You just knew that I'd write a rant of the whole record breaking deal didn't you? You all know me so well. Anyway, I got an e-mail the day before the record sales were final discussing this whole thing. And it was my exact thoughts. It was so exact that it was scary. So I e-mailed the girl and asked to use it on my site. I got the ok and here it is. This is what my rant would've sounded like...exactly. I'll put her letter in this color and her name and e-mail address will be at the bottom. Enjoy.
Okay we all know that BSB may not break the record. But let's take a minute to think about it. Is this whole album about breaking the record or enjoying what most of us have been for years? (Some as far back as in '95) Every music article that I read seems to add fuel to this flame stating that "BSB have no chance of breaking the 2.4 mil. record set by NSYNC back in March " or other things similar. Does it really matter if they do? The first time they did, it was all unplanned. It just happened. And when things just happen, it makes them a lot more enjoyable than when you pre-plan it.
Now take it that the Backstreet Boys don't break the record, will you stop loving them because of that? Will you no longer respect them because of that? I know that I won't. They have worked damn hard to achieve the status that they are at right now. All of them went through personal and group experiences that were as AJ put it "hellacious". Yes I know that Nsync had legal battles too but somehow Backstreet had it harder. I mean can you imagine having to go on tour maybe oh a week after your sister died? I know that I would not be able to do that. It would be too hard for me. But somehow Howie did and I admire him for that. Or how about having an ex girlfriend show the world what you were like after dark? Pretty demeaning huh? Especially when she is getting profit off of it and there is nothing you can do about it.
In my eyes, the Boys will ALWAYS be number one. No matter what they do and what people say about them. Its kinda like a friendship. You are friends with who you are not because of what they do or who they are, but because you accept them for who they are and they make you feel good. In this case, seeing the Boys or listening to their music makes us feel good. I know there have been quite a few times that I have listened to their music to feel better. And then there are the little things that make you smile. Just hearing them on the radio brightens my day.
So all of you ask yourself this question "Is the record really worth it?" Should we really be preoccupied on what others think? I don't think so. I have only experienced 18 years of life and I know that the world is a cruel place surrounded by judgement. But I have come to realize that the better experiences in life come when you accept things the way they are a see them as a purpose in life. Worrying about what others think just makes you paranoid and stressed out.
So tomorrow when the numbers are all tallied up and if things don't go our way, don't feel bad. It just wasn't meant to be. Just remember that no matter what happens, they will always be The Backstreet Boys. Don't love them for how much money they have or how many records they sell. Love them because of who they REALLY are. That, in my opinion, is the best reward that we can ever give them.
So as I leave for the night, I remind all you to Keep The Backstreet Pride Alive. And if if this somehow gets to The Boys, thank you. All of you for what you have done. You have done so much for me and all I can offer is my respect to all of you. Good night and God bless you all.
Written by Debra, age 18
Click on her name above to e-mail her if you have thoughts on the deal or e-mail me! I just thought I'd post this because honestly, I don't care about records. Yeah it was a little disappointing, but they made 2 new -- yes, new as in NSYNC hasn't beaten them yet -- Most worldwide sales in a week [5 million baby, that's good] and the first group with 2 back to back albums selling over a million in one week. After all this is said and done I have one thing to say: Go Backstreet. And I hope that all the fans still can enjoy the album because it kicks ass, even without a new record. As Nick once said: "It's all good."