Backstreet Boys Album: “This Is Us”

I pre-ordered the album and I was so happy when I received it. The past 2 albums were just not very good to me and I have been a fan since I was 13 (I am now 24.) So, I was very happy when I listened to the album b/c it sounds like the old Backstreet Boys! I listen to it all the time and never seem to get tired of it. Here is my song review break down:

1. Straight Through My Heart: This is a GREAT song that the rdio stations just didnt get a chance! If this was anyone else's song it would have been a top 10 hit.

2. Bigger: This is the only sing produced by the great Max Martin that is responsible for most of BSB's past hits. This song was good, but it wasnt up to Max or BSB's standards. Not one of my favories, but still better than all the songs on the last 2 albums. I am unsure as to why this is going to be the 2nd single. It is like they are doing things like they did before they got big in the US. Their main attention is overseas. Maybe it will work this time around too!

3. Bye Bye Love: This one has a nice R&B sound. It doesn really sound like "Forever" by Chris Brown that much. I do, however, see a R&B singer making this a #1. BSB could make this a #1 if the stations would give it a chance. Very good song.

4. All Of Your Life (You Need Love): This is not a favorite. I wish this would have been replaced by Hologram, which didnt make the cut for some reason.

5. If I Knew Then: I LOVE LOVE this song! AJ does a great job with lead vocals. I see this being a hit! This should be the 2nd single! One of my favorites!

6. This Is Us: A lot of people didnt like this song, but I love it. It is one of those songs that grows on you the more you listen to it. It is one of my favorites. I see this being a hit.

7. PDA: This is a fun song to listen to. It reminds me of something like, "If You Want it To Be Good Girl (Get Yourself a Bad Boy)" from their debut cd! People seem to forget that it was fun songs like this that made them stars!

8. Masquerade: I LOVE this one! Has a great catchy beat. I see this being a hit! One of my favorites.

9. She's A Dream: I am surprised that this was the only one produced by T-Pain. I am not crazy about this song. I find it a but funny to hear them say "shawty." Still good, but not the best.

10. Shattered: This is the only actual ballad. Their vocals are amazing! The harmonies are wonderful, especially since they only have 4 part harmony now!

11. Undone: This is one of my bottom 2 songs on the album. I think this should have been replaced by one of the songs that didnt make the cut.

So, all in all... GREAT album! If people that were not fans before would listen and give them a chance, they would end up loving it.

I just can't get into this one. And I really hate to say that, because I've loved BSB from the very beginning! Yeah, it's okay...but just okay. The only standouts are the lead single, "Straight Through My Heart" and the last few tracks, "Shattered, "She's a Dream", and "Undone". I like their more mature sound on the last two albums (Unbreakable, Never Gone) a lot better than this one. Overall, the problem with this new release is that I simply don't remember it after a few listens. It's not stuck in my head constantly like other albums I have. And the majority of the tracks are just a bit too juvenile given the group's ages now. I've got the few songs I like ripped onto my iPod, but the CD itself is just collecting dust on my shelf. Maybe next time around?

I think this album is a great combination between boyband's pop and R&B. Unlike what some people might have said, it's NOT a step back but a big step forward for BSB. It shows that they are versatile and always eager to try on new things to refresh themselves. Listening to this album, I can clearly recognize the music that makes backstreet boys who they are, and at the same time, enjoy the new elements that make their music new, fresh and exciting.

There are some very catchy songs like: Straight through the night, Masquerade, If I knew then..., which are more radio-friendly, while some others are more deep like: Shattered, Undone, Bigger.

Overall, I love this album and do not understand why some people are so harsh about it. Maybe it's just about personal opinion. Listen to it and find an answer for yourself :)

Let me start by saying this is their most enjoyable full album in a while..yes their last few albums had a few gems on each..but "This is Us" has a lot more to offer. And also, you should "hunt" for the Bonus CD Disc Version of "This is Us" as this bonus disc is a great stand alone album itself. (not the DVD)

1. "Straight Through My Heart" Written By: (AJ Junior, Kinnda Hamid, Bilal Hajji, Novel Jannusi) Produced By: (RedOne) -- 3:27

10/10- Produced by Redone (who produced Lady Gaga's Just Dance & Poker Face) a great uptempo song that has shades of Airwave by Rank 1

2. "Bigger" Written By: (Max Martin, Tiffany Amber and Shellback) Produced By: (Max Martin) -- 3:16

8/10- Max Martin....has produced so many BSB hits (I want it That way, etc..)...as well as so many other pop stars mid-tempo..great song..needs a dance remix to make it monster huge

3. "Bye Bye Love" Written By: (Carsten Schack, Kenneth Karlin and Claude Kelly) Produced By: (Soulshock & Karlin) -- 4:20

8/10 toe tapping - very reminiscent of Chris Brown's "Forever"

4. "All of Your Life (You Need Love)" Written By: (RedOne, Prince Charles) Produced By: (RedOne) -- 3:55

9.5/10 Another RedOne hot single..very very catchy uptempo song

5. "If I Knew Then" Written By: (Carsten Schack, Kenneth Karlin and Claude Kelly) Produced By: (Soulshock & Karlin) -- 3:16

10/10- AJ showcasing some great vocals...very catchy

6. "This is Us" Written By: (Howie Dorough, Jim Jonsin and Jordan Omley) Produced By: (Jim Jonsin) -- 3:03

6/10 my least favorite maybe my grade is too harsh, as it stands out from the whole album, and not in the best way..but still good..just something about it doesn't sit right.

7. "PDA" Written By: (Printz Board & Mario "Tex" James) Produced By: (Printz Board) -- 3:48

9.5/10 cliched..but SO good..reminds me of the catchiness of "Get Another Boyfriend" mixed with Asher Roth "She Don't Wanna Man"

8. "Masquerade" Written By: (Brian Kennedy, Alexander James, Busbee and Antwoine Collins) Produced By: (Brian Kennedy) -- 3:03

8.5/10 another uptempo song..this will be a great gym song for the workout

9. "She's a Dream" Written By: (AJ McLean, Howie Dorough, Nick Carter, Brian Littrell, T-Pain) Produced By: (T-Pain) -- 3:58

9/10 R&B heavy ballad..great for the quiet night with you and your other..

10. "Shattered" Written By: (Tiyon "TC" Mack, Chad Roper, Jordan Suecof, Daryl Camper) Produced By: (Eman) -- 3:53

10/10 One of BSB's best ballads hands down..brilliance!

11. "Undone" Written By: (Ryan Tedder, Josh Hoge, Troy Johnson ) Produced By: (Troy Johnson) -- 4:14

8/10 very nice ballad..by Tedder who was responsible for Leona Lewis' "Bleeding Love"

And for the Bonus tracks:quick ratings..I don't know why Funny Face, Hologram, Fallen Angel, Trouble, and Helpless weren't on the album..this CD is great enough to be a wonderful stand alone CD..

2-01 All In My Head 9/10

2-02 Callin' Your Name 7/10

2-03 Don't Try This At Home 8/10

2-04 Fallen Angel 10/10

2-05 Funny Face 10/10

2-06 Helpless 10/10

2-07 Hologram 10/10

2-08 International Luv 8/10

2-09 Straight through my heart (Jason Nevins mixshow remix)

2-10 Trouble 10/10

All in all a great album.....great, fresh sounding, we're lucky to have them still around..enjoy it!

needless to say more.. BSB have shown that no matter what the media say about them they're amazing vocalists and performers on everything they do. This is a clear example of that, even if this album is a lot different than what we're used to hearing from them once again you can enjoy the harmony of their voices in more upbeat songs. still maintaining their quality.