If you've spent more than ten minutes on this blog, you'll notice that the Backstreet Boys show up.
A lot.
So it will be no surprise to you that after the boys dropped this glorious new single this week, I've been listening to it on repeat and thoroughly enjoying myself (#noshame). And it also will not surprise you that it inspired to me make this list as well (but I also did it because I can't say no to a good stream of alliteration). Who would have thought twenty years ago that we'd have a new Backstreet Boys single in 2018? Are they enduring the test of time because they're so good, or because they just don't know when to say when? Do I care either way? No. No I do not. So, to celebrate the glory of Backstreet being back (alright), I have winnowed down the best of their many ballads to a top ten for your listening pleasure. Let me know if you need a tissue.
A lot.
So it will be no surprise to you that after the boys dropped this glorious new single this week, I've been listening to it on repeat and thoroughly enjoying myself (#noshame). And it also will not surprise you that it inspired to me make this list as well (but I also did it because I can't say no to a good stream of alliteration). Who would have thought twenty years ago that we'd have a new Backstreet Boys single in 2018? Are they enduring the test of time because they're so good, or because they just don't know when to say when? Do I care either way? No. No I do not. So, to celebrate the glory of Backstreet being back (alright), I have winnowed down the best of their many ballads to a top ten for your listening pleasure. Let me know if you need a tissue.
10. I Want it That Way
Though this is one of their biggest songs of all time that was gifted to the world on their second album in 1999, I decided to put it at number ten since most people are familiar with it. Also, it's a good song to start with to get you wanting to listen to the rest of these that you may not know as well. Believe me when I say I want it this way.
Theme: "Girl we're on different pages but I want you to know I still want you let's make up yo."
Though this is one of their biggest songs of all time that was gifted to the world on their second album in 1999, I decided to put it at number ten since most people are familiar with it. Also, it's a good song to start with to get you wanting to listen to the rest of these that you may not know as well. Believe me when I say I want it this way.
Theme: "Girl we're on different pages but I want you to know I still want you let's make up yo."
9. Don't Want to Lose you Now
This is a more somber hit from their second album Millenium. Why did I just italicize that? That is a good question. It's good, but not their best, which is why it's sitting at number nine. Although that intense bridge and key change at the end is pretty great, so maybe it should be higher up on this list, but I am too lazy to move these around at this point. Enjoy.
Theme: "Girl it seems like you're going to leave but I want you to know I would do anything for you let's make up yo."
This is a more somber hit from their second album Millenium. Why did I just italicize that? That is a good question. It's good, but not their best, which is why it's sitting at number nine. Although that intense bridge and key change at the end is pretty great, so maybe it should be higher up on this list, but I am too lazy to move these around at this point. Enjoy.
Theme: "Girl it seems like you're going to leave but I want you to know I would do anything for you let's make up yo."
8. Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely
Also from their second album, this theatrical ballad well get you asking for the same thing. To feel lonely. So you can be a Backstreet Boy, too. Note the delicate Spanish guitar riff that shows up throughout and really adds to the sense of isolation and despair (I never thought that sentence would come out of me, but here we are).
Theme: "Girl we're apart and I'm so lonely and I want you to know that I miss you let's make up yo."
Also from their second album, this theatrical ballad well get you asking for the same thing. To feel lonely. So you can be a Backstreet Boy, too. Note the delicate Spanish guitar riff that shows up throughout and really adds to the sense of isolation and despair (I never thought that sentence would come out of me, but here we are).
Theme: "Girl we're apart and I'm so lonely and I want you to know that I miss you let's make up yo."
7. As Long as you Love Me
Back to a more upbeat Backstreet hit from their first album for number seven. This is a great song that encouraged girls from all walks of life to believe that they had a chance with Nick Carter. Whether you're a little different, in prison for murder, or are simply just from out of town, the boys don't care--as long as you love them.
Theme: "Girl you done some things you're not proud of but that don't mean nothin' to me as long as you think I'm great yo."
Back to a more upbeat Backstreet hit from their first album for number seven. This is a great song that encouraged girls from all walks of life to believe that they had a chance with Nick Carter. Whether you're a little different, in prison for murder, or are simply just from out of town, the boys don't care--as long as you love them.
