- “JUST WANT YOU TO KNOW” (2005)
Shot in a filter that makes the entire video look like a shitty home movie, the “Just Want To Know” video follows the boys as fans of the ‘80s metal band Sphynkter, who are wreaking all sorts of havoc before the concert. They also play Sphynkter! It’s an unexpected direction for them, and I give them props for commitment to comedy.
- “SHAPE OF MY HEART” (2000)
Having the boys be part of a play’s table reading is an inventive, different way to present a performance video, and make it stand out. However, why the intensely blue filter? Inquiring minds.
- “SHOW ‘EM (WHAT YOU’RE MADE OF” (2013)
This most recent entry into the Backstreet Boys canon showcases each of the Backstreet Boys singing against a simple black background. The simplicity of the video shows off their maturity, demonstrating that they transcended the very cheesy ‘90s boy band era and carried on.
- “AS LONG AS YOU LOVE ME” (1997)
The boys sing, dance with chairs, and wear a bunch of different costumes as part of an audition with a bunch of ladies. Halfway through the video, the boys get the clicker and switch places, changing them into people who look like stunt doubles for the Spice Girls. It’s bright, colorful, and fun.
- “QUIT PLAYING GAMES WITH MY HEART” (1996)
“Quit Playing Games with My Heart” marks the start of the Backstreet Boys’ MTV successes. This iconic video features the boys commiserating in a park together–that is, before it starts raining and their shirts all just rip open at the same time! What a boy band thing to happen. This would be where Nick Carter perfected his heavy angst moves: squinting and making weird hand motions at the camera.
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