Backstreet Boys remain kings of boy band era

KTBSPA. Many called it a phase, others labeled it youthful stupidity and countless considered it insanity stranded in the '90s.


I, however, have always proudly known it as "Keeping the Backstreet Pride Alive."


As far as I am concerned, the Backstreet Boys were always better than 'N Sync.


Whether comparing talent, looks or fame, the BSB ranked supreme in the hierarchy of pop music.


While I will admit that 'N Sync had a larger variety of dance songs, the BSB had impeccable vocals that did not rely on the beats produced from the recording studio.


In terms of singing, the BSB were diamonds from Tiffany's and 'N Sync was the 25-cent pebbles purchased from a vending machine at the bowling alley.


'N Sync focused on the instrumental aspects of their music, whereas the BSB always delivered enrapturing, incomparable vocals.

Fans who have heard them sing "All I Have to Give" a cappella has had their heart melted by the melodious voices capable of making even angels weep at the beauty.


When hearts are not swooning from their voices, they are feverishly beating by the mere sight of the boys.


Nick Carter graced fans with his boyish beauty, Brian Littrell had a strong bone structure, AJ McLean exuded an irresistible bad boy demeanor, Howie Dorough provided all that is sweet and Kevin Richardson captivated fans with his smooth swagger.


I will spare 'N Sync fans the embarrassment and refrain from elaborating on Justin Timberlake's teenage fro and Chris Kirkpatrick's failed attempt at dreadlocks.


It was a world owned by the BSB and the members of 'N Sync were definitely just small, insignificant residents.


With 13 Top 40 hits in the Billboard Hot 100 and unbelievable international popularity, it would be wise to agree that the BSB were everything 'N Sync tried to become.


Brian, Nick, Howie, AJ and Kevin were household names that could never be mixed with the likes of a Justin, Lance, Joey, JC or Chris.


BSB represent the definition of a brotherhood, group, team, and "ohana."


Despite the many internal problems with the band, such as Brian's heart surgery and AJ's entrance into rehab, the boys stuck together in a support system that eased the worries of the fans.


When they released their comeback album in 2005, "Never Gone," I felt as though the world made sense again.


Although I knew they would never have the same sound I grew up loving, the mere fact that they continued to record music made my heart swell as though ten thousand bees of love had stung it.


Besides, the last time I checked, 'N Sync has made little effort to reproduce music for their fans.


I would give an A for effort, but my sympathy for 'N Sync wears thin.


Why people would listen to 'N Sync is beyond my imagination.


With songs titled "Space Cowboy," "Just Got Paid" and "Digital Getdown," I can only hope they did not earn fans based on the depth of their lyrics.


The BSB have certainly kept their promise made in their hit song, "Backstreet's Back": "as long as there be music, we'll be coming back again."


As long as there be Backstreet, I'll be going back again.


Asia Camagong is a staff writer for The Advocate. Contact her at acamagong.advocate@gmail.com.