I don't usually buy Backstreet Boys albums, but afterhearing their first release 'I Want It That Way,' from theirthird album 'Millennium', I realised that I just had to buy it! This album has to be their greatest so far, and it seems to be one of the most popular 'boy band' albums in the current charts worldwide. I think this is because many people have found that the Backstreet Boys have improved and matured in many areas over the past few years. I also feel that this album appeals to people of many different ages because it has twelve tracks to offer, in which the boys from Florida experiment with different styles of music, such as Pop and R & B. I feel that they have definitely proved their vocal abilities on this album because they show us that they are capable of singing a wide range of notes in their classic sentimental songs, but at the same time, they have given their listeners musical variety with songs such as their second release 'Larger Than Life.' This song follows the same upbeat tempo and catchy lyrics as their previous hits like 'Everybody (Backstreet's Back)'. Nick Carter fans will be happy to hear that track five is totally dedicated to him. He sings all on his lonesome 'I Need You Tonight, which is a slow ballad. More fans will be delighted because some of the boys have even written their own songs on this album, revealing more talents that have been locked away in the 'BSB' archives. Brian Littrel writes about his mother in 'The Perfect Fan' and has co-written 'The One' which has the distinctive Backstreet Boys style. Kevin Richardson has written a worthy effort called 'Back To Your Heart,' but Brian's handy work apears again for a third time, as he has co-written their release 'Larger Than Life' that reached number five in UK in October of last year. However, listening to the CD, I realise that the ratio of ballads to up tempo songs is seriously unbalanced. These boys are far too sentimental for their own good. The CD in itself is quite futuristic looking, which is quite unoriginal for an album that is called Millennium! However, the booklet of the CD begins with pictures of the boys individually. There is information about the songs, such as who has written them and produced them and then there are even more pictures. Finally, messages of varied length appear which are written by the band members themselves, which are followed by lyrics to only a few of the songs. Overall, this album is very entertaining and you are left looking forward to more albums that will come from the Backstreet Boys in this new Millennium.
By A. Pagett END