Backstreet Boys - Black & Blue

Although their edgy new fashion statement is more thrift-store funky than Milan runway chic, not much else has changed for the Backstreet Boys on their third disc, Black & Blue. And for die-hard fans, that's a good thing. Instead of heading for club-thumping territory like their boy band rivals 'N Sync, Black & Blue finds the Boys remaining true to their roots with a winning mix of bouncy, up-tempo tunes -- the pouncing synth track "The Answer to Our Life" and the spunky Rodney Jerkins-produced "Shining Star" -- and syrupy ballads such as the soon-to-be wedding day classics "I Promise You (With Everything I Am)" and "Yes I Will." There are some changes, of course. Instead of Brian Littrell's earnest vocals, flamboyant A. J. McLean's gravely pipes come to the fore on several tracks including the hymn-like ballad "Time" and the funky dance cut "Not for Me." While the boys take a stab at playing down and dirty on "The Call," on which they make triflin' "my cell phone didn't work" excuses for their cheatin' ways, it's not a great fit.

CONDITION: NEW! DRILLED CASE!
TRACK LISTINGS
1 The Call
2 Shape of My Heart
3 Get Another Boyfriend
4 Shining Star
5 I Promise You (With Everything I Am)
6 The Answer to Our Life
7 Everyone
8 More Than That
9 Time
10 Not for Me
11 Yes I Will
12 It's True
13 How Did I Fall in Love with You