1. "Drowning"
This song was the only new recording on BSB's greatest hits album, The Hits: Chapter One. It wasn't a hugely successful single, but it's still my favorite song of theirs. It starts out pretty mildly with piano, but it builds and evolves into a modern-day pop power ballad. The chord progression and the punchy music along with rich harmonies make this song absolutely beautiful. Plus, there's a key change. The key change totally gets me. This song is amazing.
2. "Incomplete"
After their greatest hits album, BSB didn't release any new music for three and a half years. They finally came back with the album Never Gone in 2005 and the first single from the album was "Incomplete." It's a devastating ballad about losing the person you love. It's got all the things that make BSB's best songs--exceptional harmonies, big pop production and a build that gets a little more intense with each verse and chorus.
3. "As Long As You Love Me"
Of the early BSB music, this was always my favorite. Plus, the video filled with choreographed chair dancing was pretty awesome in the late 1990s. I love the steady beat of this song and the smoothness of it.
4. "I Want It That Way"
To me, this is BSB's "career song" or "signature song." Their debut album had made them hugely successful, and this was the lead single for their next project, Millenium. This is then the guys were at their peak. I still don't fully understand the lyrics to this song, but Max Martin (co-writer and co-producer) is a musical genius. He knows how to create a hook and a catchy single. When you get to the climax of this song: "Don't wanna hear you sayyyyyyy," there's no way to stop yourself from belting it out. It's pop gold.
5. "Shape of My Heart"
I could listen to this song over and over. In terms of backing vocals and production, this is one of the best pop songs ever. I love the subtly of the background vocals. Listen to the song and you'll know what I'm talking about. They're present, but not overpowering. This song employees a technique I love--the fadeout just before the final chorus and climax. It's like it gives you a moment to breathe before you experience the peak. Plus, I love Nick belting nearing the end of the song. So great.
6. "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)"
Where did they go? Nowhere, but who gives a fuck. They're back. ALRIGHT! This song is just fun. I dare you to listen to it and not get it stuck in your head. Also, any time Nick Carter asks, "Am I sexual?" -- the answer is yes.
7. "Quit Playin' Games (With My Heart)"
This song was BSB's first major hit in the U.S. and most American fans' first taste (including mine). Truthfully, the video to this song is better than the actual song--they're in the rain with their shirts unbuttoned. As a 12 year old, I was pretty into it. The song is incredibly catchy though. It's got an irresistible beat and wonderful nah-nah-nahs to sing along with.
8. "Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely"
Another beautiful ballad. The production of this track is superb. Everything about it just comes together so well. It's so understated as well. I don't think it's underdone, but I could certainly handle a little more dramatics. The ending is perfectly haunting though.
9. "I Need You Tonight"
This is the only song on this list that was never a single. It's basically just a Nick Carter solo with the other group members singing backup. But, it's another power ballad of epic proportions. I love the backing vocals in this song more than life. The eee-ohhhhs make me melt. The song climaxes in a strong key change before slowing back down and fading out. It makes me want more every time.
10. "Larger Than Life"
Just another fun BSB song that I love to jam out to. It's also got killer harmonies, which as you've seen is a pretty common theme in their music. Who can resist?
Honorable Mentions:
"If You Want It To Be Good Girl (Get Yourself a Bad Boy)"
"It's Gotta Be You"
"The Call"
"We've Got it Goin' On"
