Backstreet Boys: This Is Us
Backstreet Boys: This Is Us
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By Lewis Bazley. |  |
Wednesday, 07, Oct 2009 01:30
RCA, out October 5th.
In a nutshell...
Uninspiring comeback from the original princes of pop.
What's it all about?
This is the seventh album outing for the Backstreet Boys, who return to the charts with an 11-track record which fails to make any sort of an impression.
Who's it by?
Another 90s band stake their claim on the music scene of the 21st century, as the Backstreet Boys reform after a year-long break. Best-known for catchy pop tunes such as Everybody (Backstreet's Back) and I Want It That Way, the band has returned as a four-piece after original member Kevin Richardson decided a comeback wasn't for him.
As an example...
"Baby your suspense can be intense/It's got me convinced, oh yeah /You're the fingers to my instrument" - PDA
Likelihood of a trip to the Grammys
With a host of nominations under their belts, the Boys have never managed to turn the praise into a coveted trophy. Let's face it, if their stand-out tracks of the 90s couldn't do it for them, this album isn't even in with a remote chance.
What the others say
"The newest CD from the Backstreet Boys features a number of uptempo, club-sounding songs - but the weak effort from this quartet won't have you running to the dance floor." - The Canadian Press
"Cuts like Bye Bye Love and Straight Through My Heart have au courant hotel-lounge decadence to them, and She's a Dream benefits from the light melodic touch of guest T-Pain" - LA Times
So is it any good?
It's obvious that the production team spared no expense in trying to make this record a success; electronic sounds and heavy backing tracks are the norm as the four-piece try to restore themselves to their former glory.
With input from the likes of Ne-Yo and T-Pain, the boys seem out to prove that they're not past their sell-by date. Although there is something distinctly noughties about This Is Us, it seems far removed from what the kids are buying these days. And, as for their parents, it would be surprising to see this on their list of 'must have' albums this year.
There's always a problem with a record where the listener can't distinguish between tracks. It's hard to recall what any of the songs sound like, which doesn't bode well for the band. Considering people can still recreate the dance moves of Everybody over ten years after its release, this marks a sorry state of affairs for the group who perhaps should have quit while they were ahead.
The first single Straight Through My Heart is plagued by uninspiring lyrics, perhaps only given a hint of credibility by its slightly catchy backing track. The same can be said for the likes of Bigger and Bye Bye Love, which are what can easily be called the best of a bad bunch.
What This Is Us lacks is a stand-out ballad which fans know the Boys can deliver. Looking back to tracks such as Shape of My Heart and I Want It That Way, it's evident that the band can pull it off - but decided not to for this album.
Special mention must also go to PDA, which is a seedy and rather unpleasant track which is unlikely to win favour with younger fans.
Commendation does go to some of the band members, however, who have contributed to the writing of some of the tracks. With this becoming a rarity in the industry, credit is due for the Boys who have stuck to their roots.
Overall, This Is Us could have been better, which will make it a frustrating album for fans who remember the glory days.
2/10
Emma Furze