This list is the start of a new feature here where we look at all the songs of an artist we can get our hands on and pick which ones are the best. We didn’t have set criteria or a set definition of what best meant but just what songs stood out to us. We chose the Backstreet Boys as the first artist due to both of our loves for the music and in hopes to share with those that are not fans, the songs that they should give a listen if they want to hear the best the Backstreet Boys have to offer.
It should be mentioned that this project took weeks for us to do as it was difficult to get both of us to agree on which songs should be on here. In the end, compromise was the only thing that made it possible. At one point, there were two songs that we just couldn’t agree on. Emily had songs that she liked that Jamie didn’t and vice versa. The result was a compromise where both made it on here. It was the only way we were going to finish the list! Each song had to be agreed upon by both of us. The comments after each chosen were chosen randomly.
Now, without further ado, we present: The Very Best Of the Backstreet Boys in no particular order other than random.
UnmistakableEmily: I admit the opening chords to this song suck me in immediately. The piano sounds so sincere almost. I don’t think there is anyone in the world who cannot relate to the lyrics to this song. If you don’t, you’re not human.
Found On: Unbreakable
If You Knew What I KnewJamie: From the very beginning of this song, I am drawn in. AJ’s voice might sound as perfect as I’ve ever heard it. Unlike some of their songs, these lyrics are simple but not cheesy. It’s a song that a lot of people can relate to at some point in their lives. This song was actually my theme song for a few years. It’s just a great sad, love song.
Found On: Larger than Life Single
Don’t Wanna Lose You NowEmily: This song tugs at my heartstrings. Nick’s voice is so vulnerable. I learned how to sing harmony from this song.
Found On: Millennium
Treat Me RightJamie: This song starts out in a way that wouldn’t make you think: This is a Backstreet Boys song. Or that it was co-written by J.C. Chasez (N’Sync). I was a little unsure of this song at first because it was so different. But I can say now, that this song, hands down, is one of my favorites, which is obviously why I think it deserves to be on this list. I think this song should have been a single because it might have turned some people on to the Backstreet Boys or brought some fans back. Right around the 2 minute market, the song changes drastically and does something pretty clever.
Found On: Unbreakable
Weird WorldEmily: The message in this song was perfect for the time it appeared, 2005. The upbeat melody lightens the tone immensely, making it enjoyable without digging for a deeper meaning.
Found On: Never Gone
Who Do You LoveJamie: I’m going to admit right away that this might very well be my favorite Backstreet song. However, I’m having trouble explaining why that is so. The music in the background is really gorgeous and vocals start out so soft and tender. Very slow. It’s actually a really simple song but the vocals on it are just perfect. Brian’s voice is my favorite part. He has such control over his voice that they are usually spot on live but just perfect on this song. The harmonies? Swoonworthy.
Found On: A Night Out With the Backstreet Boys (Video)
How Did I Fall In Love With YouEmily: Howie sings against a backdrop of harmonies and piano chords. The end.
Found On: Black & Blue
The Answer To Our LifeJamie: Admittedly, this is partly a favorite because the guys wrote it together but besides that, it is actually a song that digs a bit deeper than a lot of their songs. There is a lot of group harmony, which is where I think they are at their best. They’ve always said they are not a boy band, but a vocal harmony group, and I think this song showcases that.
Found On: Black & Blue
Like a ChildEmily: When this first came out, or when I first heard it, it was one of the more mature songs they had put out. Their vocals are spot on and compliment the piano accompaniment perfectly.
Found On: Backstreet’s Back
If I Don’t Have YouJamie: Sadly, I had to buy an import CD to get this song. The melody is very unique – it kind of bounces along. There are some cheesy parts to the song – some of the lyrics and the deep talking in the background (looking at you, Kevin) but it’s easy to get over because the rest of the song? Gorgeous.
Found On: Backstreet’s Back
I Still…Emily: The melody gets me on this song. Kevin’s part on the bridge isn’t so bad either. The opening instrument on the song is a bit unexpected and gives the song the extra kick it needed to make it a cut above.
Found On: Never Gone
Divine InterventionJamie: I have no idea where this song came from (and I tried to do research) but instead of a typical love song, it’s a song about the world. Unfortunately, the lyrics still ring true today. Just a sad, depressing look at the world we live in but thankfully, it’s easy on the ears. This song was actually one of my proudest moments as a BSB fan. Not sure that I can fully express why.
