Additional information
The boy band Backstreet Boys' 1997 hit album includes the chart-topper "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)." Australian release includes additional songs and a music video. Personnel: Esbjörn Öhrwall, Tony Battaglia (guitar); Michael Aharon (acoustic guitar, programming); Angelo Jannotti (electric guitar); Kathryn Kienke, Winterton Garvey, Marilyn Wright, Tony Posk, Larry Abramovitz, Helen Kwalwasser, Peter Dimitriades, Alice Poulson, Elizabeth Kirschen, Robin Mayforth, Diane Barnett, Charles Parker , Harold Kohon, Matthew Raimondi, Emma Kummrow, Olga Konopelsky (violin); Sue Pray, Juliet Haffner (viola); Patricia Daniels, Susan Poliacik, Seymour Barab, Mark Ward, Kermit Moore (cello); John Faith (flute); Richard Kerber (trumpet, flugelhorn); Paul Rosenberg (French horn); Fitzgerald Scott (piano); Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins (drums); Jeff Bova (programming). Audio Mixers: Chris Trevett; Nigel Green; Timmy Allen. Recording information: Battery Studios, New York, NY; Cheiron Studios; Cheiron Studios, Stockholm, Sweden; Parc Studios, Orlando; Polar Studios, Stockholm, Sweden; Sigma Sound, Philadelphia, PA. Photographer: Eli Hershko. Arrangers: Chris Trevett; Tommy Smith ; Brian Littrell. The Backstreet Boys finally achieved American success with their second album, Backstreet's Back. The reason for the sudden success had more to do with good marketing than the music itself, since Backstreet's Back is nearly identical to Backstreet Boys. Loaded with dance-pop and ballads, the album is as glossy as mainstream pop can possibly be. That slick production adds luster to the singles "Quit Playin' Games (With My Heart)" and "As Long as You Love Me," making them as irresistable as teen pop can be. There isn't anything else that really matches those twin peaks, but there's enough craft, hooks and fun on the rest of the album to make it quite entertaining. [Backstreet's Back is also available in an import release, with bonus tracks.] ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine
