Twenty years into a boy band's career, expectations have to be lowered slightly for a post-prime release. As much as they may try, a pop group is not an act that ages particularly well. Backstreet Boys are the '90s flavor, paving the way for more modern groups like One Direction to take on the youth audience.
This must be kept in mind when looking at Backstreet Boys' comeback album, "In A World Like This."
In multiple interviews, BSB have mentioned that they made an album filled with their favorite kinds of music. Upon listening to "In A World Like This," that becomes abundantly clear. The album as a whole is Backstreet Boys most inconsistent album to date, full of songs that range in quality and fail to fully connect.
That's not to say some of the individual songs aren't gems. The lead single and title track is a high point of the album. Full of hopeful, swelling vocals and an immensely impressive turn from Brian Littrell during the chorus, "In A World Like This" proves Backstreet Boys have what it takes to make a solid adult pop hit.
"One Phone Call," an intense adoration song coming from a wrongdoer, and jangly album closer "Soldier" continue to prove that point. The harmonies, instrumentation and subject matter for these songs fit best into what the aging Backstreet Boys and their grown up fan base can now expect. These tracks are fun and catchy but have a distinct adult feel that allows older fans to unabashedly love the music.
Where BSB falters is when they stray too far from the adult pop genre. The vaguely country "Feels Like Home" is the most confusing song in the BSB catalog. Hearing the boy band sing about gasoline, trucks and laid back drinking is just bizarre and unbelievable, particularly when matched with the countrified vocal effects. The chorus of "Feels Like Home," where the band brags about traveling all around the world just doesn't match with the verse's attempts at a down-home vibe.
Similarly, the genre-bending "Try" is part stoner acoustic ballad, part soulful jam and part Latin track, just misses the mark.
That's not to say Backstreet Boys can't do the acoustic thing. "Madeleine," a heartfelt slow song about a troubled fan, is a beautiful, touching track that shows the tender side of BSB.
So, in total, can it truly be sad that Backstreet's back? The answer is... kind of. While some songs on "In A World Like This" truly hit the mark for an all grown-up boy band. Other tracks don't even reach the dartboard.
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