Found On: N/A
IncompleteEmily: Not sure why I’m so attached to this song. I think it’s because the very first time I heard it, it was LIVE and it was fabulous. The rasp in Nick’s voice on the chorus sends chills down my spine. No joke.
Found On: Never Gone
What Makes You Different (Makes You Beautiful)Jamie: Unfortunately, this song was not on all versions of Black and Blue. Every one needs to listen to a song like this and realize that someone out there will love them even with their flaws. And Howie sings lead.
Found On: Black & Blue (Imports and Wal-Mart Edition)
PanicEmily: This song is hard to describe. I think that’s why I love it so much. The beat and chorus are infectious. The abruptness in the bridge is unexpected but completely perfect for the tone of the song.
Found On: Unbreakable
Something That I Already KnowJamie: I love how the beginning of this song switches between AJ and Brian singing lead. And then the chorus kicks in and we get perfect harmonies. I was afraid that without Kevin I’d always feel like the harmonies were missing something but with this song, I forget that Kevin is gone. Another one that almost everyone can relate to because most of us have been in a situation where the other person in the relationship wasn’t happy and you were just waiting for the other shoe to drop. Sad, but true.
Found On: Unbreakable
Over HerEmily: This song had to grow on me, but it just screams old school R&B. The lyrics are simple and so is the melody but sometimes less is more. I like this song for the visions my imagination creates. Sue me.
Found On: N/A (Never Gone Unreleased Track)
I Want It That WayJamie: For a looong time, I didn’t get this song. I’m not sure that I completely get it even now but that doesn’t take away from the greatness of it. Years ago, it was the #10 Pop song of all-time per MTV. I’m not sure that would hold true today but this song was huge for them back in the day. Okay so maybe it’s on here for sentimental reasons. Tell me why!
Found On: Millennium
Unsuspecting Sunday AfternoonEmily: I love the lyrics to this song. I love the fact that they co-wrote it. I love the emotion and I love the very last note of the song. Love is in the air for such a melancholy song.
Found On: Unbreakable
Trouble IsJamie: When I heard this was a cover of a country song, I immediately dismissed it as a disaster. But, I couldn’t have been more wrong. It is my favorite song on Unbreakable, hands down. I love how it starts out with Howie singing so softly. I don’t think his voice has ever sounded better. It slowly builds up and then breaks into the forceful yet beautiful chorus. This song really is the best example of why I like these guys. Everything about this song is love. I could listen to it on repeat (and have been known to do just that).
Found On: Unbreakable
Shape Of My HeartEmily: When I first heard this song, I had no idea what the expression meant but boy did I love this song. I can’t put my finger on it, but I love it. You should love it too.
Found On: Black & Blue
Show Me The Meaning Of Being LonelyJamie: I’m not sure words can convey how much I adore this song. It is easily my favorite song on Millennium. It’s one of the very few songs that you can actually feel the pain through the lyrics and the melody. I think the emotion is conveyed unbelievably well and it couldn’t be more real. If I had to pick a favorite part, it’s where Kevin sings the verse. His voice is a perfect fit for the mood of the song. I wish the producer was still around (Denniz Pop) but it’s obvious he was going through a very dark period when he produced this song just by the entire tone of it.
Found On: Millennium
SiberiaEmily: This song is so simple and simple is good. It is supported by simple chords and they use bubbles when they perform it live.
Found On: Never Gone
Climbing the WallsJamie: From the moment I heard it, I knew it was going to be a favorite of mine. If I had to pick a favorite, Brian’s voice is it. To hear him on the song just gives me chills. His voice has an edge to it and it fits in perfectly with the tone. But then later on, there’s a mixture of Howie and AJ’s voice that is just pure gold. Not sure I’ve ever heard just their voices together. Now I’m wondering why not?
Found On: Never Gone
Song For The UnlovedEmily: This is an anthem waiting to happen. You don’t find many songs like this. A united front is inspiring, especially today.
Found On: Never Gone (Europe Version)
Get Another BoyfriendJamie: When I first got my copy of Black and Blue (and ran to my car to listen to it in the parking lot) and heard this song, I thought I had a defective CD because of the intro. This is easily my favorite up-tempo song they’ve ever done. I’m glad they decided AJ’s voice was the best fit to sing lead on this at the beginning because his voice is just raspy and edgy enough to pull this off. The lead-in to the chorus is just brilliant. The “Why’s” and other stuff going on around 1:50 are strange but clever. However, I do realize how much I miss the “Good God”s from the live version. AJ always seems to add his own touch. If you really want something different, check out the Sleepy Hollow Remix. Love it.
