For die-hard Backstreet Boys fans, the name “Backstreet’s Back” conjures up a wave of 90s nostalgia and iconic hits. But for those in the United States, the story of the “Backstreet’s Back” song and the album it belonged to is a little more complicated. While the US enjoyed the explosion of BSB mania a bit later, international fans were already immersed in a rich catalog of songs, including many from an album that was distinctly different from what was initially offered stateside. This is the story of the “Backstreet’s Back” era, a golden age for the group that many US listeners only discovered later, and the treasure trove of “Backstreets Back Song” gems that were initially kept from American airwaves.
To truly understand the “Backstreet’s Back” phenomenon, we need to rewind to the mid-90s, before the Backstreet Boys conquered America. Hardcore fans often refer to the group’s international self-titled debut as “The Red Album” due to its distinctive album cover. This album, released in 1996, was a different beast than the self-titled debut that would eventually hit US shores a year later. For those outside the US, 1997 brought “Backstreet’s Back,” an album brimming with hits that solidified their global superstardom. However, casual US fans might be surprised to learn that many of these now-classic “backstreets back song” tracks were initially absent from their version of the Backstreet Boys’ discography.
Backstreet Boys Red Album Cover
The “Red Album” era showcased a raw, New Jack Swing-influenced sound, capturing the energy of the mid-90s boyband scene. This album featured a version of “Quit Playing Games (With My Heart)” with Brian Littrell taking lead vocals, a stark contrast to the Nick Carter-fronted version that became a US breakthrough hit. While Nick’s vocals were less prominent in this early phase due to his age, the “Red Album” laid the foundation for the group’s global appeal, introducing songs that would become staples for international fans.
When “Backstreet’s Back” arrived in 1997, it was a whirlwind of creativity and rapid success. Released less than a year after the “Red Album,” this album was pure pop gold. It featured instant classics and fan favorites, many of which were inexplicably left off the US debut compilation. Songs like “10,000 Promises,” a track considered by many to be a pinnacle of their discography, and the high-energy “That’s The Way I Like It,” were cornerstones of the “Backstreet’s Back” album experience, yet were initially unknown to the average US listener. Even Brian’s personal track, “That’s What She Said,” a song deeply connected to the band’s early touring days, remained exclusive to this international release.
Backstreet Boys Backstreet's Back Album Tracklist
The US market received a self-titled debut album in 1997, released almost simultaneously with “Backstreet’s Back” internationally. This US debut was essentially a compilation, blending tracks from both the “Red Album” and “Backstreet’s Back.” The logic, as the record label saw it, was that US audiences were just being introduced to the Backstreet Boys and wouldn’t grasp the concept of them being “back” when they were, in their eyes, brand new. This decision, while perhaps commercially driven, inadvertently created a divide in the fanbase and a sense of missing out for US listeners who were unaware of the rich “backstreets back song” catalog already enjoyed globally.
Backstreet Boys Backstreet's Back Album Back Cover
Adding to the confusion, the US debut album initially launched without “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back),” arguably one of their most iconic and recognizable songs. It wasn’t until a year later, after “Everybody” became a massive single, that the album was re-released with the track added. This move highlighted the somewhat haphazard approach to the US market, further obscuring the distinct identity of the “Backstreet’s Back” album and its collection of “backstreets back song” hits.
Backstreet Boys US Debut Album Missing Everybody
The saga continued with different versions of the US debut album circulating, even including an extended mix of “Everybody” and a demo version of “As Long As You Love Me” on early pressings. This patchwork approach to album releases in the US meant that for years, accessing the complete “Red Album” and “Backstreet’s Back” tracklists legally required importing them. Even today, streaming services in the US often lack these original albums, perpetuating the mystery of the “backstreets back song” era for new generations of fans.
Backstreet Boys US Debut Album Enhanced CD
So, the next time you encounter a US-based Backstreet Boys fan who seems perplexed by songs like “I Wanna Be With You” or “That’s The Way I Like It,” remember to share the story of “Backstreet’s Back.” Introduce them to the “backstreets back song” gems that were part of a global phenomenon, even if they were initially hidden from the American spotlight. Bridging this gap in music history enriches the fan experience and celebrates the full, expansive catalog of the Backstreet Boys.
What are your favorite songs from the “Red Album” and “Backstreet’s Back”? Share your picks in the comments below!