Theme: "Girl you done some things you're not proud of but that don't mean nothin' to me as long as you think I'm great yo."
Another upbeat classic from album numero uno that is still considered one of the best boy band hits of all time (at least by me, who doesn't really know much about other boy bands). It's so catchy they could repeat the chorus ten times, and they do. But we don't mind.
Theme: "Girl you're leading me on and it hurts me so bad stop it yo."
5. All I Have to Give
Slowing it down again for a softer one. As you will notice, I'm ranking the songs from their first album higher than the ones from the second album. This is because they are better. Also, because they have more of that distinctive 90s R&B thing going on than the songs on their second album, and I live for that. Sit back and listen to the boys tell you how they'll give you all their love. Something tells me they'd get along well with J-Lo, whose love don't cost a thing.
Theme: "Girl I don't have a lot monetarily but what I do have is a lot of love for you and that's all we really need yo."
4. I'll Never Break Your Heart
This song tops the previous one because it has even more of that soulful 90s R&B, Boyz II Men thing going on. This should be apparent within the first five seconds. It's less popular than some of their other hits, but it really shouldn't be because it's pretty great. Thank you, AJ, for your voice. Don't let Ursula steal that from you for legs.
Theme: "Girl I know you've been hurt before but I would never do that to you so take a chance on me yo."
This song tops the previous one because it has even more of that soulful 90s R&B, Boyz II Men thing going on. This should be apparent within the first five seconds. It's less popular than some of their other hits, but it really shouldn't be because it's pretty great. Thank you, AJ, for your voice. Don't let Ursula steal that from you for legs.
Theme: "Girl I know you've been hurt before but I would never do that to you so take a chance on me yo."
3. What Makes you Different
This song is hard to find because it's on like the b-side of their third album, so if you recognize it it's probably because you heard it in Princess Diaries, and if so, we can be friends. Every boy band has to have that song that caters to the girls that feel lame and don't think they're awesome, and this is that song sung to you by the Backstreet Boys. You're a rose that can grow anywhere, girl. (Slap that on a stock photo of a rose and put that on Pinterest, stat.)
Theme: "Girl you're different from the other girls and you feel insecure about it but your idiosyncrasies are what makes you amazing, yo."
This song is hard to find because it's on like the b-side of their third album, so if you recognize it it's probably because you heard it in Princess Diaries, and if so, we can be friends. Every boy band has to have that song that caters to the girls that feel lame and don't think they're awesome, and this is that song sung to you by the Backstreet Boys. You're a rose that can grow anywhere, girl. (Slap that on a stock photo of a rose and put that on Pinterest, stat.)
Theme: "Girl you're different from the other girls and you feel insecure about it but your idiosyncrasies are what makes you amazing, yo."
2. Shape of my Heart
I only recently discovered this one once I started looking back through their music this week (I guess I kind of missed the Black and Blue album when it came out?) and something about it just does it for me. So much so that I put it at number two. I think it's the melody of the chorus. And just the song in general I guess. That too. Try to listen to this and NOT let them show you the shape of their collective heart. It's impossible.
Theme: "Girl I know I've done some things and hurt you but I just want you to know how much I love you let's make up yo."
I only recently discovered this one once I started looking back through their music this week (I guess I kind of missed the Black and Blue album when it came out?) and something about it just does it for me. So much so that I put it at number two. I think it's the melody of the chorus. And just the song in general I guess. That too. Try to listen to this and NOT let them show you the shape of their collective heart. It's impossible.
Theme: "Girl I know I've done some things and hurt you but I just want you to know how much I love you let's make up yo."
Now I know what you're all saying-- "But Camryn, this song is from their second album! You said you liked the ones from the first album better! Is this a mistake? We're scared!" But this is most definitely not a mistake. This is my favorite ballad of theirs of all time, and it just happens to be from their second album. It's just so good. The verses, the chorus, the harmonies (especially right at 2:00--GO THERE NOW), the key change, all of it. Just so good. And for that, it deserves the top spot. There's nothing better than music that makes you feel (even if it's a fluffy boy band ballad from the 90s).
Theme: "Girl I miss you so much and I'll do anything to be with you again let's make up yo."
No comments:
Post a Comment