Every Backstreet Boys Album, RANKED

Every Backstreet Boys Album Ranked

Welcome to MsMojo, and today were looking at every Backstreet Boys album to see which ones made us rock our bodies right.

#10: A Very Backstreet Christmas (2022)

Having always been a passion project, the boys were understandably ecstatic about their Christmas album. Following in the footsteps of legendary artists like Paul McCartney and Mariah Carey, the band wanted to carve out their own festive legacy. Though there are a couple of original tracks, the album is mostly a heartfelt take on some well-known yuletide classics. While A Very Backstreet Christmas is far from revolutionary, it is simple, feel-good, and sincere. The album ultimately serves as a cozy gift to loyal fans, tied together in a nostalgic little bow. While the holiday spirit shines through with songs like This Christmas Song and Last Christmas, only longtime BSB fans will truly appreciate its heartwarming rhythm.

#9: This Is Us (2009)

The second and final album without Kevin Richardsons involvement, This Is Us is a stylistic shift. Heavily inspired by R&B and club-ready beats, the album shoots for a sleeker, modern pop sound. The title track makes an instant impression; loyal fans will recognize it as a bold effort to adapt, while new listeners might connect with its distinct vibe. Songs like Straight Through My Heart blend the boys usual sound with a club-friendly spin. It doesnt land as hard as intended, but This Is Us is an ambitious attempt to reach new audiences. So, if the smooth and seductive energy of PDA isnt your style, the softer melody of Bigger is there to keep you company.

#8: In a World Like This (2013)

As their first independently released album, In a World Like This offered the boys a new level of freedom. With Kevin back in the fold, the album leans into positive themes of personal growth and resilience through hardship. The title track stands out as an empowering contrast to the often cynical tone of the musical landscape at the time. Songs like One Phone Call and Madeleine explore adult contemporary and folk-pop material, showcasing the boys variety. While In a World Like This is a rich and stirring effort, some might view it as a bit too safe, as the band avoids venturing out of their comfort zone rather than pushing boundaries. Technically polished, but lacking that creative spark needed to put the world on notice.

#7: Unbreakable (2007)

The boys firmly left their teen idol roots behind for their first album without Kevin Richardson. Embracing adult contemporary as their primary sound, the band crafted the album with an introspective and melancholic vibe. Lead single Inconsolable is a soaring ballad that mixes pop with acoustic elements, delivering emotional weight and radio appeal. Meanwhile, tracks like Helpless When She Smiles reflect the raw, honest tone the band wants us to feel. Unbreakable is soulful and sincere, but its unrepentant sound can be too somber for longtime fans. On its own, the album is thoughtfully crafted, but in the context of their larger legacy, a few songs closer to their original style couldve better bridged the old with the new.

#6: Backstreet Boys (1996)

The one where it all began and the one that still holds up, three decades later. The album springboarded the band into stardom, establishing them as heartthrobs of an entire generation and turning them into boyfriend material for millions of fans. Songs like Quit Playing Games (With My Heart) and Ill Never Break Your Heart are swoonworthy staples that can make anyones heart melt. While the boys still hadnt quite found their signature sound yet, that sweet 90s charm and authentic appeal were impossible to resist. The Backstreet Boys album really did have it goin on, setting the stage for bigger and better things to come.

#5: DNA (2019)

After over a decade of playing catch-up, the Backstreet Boys were back and better than ever. With a dynamic blend of synth-driven electro-pop, a cappella, and ballads, DNA well and truly captured the voice of a new generation. While tracks like No Place maintain their signature wholesome vibe, DNA boldly embraces its contemporary sound. Lead single Dont Go Breaking My Heart burst onto charts as their highest-ranking hit since 2005, earning the band their ninth Grammy nomination. DNA became their most commercially successful album in 19 years, proving their ability to evolve. After nearly 30 years in the business, the Backstreet Boys confirmed beyond any doubt that theyre destined for mainstream greatness.

#4: Never Gone (2005)

At the time of its release, this album caused quite a stir. A striking departure from the style that made them famous, the Backstreet Boys turned to a completely new tone. Never Gone swaps classic pop for adult contemporary and pop rock. With its raw vocals and heavy themes, lead single Incomplete took many by surprise. Tracks like I Still feature powerful melodies and instrumentation, hitting listeners from the first note without letting go. The bands decision to move away from the trademark Max Martin style to live instruments was polarizing, as many felt it betrayed their roots. And yet, Never Gone has aged remarkably well, appreciated for the bands desire to be seen as serious musicians and artists.

#3: Black & Blue (2000)

Still at their peak, the Backstreet Boys brought some truly versatile tracks in Black & Blue. Shape of My Heart set the platform with their signature ballad, but with a rhythmic twist. Songs like The Call kick things into gear with an upbeat, funky energy that remains dangerously catchy even decades on. From the mischievous flair of Get Another Boyfriend to the romantic pull of More Than That, the boys have us fawning over them from start to finish. The tender lyrics and relatable feel of What Makes You Different (Makes You Beautiful) even landed the song on the official The Princess Diaries soundtrack. All in all, every number in Black & Blue has a certain flavor you just cant pass up.

#2: Backstreets Back (1997)

Everybody! Yeahwell, you know the rest. That iconic shout has been in the pop culture lexicon for a quarter of a century and counting. Loaded with attitude and emotion, the Backstreet Boys second album carries some of their greatest hits. Songs like As Long As You Love Me channel those boy-next-door sentiments, while tracks such as All I Have to Give show off their harmonies, blending pop with R&B for a soulful mix. So if youre in the mood to party like its the 90s or lose yourself to slow and melodious tunes, Backstreets Back has something for everyone.

#1: Millennium (1999)

The turn of the century saw one of the best-selling albums of all time, and the Backstreet Boys have never looked back. Millennium stands as the crown jewel in the bands discography, earning a place in music lovers hearts with songs that are nothing short of timeless. Just about every song stays with you from the gut-wrenching vulnerability of Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely to the global phenomenon that is I Want It That Way, its all larger than life. As much of an evergreen classic as it is etched in 90s nostalgia, its a blockbuster that set the pop genre on fire. All these years later, and were still screaming we want it that way and we always will!

Which Backstreet Boys album shapes your heart? Tell us why in the comments!