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All Music Guide

So, the ballads are smoother than ever, and their dance numbers hit harder, all in an attempt to keep their throne. It works, even if it takes a couple spins before you can discern the future singles and even if there is a bit of filler on the record, since the Backstreets' material isn't just stronger than that of their peers, but their voices are stronger, all adding up to teen pop that is unquestionably the state of the art.

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Billboard

Beyond ballads, "Black & Blue" crackles with funk-inflected uptempo ditties that are notable for their rough edges.

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Wall of Sound

Surprisingly and disappointingly tame.

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CDNow

As works of art go, it isn't exactly Blood on the Tracks, and it isn't as blissfully fine as Millennium, but Black & Blue is unquestionably the most seamless boy band release of the year.

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Q Magazine

The sound has changed little, and the level of emoting none. Still, thunderous grooves such as Everyone and Shining Star continue to be virtually irresistible, while the quieter moments, including the hit single Shape Of My Heart will wow the ladies and the more sensitive gents for a while yet

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Rolling Stone

Lacking 'N Sync's tireless dancing talents or Britney's demented fashion sense, the Boys still harmonize as well as the faceless background singers who prop up lesser pop puppets.

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Checkout.com

Black & Blue finds the Boys traveling all-too-familiar prefab-pop terrain (production-wise, it's the sonic twin of teen queen Britney's most recent effort), with overwhelmingly forgettable results.

Dot Music

Unfortunately, over a third of the songs on this album are ballads, and most of them are fillers at that.

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Entertainment Weekly

Black & Blue merely maintains a holding pattern, recycling their past and doing little to establish a firm future.

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Sonicnet

Back-to-church-basement harmonies and familiar pledges of eternal devotion.

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What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this album is 7.6 (out of 10) based on 18 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Chelesa A gave it an8:
You have to be a true Backstreet fan and know what they went thorugh to create this album. yes it doesnt compare to the others but it still sounds like backstreet. They made this album for us to enjoy. If you dont like it oh well... some other s may and its what they are into.

brita l gave it a10:
It is a great album... By far one of my favourites...

Mary S. gave it a10:
Amazing...I'm going to love them forever

Kortney J gave it a 10:
I love this cd! I love all the songs! This is a great cd for a BSB fan.

Matt M gave it a 5:
I really liked the single "Shape Of My Heart" so I bought the album. It's very disappointing in most respects. The upbeat pop standards are all that work on this album. The ballads are really sticky and incredibly sappy. The guys are all very talented, but their material needs to be better.

Amy C. gave it a 10:
This album is smooth music ! You have to be a true BSB fan to love their music !

Ryan gave it a 6:
Amazing combination of ballads and upbeat songs. I really like the ballad It's True and the song Answer to Our Life. But going back to the basic formula of cheesiness isn't really cool. Bad move.

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Black & Blue

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