’’For those of you who don’t want pop to continue...sorry!’’ (Brian Littrell, 11/21/00) -- that pretty much sums it up, now here’s my review:
1. The Call
Max Martin always seems to know how to write those kick-butt songs that will draw in new male fans, and that will completely hook the teenage girls that are already fans. I like the ’phone call’ in the beginning, and the beat is just awesome. I have come to a conclusion that this is my second favorite uptempo. AJ opens up with that ’bad boyness.’ If you aren’t dancing by the end of the song, you seriously need to see a psychiatrist.
2. Shape Of My Heart
Never, ever underestimate the power of a Backstreet Boys midtempo. This song is beautiful, and as Brian would say, ’’your typical sad love song.’’ Or maybe AJ, ’’this definitely isn’t your typical love song.’’ Funny how there can be a difference of opinion, eh? It’s just pretty, the vocals are wonderful, everything is right in this song. Brian naturally opens up the song with his choir-like voice, and is generally begging for forgiveness. We go into the faster chorus, then AJ with his raspy voice and his own solo. Again, the chorus. Then Nick with his never-ending climax (due to the ’fade-out’ factor), AJ follows, ending the song beautifully with the name of the song.
3. Get Another Boyfriend
Another great work of art created by the legend himself, Max Martin. This is exactly what I was looking for when awaiting the album. The Boys really show attitude and put their heart into this song. As you can imagine, this is AJ’s favorite. It sort of holds the feel of Don’t Want You Back, but with a more digital beat. I really love it and I think it’ll definitely make it as a single. Brian, as usual, holds the ’interlude, ’ and I love it. AJ and Nick are the sassy ones. Again, if you’re not dancing by the time the song is over, there’s something wrong with your head!
4. Shining Star
The Boys have some writing action on this track, and they did a great job! I love the beat, the lyrics, the sound, everything. It starts out somewhat odd, but you get this feel of the artist Pink. It is like nothing I’ve ever heard from the Backstreet Boys, and it definitely works for them. Nick sings the most subjective lyrics in the song, with ’’baby you’ll know I’ll let every single part of me be yours.’’ I really like it, and I can’t wait to see them perform it live.
5. I Promise You (With Everything I Am)
Before I even begin, yes I will acknowledge every blood-hungry Nsync fan’s gesture, the name does ring a bell. Get over it! The similarities end there. The two songs don’t sound alike! So, leave it alone. Now, this isn’t my favorite ballad on the album, but it is very pretty. The song is the basic Backstreet Ballad formula. In this order: Brian opens, chorus, Nick sings whiney but wonderful, and a climax hits dramatically. It’s always worked, and it definitely works here.
6. Answer To Our Life
What a song! It ’’resembles, ’’ if you will, The One. But the meaning behind the song is totally different. It talks about helping each other, the world, and not just sitting back and complaining. This, like I said before, sets them apart from their counterparts and the pop world. They aren’t just your average boy band, they deal with real issues. I love the song, and it is definitely one of my favorites.
7. Everyone
The one dedicated to us! Who woulda thought there was going to be another one dedicated to the fans? That’s so great. It really shows that they actually care about the fans, not just about the money and fame. I’ve never heard another band proclaim so much love for their fans in my life. Everyone has a digital/techno beat, different for the guys. They sing whole-heartedly for us, and that basically makes it a great tune. It is danceable, sweet, and strong. ’’We’ve been through days of thunder, some people say we don’t belong. They try to put us under, but here we stand together and a million strong.’’
8. More Than That
This is my favorite midtempo! Wow, it’s amazing and wonderful at the same time. :) I could listen to it again and again. Possibly the reason I love it so much is the middle where Brian sings with a single guitar playing, he sounds absolutely beautiful. I can’t praise this song enough, I can’t believe how great it is. The style is Latin, think Enrique Iglesias. Very emotionally satisfying. Kudos to the Boys for one more awesome song!
9. Time
The vocals are, as always, very pretty and lovely. It is a beautiful song that tells the story of the past, present, and future of the Backstreet Boys. It is also sort of dedicated to the fans. I sure do love these guys, and I’m glad they appreciate a fan’s love and the $$$ I spend on them. I also think this song represents the tight brotherhood that the guys hold together. ’’Remember when we would sing at the drop of a dime? Oh, way back when nothing else mattered.’’
10. Not For Me
Now this is what I’m talking about! This is a great uptempo that ranks with Get Another Boyfriend. For a change, Brian gets a sassy start, with AJ and Nick not far behind. The song deals with a cheating girlfriend that they are getting rid of. Good move, Boys! :) I love the digital beat, and no, there is no sign of It’s Gonna Be Me in this one Kristina. I also can’t wait to see how they perform this live!
11. Yes I Will
A true R&B hit in its own right, AJ is a talented writer and I love his style. This has a smooth flow and a nice beat. I love the song but it is not one of my favorites.
12. It’s True
This track was featured on a series of Burger King promo CDs. I love this song. There’s sincerity, beauty, power, and greatness filled in this track. It’s one of the best ballads on the album, and there’s a certain something about it that will make heartbroken youngsters listen over and over. Max Martin and Kevin’s ideas and lyrics must have mixed well, because it made for a great song. I love the vocals. The formula for the ballad is the basic BSB structure, but what’s wrong with that?
13. What Makes You Different (Makes You Beautiful)
Howie D. writes great music, that is what I’ve come to find out on this album. The slowly plucking guitar brings you into a nicely sung ballad/midtempo. I don’t know if it’s one of my favorites but it is a nice addition to the album. One thing I love on this album is the fact that the underdog of the group, who usually hardly gets solos, got plenty of recognition on Black & Blue. He sings beautifully, so I don’t know why he hasn’t sung more before.
14. How Did I Fall In Love With You
What a tearjerker! No matter how many times you may listen to this track, you will cry every single time. Howie has done an impeccable job with this song, and again, sings wonderfully in it. A single piano plays almost silently as Brian (naturally) begins the song. He and Howie are the main soloists, with AJ and Nick miraculously only being ’’backup singers.’’ Nick has one amazing part, he sings one single note before Howie begins his next solo. Is that not odd? It is odd, but it’s great! I love everything about this song, and it is my favorite love song of all time. The story is of a boy who fell in love with his best friend, and asks...’’how did I fall in love with you?’’ This is a must-listen for everyone. I really am hoping it will be released a single. It is the best way to end Black & Blue
I hope you’ve taken my review seriously and that it’s helped you to make a buying decision...BUY IT. No matter what those old critics say, this is a great album.