Black & Blue - Backstreet Boys
Metascore
61 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
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  1. All Music Guide
    80
    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.
  2. Billboard
    70
    Beyond ballads, "Black & Blue" crackles with funk-inflected uptempo ditties that are notable for their rough edges.
  3. Wall of Sound
    63
    Surprisingly and disappointingly tame.
  4. Q Magazine
    60
    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
  5. Rolling Stone
    60
    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.
  6. CDNow
    60
    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.
  7. Checkout.com
    50
    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.
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  8. Sonicnet
    50
    Back-to-church-basement harmonies and familiar pledges of eternal devotion.
  9. Dot Music
    50
    Unfortunately, over a third of the songs on this album are ballads, and most of them are fillers at that.
  10. Entertainment Weekly
    50
    Black & Blue merely maintains a holding pattern, recycling their past and doing little to establish a firm future.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.4 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 20 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. ChelesaA
    8
    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.… Full Review »
  2. brital
    10
    It is a great album... By far one of my favourites...
  3. MaryS.
    10
    Amazing...I'm going to love them forever
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