Backstreet Boys, DNA | Album Review 💿

Following a six-year-hiatus, veteran boy band Backstreet Boys return with their highly-anticipated eighth studio album, ‘DNA.’

Backstreet Boys continue to record despite the decline of the boy band. Even with the odds stacked against them, Brian Littrell, Nick Carter, Kevin Richardson, Howie Dorough and AJ McLean all return with a brand-new album, DNA. DNA marks the eighth studio album by the collective that once told teen girls everywhere to “Quit Playing Games with My Heart”. With a successful promotional campaign consisting of four singles (the best of which arguably being the fourth, “Breathe”) DNA has its fair share of enjoyable moments.

“Don’t Go Breaking My Heart”

The iconic 90s boy band gets things started off right with the catchy, fun, and soundly executed ✓ “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart”. “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” sounds fresh and modern, clearly updating the sounds of old for Backstreet Boys.  No longer are they boys, but men, with “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” embracing a more mature sound. Perhaps the tenor of Nick Carter (first verse/bridge) isn’t as boyish as it was in the 90s, but he still sounds youthful and vibrant.  Likewise, AJ McLean (second verse) and the rest of the boys continue to compel, particularly fueled by the bright piano and synths of the backdrop, and terrific vocal production.  The chorus is clearly the centerpiece.

“Baby, don’t go breaking my heart, breaking my heart
Cause it’s the only one I got.”

Following up “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” is a tall task.  For the most part, the driving rhythm of “Nobody Else” keeps things fresh, notably co-written by the likes of Lauv, Emily Warren, and “LunchMoney” Lewis. “Nobody Else” benefits from smooth vocals, sleek production, and catchy songwriting, most notably on the pre-chorus and chorus.  

“Breathe” 

A soulful intro sets the tone for ✓ “Breathe”, with doo-wop styled vocals: “Ooh / Do-do-do-do-do.  The intro later reappears as the post- chorus, which is a very nice, sensible touch.  Notably, “Breathe” is a cappella, and the overall sounds ends up being lush to the nth degree.  The richness is awe-inspiring, fueled by incredibly warm and refined vocals. Also, worth noting, is the compelling falsetto that appears throughout. Backstreet Boys wisely lean on the past – an old-school, R&B backdrop – to fuel their fire.  Ultimately, the backdrop yields fitting results for the veterans.  Adding to the greatness is a straightforward form, comprised of verse, pre-chorus, chorus, and post-chorus (reprise of the initial intro). The songwriting focuses on the familiar – love, heartbreak, and lost time, all things BSB have excelled at on previous records.

✓ “New Love” keeps things poppin’ on DNA with one of the nastiest, sickest grooves of the LP.  This is a record that drips in swagger – falsetto too for that matter.  The attitude bodes well in Backstreet Boys’ favor.  Who says guys approaching middle-age (or already there) can’t still have fun and slay the pop game?  The gift of groove remains potent on follow-up gem ✓ “Passionate,” where the Boys assert, “I know I come on hard, there’s no need to be alarmed.” Notably, “Passionate” is co-written by Andy Grammer (“Honey, I’m Good.”). After keeping the tempo cooking, the smoother, mid-tempo “Is It Just Me” slackens the pace while continuing to keep BSB firmly planted into 2019 as opposed to 1999. Nothing brand-new or groundbreaking comes from it, but it’s respectable.

“Chances”

Backstreet 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 Littrell and 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 regard to the form, BSB keep things standard for the most part, with verses, pre-choruses, choruses, and a bridge. “Chances” also has less high-flying 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.

“No Place” 

“I’ve been to Paris, made my way down to Rome / Seen the sun setting on the beach in Mexico…” ✓ “No Place” keeps things ‘short and sweet,’ clocking in at a tight three-minute duration.  In regard to sound, “No Place” features a stereotypical, contemporary pop sound, specifically, ubiquitous, sleek, rhythmic guitar.  Backstreet Boys deliver respectable vocals.  They’re not quite as ‘boyish’ as the past, but sufficient.  Specifically, the second verse vocals are coarser (Richardson and McLean), and not quite as smooth as the first (Littrell, Dorough, and Carter). Boding well in the collective’s favor is yet another catchy, chorus section.

“I’ve been all around the world, done all there is to do
But you’ll always be the home I wanna come home to
You’re a wild night with a hell of a view
There ain’t no place, ain’t no place like you
There ain’t no place, ain’t no place like you.”

“Chateau” 

Following two consecutive advanced singles, both standouts, DNA features four more songs.  The first of the closing quartet, “Chateau” continues a trend of hella slick pop production incorporating electronic and urban cues.  The chorus is the crowning achievement, particularly the vocal harmonies and vocal production. Backstreet Boys go old-school once more on the retro-soul-styled ballad, “The Way It Is.” While stand-alone R&B is on ‘the struggle bus’ lucratively, it’s always awesome to hear it continue to be integrated, regardless of genre. Also, worth noting, the falsetto is on-point on “The Way It Is.” 

Penultimate “Just Like You Like” incorporates acoustic guitars and plays to the collective’s adult contemporary strengths. If there’s a dash of country, you can thank co-writer Dustin Lynch. It’s not quite as potent as “Chateau” or “The Way It Is,” but the Boys bring the heat at the end.  They close out things with the lighter, bubbly, tropically-tinged pop of “OK.” Maybe it’s a bit too light – a smidge too vanilla – but it’s respectable.

Final Thoughts

All in all, there are lots of things to like about DNA. First and foremost, we got a new Backstreet Boys album after a six-year hiatus.  Also, the songwriters and producers tend to do a good job of retaining the glory of the collective while also making them fit into a modern space.  Is the wheel ever reinvented on DNA? No, but there are enough memorable moments, falsetto, and high-flying vocal harmonies to make it a worthwhile listen with some replay value.

✓ Gems: “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart,” “Breathe,” “New Love,” “Passionate,” “Chances” & “No Place”

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

Photo Credits: K-Bahn / RCA