Found On: Black & Blue
Love IsEmily: The sensual guitar riff and Brian’s silky voice entices the listener. Super cheesy but this is totally a ‘put this song on repeat while we make love all night’ song.
Found On: N/A (Never Gone Unreleased track)
EveryoneJamie: A fan anthem. Perhaps this one is on here for sentimental reasons but I think it’s the best of the two fan anthems they have (the other being Larger than Life). This song epitomizes everything it really means to be a BSB fan. The best moment of the song is the circus music after the line “We’ve been inside the circus”. Yeah, the circus analogy has been done before. Britney, eat your heart out.
Found On: Black & Blue
If You StayEmily: Harmonies. Done.
Found On: Booty Call Soundtrack.
10,000 PromisesJamie: The harmonies in the chorus? Flawless. The song? Easily relatable by many, sadly. A haunting tale of a love gone wrong – where one party is the one to blame.
Found On: Backstreet’s Back
The CallEmily: This was the first song where they don’t come off as perfection. It’s a nice change of pace and they own it. I’d listen to the Neptune’s Remix for a slightly edgier sound.
Found On: Black & Blue
Back To Your Heart (Live Version)Jamie: The reason for the live version: the hidden verse. You can’t hear it on the album version and that is a tragedy. The hidden verse is the.best.part.of.the.song. If you aren’t sure what I am talking about, find the Burger King: For the Fans CD 1. The only bad part is that Nick’s voice is a little rough – he might have been sick. The hidden verse though, makes up for any flaws. I promise! It’s not only the lyrics that would make anyone swoon but Brian’s delivery of it and the rest of the guys singing in the background. Listen for it at approximately 3:40. Nice job Mr. Richardson!
Found On: Burger King: For the Fans CD 1 (Non-Live Version is found on Millennium)
DrowningEmily: The analogies and metaphors used are enough to get any heart swelling. They are backed up by perfect harmonies and sincerity. You want to believe they’re drowning in you.
Found On: The Hits: Chapter 1 (Greatest Hits)
Notes from the Authors
From Emily
2009 marks my 14th year as a Backstreet Boys fan. Seems crazy that I’ve been listening to them for that long. In a way I feel so much older than them even though I’m so much younger. But I’ve watched them grow as people and as musicians and when I take a look at them today, I still feel a sense of pride knowing that in some distant, distant way, I’ve helped shape them into the musicians they are today. I’ve bought their music, I’ve attended their concerts, I’ve bought their memorabilia. I’ve been there through the great times and the horrible times. I know their past and I’d like to think I know their future.
I have to commit here and say that I’m a fan until the absolute end. I may not like music they put out sometimes (and believe me, there have been some very questionable songs), but there’s one thing that will always keep me listening. My friends. Their music introduced me to so many people, two in particular that I love with my whole heart. One of them is co-writing this article. We met in 2000 over these five (well, four now) studs and for that, I am attached. Completely.
From Jamie
It really is quite amazing how long this music has been in my life. In fact, at this point, I can’t imagine my life without it. Of course, this isn’t because their music is always fantastic but because I’ve grown up with the music and them. I went from being a fanatical, obsessive, crazy teenie to someone who follows what they do to see how they change and grow. I’m the first to admit when a song of theirs is terrible. Their music is just not something I can give up nor do I want to. In some weird way, listening to their music makes me feel younger because it reminds me of a time when my life was so very different. I’ve met some of my favorite people through our mutual appreciation of their music. Basically, their music changed my life and if I gave up on them, I would feel like I’m biting the hand that fed me, so to speak. For better or for worse, I’m a fan. Always.
Final Note: This is an opinion piece. No two people would have the exact same list which is why this was so hard to do for the both of us. Please feel free to comment about what changes you would make if you were doing the list.
Author: Jamie:
A 20-something music lover of all types. Some of my favorites include Garth Brooks, Lori McKenna, Patty Griffin, Jessica Harp, Elvis Presley, and Johnny Cash.
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You always hear about the songs they release as singles (Ok, I admit that “More Than That”, “All I have to Give” and “Show me the meaning” are my favorite singles), but never do the brilliant songs like many of the above listed songs in this article really get mention elsewhere. They should. As a BSB fan of 13 years, I’ve fallen in love with many songs, namingly “Song for the unloved”, “Who do you love”, “If you stay” (SO glad they performed that one on the B&B tour when I saw them in concert), “10,000 promises,” “Safest place to hide”, “Stay in my life” etc