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In preparation for their highly-anticipated 2019 album, ‘DNA,’ Veteran boy band Backstreet Boys release their second single from the project, “Chances.”

Backstreet Boys continue to maintain a respectable career, despite the fact that the height of the boy band movement has been long past.  Heck, even the members of One Direction are doing their own thing now, while groups like PRETTYMUCH and Why Don’t We are still up-and-coming essentially.  Nonetheless, in the depths of January 2019, the ‘Boys’ – rather, the ‘men’ – will release a new album, DNA.  Following the release of an earlier buzz single in 2018, “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart”, along with some remixes, BSB drop another promo single, “Chances.”

The Boys keep things pretty short and sweet on “Chances,” which runs under three minutes in duration.  Despite the brevity, there are definite pros.  First and foremost, vocally, the pipes are still intact, especially Brian Littrell and Nick Carter.  Additionally, the production is solid, even if it doesn’t necessarily ‘blow you away’ or ‘rock your socks off.’ It’s a standard pop sound that goes on to incorporate some electronic touches while not going ‘too far out on a limb.’ This works for BSB. In regards to the form, Backstreet Boys keep things standard for the most part, with verses, pre-choruses, choruses, and a bridge.

“Chances” also has its less bright moments.  The record is enjoyable, but not particularly groundbreaking or the most rousing of the year.  As aforementioned, while the production is solid, it’s not necessarily cutting edge.  The songwriting is respectable, if predictable.

Final Thoughts 

So, how does Backstreet Boys’ “Chances” stack up? Ultimately, it’s a good single that highlights the strengths of the band, without ‘moving the needle’ or ‘swinging the pendulum.’  At this point, BSB are who they are, and “Chances” does little to reinvent them or make them say relevant to a younger audience.  For those who grew up with the heartthrobs, they’ll make you’ll ‘fan-girl’ (or ‘fan-boy’) all over again. Otherwise, you may give it a listen or two and say, eh…

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Backstreet Boys » DNA » K-Bahn / RCA » Release: 1.25.19

Photo Credits: K-Bahn / RCA