Celebrating its twenty-fifth anniversary today, Backstreet Boys’ blockbuster ballad I Want It That Way hit the number one spot in over twenty-five countries! An instant rush of heart-rending pop, it showcased the group’s talent for delivering striking balladry with the most bountiful of harmonies. To celebrate this landmark anthem, we’re looking back on some of the group’s finest tender moments as we shine our spotlight on the ballads of Backstreet Boys! 

I Want It That Way 

I Want It That Way was the group’s first and only number one in the UK and earnt them three Grammy nominations. Telling the story of a relationship under pressure, it’s a mid-tempo ballad that reaches euphoric highs when the chorus’ keychange kicks in. Gaining platinum certifications around the world, including three times in the UK and US, the song has cemented its reputation over the years, used in movies and productions like Drive Me Crazy, Magic Mike XXL and recent Max Martin musical & Juliet. The band even came back together to perform their hit during the pandemic, as part of a support fundraiser. Whatever way Backstreet Boys wanted it, they surely got it all. 

As Long as You Love Me 

From the band’s iconic second album Backstreet’s Back, this ode to the reciprocity of a relationship was a top three hit in the UK, selling over half a million copies and gaining a platinum certification. Although it’s just as well-loved in the US, the song was never released there as a single. A last minute addition to the album, AJ had a throat infection during the track’s recording so Brian stepped in to record his parts for him. It meant AJ had to learn the song’s lyrics while on set to shoot the video! In the clip, the group auditions for a panel of beautiful women. They must have done something right, as Brian ended up marrying one of the actresses three years later! 

Quit Playing Games (With My Heart)

Not only was this mammoth ballad Backstreet Boys’ biggest hit in the US, it also marked one of the first hits for writer and producer Max Martin with whom the group enjoyed an enduring partnership. Another of the band’s trademark mid-tempo ballads, it highlights the frustrations that often come with games of the heart. They recorded the original version of the song without Nick, who was fifteen at the time and unable to sing as his voice was changing. A single version was recorded eighteen months later with Nick taking the second verse, but he still had to lip-sync over Brian’s part when they shot the video. The accompanying clip featured the band drenched in rainfall with shirts open, a clear failure to take their own advice! 

Show Me The Meaning of Being Lonely 

Taken from their third album Millenium, this epic ballad was a top ten hit in the US, top five in the UK, and earned the band a Grammy nomination. Positioning Latin pop influence against rich orchestration, it stands apart from the group’s usual efforts in slow jams and heartache. Released on the last day of the millennium, New Year’s Eve 1999, the video was dedicated to Swedish producer Denniz Pop, who worked with the band and brought in Max Martin. The moving clip portrayed the struggles each member of the band went through while recording the album. Prior to its release, a clip of the song was teased at the end of Britney Spears’ album …Baby One More Time. The very first pressings of the record featured a hidden spoken message by Britney in which she thanked fans before promoting the group’s forthcoming album. 

Shape of My Heart

The lead single from the group’s fourth album Black & Blue, Shape of My Heart was number one in eight countries and earned them a nomination for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal at the Grammys. Another Max Martin production, it also features Peter Svensson of Swedish band The Cardigans on guitar. A plea for forgiveness full of hindsight, this ballad marked a more subtle and mature sound from the band. The accompanying video, directed by American artist Matthew Rolston, held the top spot on MTV’s TRL for sixty-one days, breaking their own record for the longest-run at number one. In the video, the group rehearses lines at a theater. Wearing the shape of his heart on his sleeve, Brian recently revealed that he still owns his jacket from the clip!