November 21, 2000
source: worldpop

The Backstreet Boys' third/fourth album (depending on where you live) is a diverse mixture of syncopated upbeats, smooth R&B and classic Backstreet ballads. And, perhaps surprisingly, the self-penned tracks are by far the best …
Artist: Backstreet Boys
Title: Black & Blue
Label: Jive
Released: 20 November 2000


The Call
A Max Martin-penned upbeat, this kicks things off with a bang. Despite the hard sound, the lyrics are actually apologetic, begging for forgiveness from a girlfriend after a fling with another woman. The syncopated rhythms give it a Destiny's Child feel and it's a punchier, dramatic track than we're used to from the BSBs.

Shape Of My Heart
There's a reason this track was Black & Blue's first single: it's the best song on the album. An I Want It That Way-style mid-tempo, Shape Of My Heart grows with every listening until you just can't stop humming it.

Get Another Boyfriend
Not a million miles from The Call, it's another harsh sounding upbeat number, listing faults in the object of affection's boyfriend! One of the most danceable tracks on the album, it has the guys sounding tougher than ever.

Shining Star
Co-written by Nick and Howie and produced by Rodney Jerkins, Shining Star is one of the album's best tracks, revealing that sophisticated R&B suits the Backstreet Boys even more than Max Martin upbeats. Proof they're more than just another boy band (as if we ever thought that anyway!)

I Promise You
The first ballad on the album has a more mature but still perfectly pop sound. The acoustic guitar gives this love song a country feel and the boys' voices sound better than ever. The first of several love songs on Black & Blue.

The Answer To Our Life
Another of the album's strongest tracks, it has the Backstreet Boys doing what they do best, classic pop without the over-production Max Martin sometimes slides into. Plus, the BSBs wrote this track themselves. Slightly reminiscent of The One, this song reminds us what sets the BSBs above their rivals.

Everyone
This is the BSBs' 'thanking the fans' song. They have one on each of their albums to remind their most dedicated listeners that they appreciate their support. The track has a Britney-esque sound but comes into its own with a rather strange circus-style breakdown in the middle!

More Than That
Black & Blue's Latin track. But think Enrique's ballads rather than Ricky's Vida Loca. Best bit is the soaring string section. The BSBs have said they intended Black & Blue to be their most diverse album yet and with Latin added to the influences, they've definitely achieved what they set out to do.

Time
Co-written by all five BSBs and produced by Babyface, Time is a slight disappointment. The verse suggests it could be one of their best efforts with an R &B backing complementing their vocals. But when it comes to the chorus, the tune is a little predictable.

Not For Me
A pattern is beginning to emerge in Black & Blue's lyrics. Despite the fact that most of the BSBs are either married or engaged, many of the songs on the album are about begging girls to forgive them for various misdemeanours or just trying to get girls to go out with them. Surely getting girls isn't a problem if you're a Backstreet Boy? Another hard, Swedish-produced track, Not For Me features particularly strong vocals from AJ.

Yes I Will
After his harsh vocals on Not For Me, AJ promptly ruins his bad boy rep with this track, which he co-wrote, declaring he'd like to start a family with the girl the song is dedicated to! Despite the schmaltzy sentiment, Yes I Will is another cracking Backstreet ballad.

It's True
Already released via US branches of Burger King, It's True was co-written by Kevin and judging by its epic sound, could feature on the soundtrack of almost any Hollywood blockbuster. The ballad pledges love and with the BSBs sounding this good, who could resist them?

What Makes You Different (Makes You Beautiful)
Despite the alarming title, this track, penned by Howie, is another hit. OK, the lyrics are more than sentimental but the music is top notch and the Boys sound fab.

How Did I Fall In Love With You?
Another Howie track and yet another great Backstreet slowie, all the more impressive because it isn't too over-the-top. Breathy and slow, this song will reduce many a devoted fan to tears.

All I Have To Give (a capella)
It seems strange to end a brand new album with an old song performed a capella but the Backstreet Boys hardly need to play by the rules. And it's a top tune and a top performance so why not stick it on the end?!