Music Review: Backstreet Boys "Larger Than Life"

Backstreet Boys

Larger Than Life

Album: Millennium

Year: 1999

                The Backstreet Boys recognize their fans’ as a major part of their success in the complimentary “Larger Than Life.”

             A boisterous talkbox and AJ McLean’s maniacal “yeah” open the single, setting an exhilarated tone. Nick Carter explains to the fans that they are living in a bubble. While they may want to address every single of them, they cannot. Safety has become a concern for them. Their enthusiasm and love could hurt innocent people in the process. People are around them all the time, wanting something. Not everyone can be trusted. (“I may run and hide/While you're screamin’ my name alright/But let me tell ya now there are prices to pay alright/All of our time spent in flashes of light.”)

         In the chorus, they say having legions of fans has changed their lives. Hearing a fan say that a song of theirs helped them through the day makes it worth it. It’s surreal knowing they are someone’s favorite band and people will tune into programs especially for them. (“All you people can't ya see can't ya see/How your love's affecting our reality/Every time we're down/You can make it right/And that makes you larger than life (Alright.”)

             While they are performing, they watch people enjoy their music and dance along. They mouth the words back to them. However, they would like to each fan personally for coming other than saying it to the entire crowd. The people in the crowd spent their hard-earned money to attend their shows and on their merchandise. They also take the time to make signs. They help keep them popular. (“Looking at the crowd and I see your body sway c'mon/Wishin’ I could thank you in a different way, c’mon/Cause all of your time spent keeps us alive.”)

               The chorus is sung again.

       In the bridge, they repeat part of the chorus. (“Yeah, that's right/All of your time spent/Keeps us alive.”)

            The zealous electric guitar jumps in the air, sweating.

             A variation of the chorus is sung. (“All you people can't you see can't you see..every time we're down/You can make it right/That's what makes you larger than life.”)

            A second variation of the chorus is sung again to close the single. (“All you people can't you see can't you see…and that makes you larger (that makes you larger than…)/That makes you larger/That makes you larger than life,”)

            The Backstreet Boys’ amazed vocals can’t believe the response to their music. They had hoped to have some hits and gain a fanbase. They didn’t expect to explode. With it though, come hardcore psychotic fans. It’s handled in a diplomatic way, stating some distance is needed and not to take it personally.

             Released during the Pre-Twitter era, they are addressing their fans the best possible way. However, the sincerity of it could be misconstrued today. The response to it would be clouded by opposing fanbases, hardcore fans tweeting “I love you” over and over, and a minor scandal courtesty of TMZ. At most, it may be left as a post as a “thank you.”

                The humble “Larger Than Life” is a musical version of a tweet for every single fan. Retweet if you like!