Be You." It's painfully obvious if you know what you're listening for. In ending the review I have to say that I am relieved to hear that not only Littrell and Carter can sing (they used to share leads for the majority of songs). Richardson sings beautifully on "Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely" (one of my favorite songs), Howie Dorough shows his tremendous talent as well, and A.J. McLean sings delicately his part on "Back to Your Heart," which gets me in the heart every time. Over all, I'd say this is a great effort by Backstreet Boys, one that is sure to win over new fans, especially me. And I was the one who always resisted. Copyright (c) Seattle Times Publications, Inc. 1996 Comment on this item. Recent Comments Submitted by: John Submitted by: Shawn Submitted by: Mary Submitted by: Lemat Submitted by: Paulo Submitted by: John Comment on this item. Next Item: Disney Concert Review: An Older BSB Fan Prev Item: Millennium Review: Kelly