Backstreet Boys released their very much anticipated sixth album ‘Unbreakable’ after much speculation.  Unfortunately, this time it is without the infinite talents of Kevin Richardson who probably has reasoned that once you reach the ripe old age of 30, you should no longer be part of a group with the word "boy" in the name. But whatever the reason despite their name, the BSB does realize they are getting older and are trying to show their maturity through their music.

What you find on this album that comprises the remaining ageing lads Brian Littrel, Howie Dorough, Nick Carter, A J McLean is not heavy upbeat, high-energy tracks from their glory days that somehow coupled rock, R&B and Euro-pop, but rather some loud pieces that would appeal more to their now adult audience.

There are tasteful piano and light guitar riffs that light up to danceable grooves kept to a minimum. They deliver 13 gentle odes to teenage love that  are with exquisite harmonies over heavy instrumental tracks. Dance material like Everything but Mine is neat and so is the slow One in a Million that has shades of earlier hit the very catchy and much loved Larger than Life. Songs like Something That I Already Know bring a lovelorn sentiment with a slick power-ballad chorus. Trouble is is a mildly rootsy groove ballad, and speaks of how melodrama rules.

The boy band of today come in the form of Korean pop or K Pop if you ask anyone. The days of the pop and bubble gum boy bands have altogether disappeared. BTS is one of the most popular bands around, but during their heydays, so was the Backstreet Boys, Boyzone and Westlife.

Fans who loved BSB back in the nineties are most likely to enjoy their easy sound, as there is nothing very bad here. There's just nothing great either.

Rating: **** 

Reviewed by Verus Ferreira