Written by Regan Brown
The boys are back! Nick, Brian, Kevin, Howie, and A.J., formally known across the globe as the Backstreet Boys, are back but this time around they’re all grown up. After eight years since their last album, the Backstreet Boys’ eighth studio album, In A World Like This was released on July 30th.
The new album features 13 tracks and I have to admit, it’s not what I would have thought. Now that they’re older, I kind of expected their music to signify that. However, some of the songs like, “Hot, Hot, Hot”, “One Phone Call”, “Love Somebody”, “Soldier”, “Trust Me”, and “Feels Like Home” are very similar to the “bubblegum” pop you hear on the radio from younger, popular boy bands out now, which makes me come to the conclusion that a lot of editing was done. And I’ll admit, I’m not a fan. The preteen inside of me is close to tears.
But then you have a song like “Show ‘Em (What You’re Made Of)” and you sit and think to yourself, why couldn't every song on the album be more like this one? This track reminds the underdog in each and every one of us to stand tall, be ourselves, have hope, be fearless, and sooner or later, the world will be at our feet and there won’t be a thing that we can’t do.
Another track that’s definitely worth a listen is, “In a World Like This”, which is the first song to kick off the entire album. This song sends out the message that nothing in this world is absolute and anything can happen, despite the grey areas and obstacles.
For all the heartbroken souls out there, “Permanent Stain” might be the song for you. Getting over someone who had a huge impact on your life can be extremely difficult to the point where you may feel like you might never learn to love another again. This song captures this daunting feeling very well.
Now for all the sappy, happy lovers out there, “Breathe” would be more your cup of tea. The lyrics are pretty much self-explanatory and offer all those mushy, sweet, overdramatic lines that make us smile, cry, and laugh.
If you were a fan of the Backstreet Boys when they first came out and if in your eyes, they were one of the few original boy bands out there…then you should listen to their new album. And who knows? Maybe you’ll love each and every song. Maybe you’ll have a similar opinion as mine. And worst-case scenario, you’ll dislike every song (which I don’t foresee happening).
Either way, you can go and buy a hard copy of the album or you can do what I do and go on iTunes, which might be more fitting because then you can just individually purchase the tracks you like best.
So remember, the Backstreet Boys are back, their new album is called, In A World Like This, and it’s out NOW! Happy listening!!!
