The DePaulia

Issue date: 10/26/09 Section: Entertainment

(From left to right) Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, A.J.McLean, and Brian Littrell of Backstreet Boys are back on the music scene.

Backstreet Boys are back again with "This Is Us," their seventh studio album and second since becoming a four man group. The group is made up of Brian Litrell, Nick Carter, A.J. McLean and Howie Dorough. Kevin Richardson left the group in 2006. "This Is Us" is a return to the pop genre the Backstreet Boys, or BSB, are known for, although this is still a very different sound than BSB of old. They have brought on producers RedOne, Max Martin, SoulShock, Karlin, Jim Jonsin, Jorden Omly, Mike Mani, Printz Board, Brian Kennedy, T-Pain, My Pyro, Emanuel Kiriakou and Troy Johnson in order to make this record and revamp their style.

The album itself is influenced by the recent popularity of high energy, dance-beat pop music and could make for one of the most interesting comeback albums of the year. Pop music is a genre that is especially influenced by producers and that is highly evident in "This Is Us." The first single off the album is entitled "Straight Through My Heart," and is a perfect example of the producer RedOne's influence on the group. "Bye Bye Love" is another probable hit off the album that is produced by Soulshock and Karlin, and is sure to get BSB fans who like to dance up on their feet and in the groove. T-Pain makes his presence felt on "She's a Dream," a very catchy tune but one that would be better placed in the hands of Akon or R. Kelly, considering its style and lyrics.

The deluxe international version that was released in Japan also includes "International Luv," produced by T-Pain; "Helpless," which features Pitbull; and a remix of "Straight Through My Heart," done by Jason Nevins. "This Is Us" shows a new side of the band with plenty of danceable beats and melodies that will keep their fans satisfied, bringing in some new ones as well.

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