Ah, the 90s … The boom of the boy bands. I can truthfully say that I was never into boy bands (I was into REAL rock, like Sugar Ray) but if I had to choose a side, it would definitely be N*Sync. At any rate, there’s no denying the incredible popularity of groups such as Backstreet Boys, N*Sync, 98 Degrees … Whoever else there was.
But “I Want It That Way” by the Backstreet Boys is probably the most popular pop song by a boy band. It was #1 in 25 nations and received much critical acclaim, and with street cred like that dude with the tats and facial hair, how could it not be a hit?
The song starts with a slow acoustic guitar riff and soft singing. When the beat kicks in, you get a different voice which happens a lot with this five-piece outfit. The chorus is so catchy you’ll find yourself singing “Tell me why/Ain’t nothing but a heartache/Tell me why/Ain’t nothing but a mistake/Tell me why/I never wanna hear you say/I want it that way” around the office.
The song, a typical pop ballad, may have been subject of ridicule (which boy band hasn’t?), but you have to admit, it’s catchy as hell.
Now, punk bands are known for having a little fun and covering songs you would never expect them to is part of that fun. I normally really like punk covers, but when I heard Limbeck’s version of “I Want It That Way,” I just couldn’t get into it.
It starts off with the same melody but with distorted guitar, which is appropriate for a punk band. I don’t know what it is about this cover, but nothing is doing it for me. The guitars are lackluster, as is lead singer’s Rob MacLean’s voice. If you’re a punk band doing a pop cover, have some fun with it! It seems like they took it entirely too seriously.
I’m not into boy bands or this cover but for this revue, I’m gonna have to go with dudes in their underwear.
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