Backstreet's back ~ Suraj Singh

It's hard to believe 15 years have passed since Backstreet Boys redefined the modern musical landscape, ushering in a chapter of pop culture that commandeered the world's radio airwaves, broke music and concert sales records, and launched a new generation of teen idols for millions of youth. In all, the group has sold more than 75 million albums worldwide.

Their first two U.S. releases both received the Diamond Award for sales of more than 10 million: "Backstreet Boys" in 1997 and quintessential "Millennium" in 1999, which reached No. 1 in 25 countries. They have scored a dozen hits including top 5 smashes "Quit Playing Game (with My Heart)," "As Long As You Love Me," "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)," and "All I have to Give." A lot has changed since 1997, when we first got to know Backstreet Boys Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, Brian Littrell, AJ McLean and Kevin Richardson.

Today, like their fans, they have grown up and started families, recorded solo projects, and appeared on the Broadway stage, all while dealing with the trials and tribulations that accompany fame at an early age. Also notably, in 2006, Richardson amicably decided to exit the group, with the full blessing of his teammates. But as we hear on their sixth album, "Unbreakable," what remains gloriously synonymous are BSB's indelible melodies, hooks galore and finely crafted three-and four- part harmonics. "To still be around feels amazing," Says Howie. "So many artists, boy bands and rappers that started when we did have disbanded. We look at artists like the Eagles, the Rolling Stones or Aerosmith, where everyone has done individual things, but they still come back together.

I admire that kind of staying power." Backstreet Boys spent a year and a half recording "Unbreakable," which marks a confident return to the pop template that best defines the group's sound. First single, "Inconsolable," produced by Emanuel Kiriakou is a classic piano-driven ballad reminiscent of the group's biggest hits.

All 13 tracks, in fact, demonstrate an ease with material that is an ideal fit. "Helpless When She Smiles" is another stunning hit-worthy ballad, produced by Grammy-winning John Shanks. A number of other tracks were produced and co-written by Dan Muckala, who worked with Backstreet Boys previously. Among his standouts is the moody Beatles-esque "Unsuspecting Sunday Afternoon" that all four singers herald as a highlight of the set. BSB asked heralded songwriter Billy Mann to collaborate on the song. The result, says Brian, "is a love story, but with an unexpected message that really makes you think. It's all about the emotion of the vocals, and it's different than any other track we've recorded."

Also among priorities this time around, BSB wanted to include enough up-tempo tracks to showcase in their trademark kinetic live shows. Synthesizer-soaked, "Everything But Mine," playfully frenetic "Panic," galloping "Any Other Way" and creepy crawler "One in a Million" ably fit the bill. "Half of what we do is vocal and harmonies on our albums, but our other role is entertainers, which we take pride in," says Nick.

While it would be clever enough to declare that "Backstreet's Back," the truth is they never went away. Over the course of 15 years, they maintain rare relevance in an industry that so often disposes of pop acts with ultimate haste. "We love the fact that we can still lift people's spirits and make them smile.

I do think we've found a magical sound,"

Brian says. "Hopefully, we can stay together for another 15 years."

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