Everybody (Backstreet’s Back) (1997) | 1001 Songs Challenge #855

On 11 February 2019 I set myself the challenge of reading 1001 Songs You Must Hear Before You Die by Robert Dimery (ed.) and following the book’s advice to the letter. I’ve previously read 1001 Films… and started 1001 Albums… but felt 1001 Songs… would be a sensible place to start for what I have in mind here.

My challenge is to read about one song per day and listen to it (YouTube and Spotify, I need you tonight!) before sharing my own thoughts. Some songs I will love, others I’ll hate, and I’m sure there will be those that leave me perplexed but listen to them I shall.

I’ll also try, and most likely fail, to pinpoint the best song from the 1001 on offer but I’m nothing if not foolhardy. Instead of one song, I’m predicting I’ll have about 100 favourites by the end and may have to resort to a Top 10 so far to maintain any semblance of sanity.

So long as I post every day (including Christmas) then this challenge should come to an end on Wednesday 8 November 2021. Staying with the Barney Stinson theme I am hoping that the whole experience will prove to be… legendary!

Backstreet Boys – Everybody (Backstreet’s Back) (1997)

Everybody (Backstreet’s Back) – Wikipedia

” Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” is a song by American boy band Backstreet Boys. It was released as the first single from their second international studio album Backstreet’s Back in June 1997, and the third single from their self-titled debut US studio album in March 1998. The music video was directed by American director Joseph Kahn.

Lyrics (via Genius)

Read “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” by Backstreet Boys on Genius

We’re remaining in the US, dear reader, but leaving Omaha, Nebraska, behind and making our way to Orlando, Florida. Backstreet Boys were formed in 1993 and released their first album three years later to great success. We join them in 1997 though with the release of their second album – Backstreet’s Back – and from there 1001 Songs have gone with the title track which opens the record.

Everybody (Backstreet’s Back) is both honest and pretty straightforward. The band are addressing their audience to say they are back. This could either be back with a new album or back in the US after touring the world. Maybe both. Who knows? Anyway, they beseech their audience to get themselves ready to party themselves senseless because Backstreet Boys are back in town and with them is their music and the insistence that no one will be sleeping any time soon.

This was a blast from the past. I can recall Backstreet Boys emerging when I was in secondary school. Yours truly was not a fan of boy bands, dear reader, and that sentiment remains little changed to this day if I am being honest. This song has a catchy beat to it to be fair and the band members give it their all. At present, they are one of the biggest selling music acts in history so any dismissal of mine has no impact whatsoever. The group continue to this day and their impressive fan base eagerly awaits more.

Favourite songs so far:

The Animals – House of the Rising Sun (1964)

Simon & Garfunkel – The Sounds of Silence (1965)

The Beatles – A Day in the Life (1967)

The Doors – The End (1967)

Pink Floyd – Wish You Were Here (1975)

Meat Loaf – Bat Out of Hell (1977)

Ultravox – Vienna (1980)

Tracy Chapman – Fast Car (1988)

U2 – One (1991)

Jeff Buckley – Hallelujah (1994)