February the 14th…
For many, especially those who have a significant other, this is seen as a day to celebrate love and show it through thoughtful gestures (although, nowadays, more and more couples are less keen and fussed about the concept of showing and proving their love on one specific day of the year – just because it has been the common thing to do for decades).
For those who are single, the meaning of this day can fall anywhere on the spectrum – just another day on the calendar, a bitter reminder of not having someone to share this time with or just a suitable excuse to go out with friends and have a few drinks (in fact, in my home country of Bulgaria, 14 February is referred to as Trifon Zarezan, a day that celebrates Saint Tryphon and winemakers; so, naturally, lots of wine is being consumed on this day – of course, for no other reason but honouring a long-lived tradition).
And then there is today which means something quite big for a specific segment of the population (and it is rather a major one, to be fair). Today is the day when Backstreet Boys released a new song for the first time in six years (bar a 2022 Christmas album which included mainly cover songs). Their last non-Christmas album, “DNA”, was released at the start of 2019.
Granted, in backstreet time, six years in the making is far from an extraordinary event (we, the fans, are used to waiting a good four-five years for any new music). But today feels like it’s all been worth it! And it’s almost surreal to know that the boys have finally released new music, even though it won’t be part of a completely new album.
The song itself is a melancholic, heartfelt message to a love that got lost somewhere along the way. In Backstreet Boys’ typical fashion, their voices blend together in a harmonious unison with slow r’n’b/soul vibes, in the beautiful piece titled “Hey”.
In fact, this whole week was something of a rollercoaster of emotions as BSB kept posting teasers about something big that’s coming. And it is not just the song – the guys will recreate their emblematic “Into the Millennium Tour” from their golden era in 1999-2000, but unfortunately, this time around the tour will include only several dates in a Las Vegas residency at the Sphere.
In addition, they are releasing a new album, “Millennium 2.0”. The release which is set for 11 July 2025, will commemorate the anniversary of their most successful album to date, “Millennium” from 1999 which featured their most popular hit, “I Want It That Way”.
BSB are essentially reissuing the multi-platinum album and the songlist of this release does not include a lot more new music (the only entirely new song is “Hey”). However, the album will include several bonuses, including some of their unreleased songs. Of course, we – the core fans – have heard all these before and can vouch that they are all great. But I feel the urge to highlight one title specifically – in this upcoming album, there will be a song named “I Want It That Way (Alternate Lyrics)”. It is a piece that the Backstreet Army (the fan club of BSB) has been known for umpteen years as “No Goodbyes” and its lyrics actually make a lot more sense than the version that is now a household name for 90’s music. My only hope is that this alternate version gets the popularity it truly deserves – and I am so excited for the world to hear it!
In conclusion, I want to say that today is an occassion to celebrate for all the right reasons. And personally, I am beyond grateful for one of the best gifts I’ve ever received on Valentine’s Day!
And hey, if you haven’t listened to the song yet, go ahead and check it out now!
KTBSPA
The Music Guide 