Backstreet Boys come back with new album

Just the mention of the words “boy band” brings back memories of being a prepubescent tween, loving everything and anything pop. In the era of Britney Spears, N’Sync, 98 Degrees, O-Town and other pop sensations, the Backstreet Boys were the among the few to secure more than just one catchy tune.

Every growth spurt was mirrored by a song by the band, most notably “I Want It That Way,” “Larger Than Life,” “Show Me The Meaning Of Being Lonely,” and “The One” in 1999. Many, however, have no clue what happened to them after their initial fame. Many fans would be surprised to know that the band has lost a member, Kevin Richardson, who left the band in 2006 to start a family.

Even with four members and the boy band era being long gone, BSB continues to make music. Since their super stardom in the 90’s, the band has released four albums – “Black & Blue,” “Never Gone,” “Unbreakable” and, most notably, their newest album “This Is Us,” which features artists Lady Gaga, OneRepublic singer Ryan Tedder, Ne-Yo, Pitbull and T-Pain.

With any album, the first track is usually definitive of the mood of the album. I  expected the album to be a bit more somber with more mature lyrics and content. Nick Carter, Brian Littrell, A.J. McLean and Howie Dorough’s solo albums range from pop, rock, Christian rock and at the same time was light hearted and very similar to the production of “The Block” by New Kids on the Block.

“This Is Us” is full of ballads, flirtatious lyrics and catchy songs. Unfortunately, the album is nothing admirable. It’s appropriate for a fan looking forward to hearing the same sound they are used to.

However, if you are looking for growth and experience in a boy band that has the potential to gain a new fan base, you’re going to be sorely disappointed.

It’s extremely generic and bubblegum, sugary sweet with adolescent promises that I’m sure no Jonas Brothers fan is expecting from guys twice as old as them.

However, some songs aren’t half bad. One song that almost worth a listen is “Bigger.”

This album shows that some bands aren’t ready to grow up and go from Backstreet Boys to men. However, they have stayed loyal to their pop roots, and haven’t confused their personal careers with that of the bands image.

All in all, if you like pop in its purest form with no rock and edge, “This Is Us” is just that.