The ultimate (and, frankly, better) boy band of the late 90s-early 00s, Backstreet Boys were totally fly – and not just because they churned out perfect bubble gum pop ballads and bops, but because, together, they didn’t LOOK like a manufactured fivesome clunkily assembled by a marketing team. They each brought their own flavor and their own look, but they all effortlessly oozed charm and made their classic tracks stand out all the more.
At Singa, we collected data from all of our global listeners to find out which Backstreet Boys’ tracks are the most popular. How many of your faves made the list?
1. I Want It That Way
As 90’s pop goes, there are few anthems that are still as universally recognized as “I Want It That Way." You might even be able to find some people today who still remember where they were when the first laid eyes on Kevin, Brian, Nick, Howie, and AJ—and it was probably during the iconic music video for this, their lead single from 1999’s Millennium.
Sing I Want It That Way karaoke here.
2. Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)
The ultimate boy band singalong track—literally, EVERYBODY knows “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)”. This 1997 throwback features a contagious chorus and one catchy hook after another, not to mention a classic music video that divided every teen into individual stans. Today, “Everybody” is a guaranteed show-stopper at karaoke, thanks to all of the above.
Sing Everybody (Backstreet’s Back) karaoke here.
3. As Long As You Love Me
This! This is where the boys, while still a group, managed to branch off ~symbolically~ and demonstrate their own unique sex appeal. The video for 1997’s “As Long As You Love Me” featured every 90’s cliché—sultry stares, silk shirts, chair choreography—but still showcased each boy’s undeniable charm. The ballad itself is also incredibly catchy, making it perfect to sing along with.
Sing As Long As You Love Me karaoke here.
4. Larger Than Life
Infectious pop reached its pinnacle with this Millennium-era single from 1998. One of the few hits actually written by one of the Backstreet Boys (Brian), “Larger Than Life” is about the price of fame and all of the pitfalls that go with it. It’s also got a great hook that still manages to bring crowds together in harmony.
Sing Larger Than Life karaoke here.
5. Show Me The Meaning Of Being Lonely
This pop and R&B-inflected ballad from 1999’s Millennium threw a spotlight on the subject of heartbreak—a subject to which just about every Backstreet Boys fan at the time could relate. After a string of catchy, upbeat chart-toppers, this mellow slow-burn track proved a nice palate cleanser.
Sing Show Me The Meaning Of Being Lonely karaoke here.
6. Drowning
Released in 2001 as the only single from their first greatest hits record, “Drowning” is one of the more subdued, under-the-radar pop tracks––but a fan-favorite and perfect karaoke song nonetheless.
7. Quit Playing Games (With My Heart)
With its slick harmonies and sweet melody, this smash single managed to strike all the right chords with teenage girls in 1996. A truly defining era for boy bands, the Backstreet Boys entered the stage with “Quit Playing Games” and caused millions to fall in love. Today, despite being almost 30 years old, this songs remains a popular karaoke hit.
Sing Quit Playing Games (With My Heart) karaoke here.
8. Shape Of My Heart
At the time, critics said that this track was the one where the boys became men—and it’s easy to see why. Featuring more mature vocal range and depth, “Shape of My Heart” was every bit as catchy and fun as their previous efforts, but this was THE song that made legions of girls fully swoon.
Sing Shape Of My Heart karaoke here
9. Incomplete
Proving they’d never lost their touch, the boys returned in 2005 (a little long in the tooth as far as boy bands go) with "Incomplete," another symphonic ballad from their fifth album Never Gone. The vocals on this track soar, as do the lush instrumentations that heralded a new era of Backstreet—more mature and yet equally appealing.
10. The Call
The boys entered the new millennium with this lead single off their Black & Blue album, leaning more on R&B and hip-hop melodies and ushering in a new era of Backstreet. The lyrics are also a bit more adult this time around, eschewing bubble gum pop for a more mature sound.
There you have it! The 10 most popular Backstreet Boys songs to try at karaoke.
Sing your favorite Backstreet Boys karaoke tracks with Singa
If you’re thinking of hosting a karaoke night at home (or just love singing on your own), the Singa app easily connects to your TV, mobile or tablets, so that you can get the party started in any room.
