What's the secret of the Backstreet Boys' success? Well, aside from the amazing acapella harmonies they create in songs such as "We've Got It Goin' On" and "Anywhere For You," the bandmates-Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, Brian Litrell, A.J. McLean, and Kevin Richardson-bring strong personalities to the Backstreet Boys, which put together, create a perfect balance of seriousness and silliness, fun and focus on success.

As the oldest members of the Backstreet Boys, 24-year-old Kevin and 23-year-old Howie bring maturity and responsibility to the band. "Being older, Howie and I are the ones who have to say, 'Let's stop goofing off because we've got a lot to do,'" Kevin explains. Howie helps him out by smoothing over disagreements when the Backstreet Boys' exhausting schedule makes them tense and irritable, due-in-April album (which, at press time, was still untitled). "I'm the peacemaker," Howie says. "I'm always saying, 'Hey guys, stop fighting. Let's make peace here."

When bandmates are looking for a laugh, however, they turn to 22-year-old Brian and 17-year-old Nick. As the self-proclaimed "Jim Carrey" of the Backstreet Boys, Brian brings a good sense of humor to the band. With Nick, who loves playing practical jokes on people, he makes sure things don't get too serious. As A.J. tells us, "They're always amusing-they keep our spirits up."

And A.J.? "He brings the soul to the group," Nick says. A sensitive guy who writes romantic poetry in his spare time, 19-year-old A.J.'s the one who makes sure the band's soulful love ballads are filled with sincerity. With sould, humor and maturity, now wonder the Backstreet Boys have got it goin' on!