Backstreet's Back

If you're not already aware of Backstreet Boys' latest CD Black and Blue, take a listen.

Aside from the weak title and over-dramatic pictures in the CD, the music is fairly entertaining. When comparing the music of the Boys' first two CD releases, I have to put my ownership recommendation in for Black and Blue.

The first two albums put out by the boy band were fine for singing along with while intoxicated at late night parties or humming along to in the car when no one was looking. But this third release may be different.

It is no secret that track number two, Shape of My Heart is the latest Backstreet song played on Power 105. Listening to all 60-some minutes of this month-old release, I was able to find five songs I would safely recommend to my Radiohead-listening roommates.

Talking about these songs that I consider the most appealing will not make you want to pick up Black and Blue, but then you're missing out.

As a critic is supposed to write - the album contains a familiar batch of feel-good dance tunes. Also present on the release are two or three songs with lyrics that actually seemed to take longer to write than one hour of brainstorming.

Track number six, The Answer to Our Life, is not one of those lyrically thought-out songs, but surprisingly I can claim that it may be my all-time favorite BSB song. It debuted for the first time at my keg party last weekend and it seemed to be a hit. Whether it was the Natural Light or not, the dancing and singing never stopped.

Although the music of Backstreet Boys does not rank as Ohio University students' coolest music, Black and Blue carries multiple pluses. However, I recommend listening to a friend's copy first. And since I might be the only person at OU who admits to owning this CD, feel free to stop by.

- Chris Congeni