In a World Like This
by Backstreet Boys
  • Record Label: BMG
  • Release Date: Jul 30, 2013
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 28 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 28
  3. Negative: 4 out of 28
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  1. maxperry45
    Jul 30, 2013
    5
    The simple fact is; this album is generally a bore and you have the oh so boring Martin Terefe produced bland ballads to blame for that. This album is a huge departure back words from their last record 2009's "This Is Us" which saw them collaborate with the likes of redONE, Neyo, T-Pain and Pit-Bull which to me was their best album to date since their 2005 comeback. Any ways back to thisThe simple fact is; this album is generally a bore and you have the oh so boring Martin Terefe produced bland ballads to blame for that. This album is a huge departure back words from their last record 2009's "This Is Us" which saw them collaborate with the likes of redONE, Neyo, T-Pain and Pit-Bull which to me was their best album to date since their 2005 comeback. Any ways back to this album, some of the songs are pretty amazing and those are the ones mainly produced by Morgan Tyler Reid (see: Permanent Stain, One Phone Call & Show Em What You're Made Of"). You already know my opinions of the songs produced by Martin Terefe. If ever anyone wanted to bore themselves through a record they just have to listen to one of the backstreet boys tracks produced by Martin Terefe on "In A World Like This" (see: Try & Trust Me). Regardless of the fact that he might've had successes with "Train & Jason Mraz" he has sucked big time for the backstreet boys. As for the title track first single from the album, it is by far the poorest performing backstreet boys track to date (it only managed 155 in the UK charts). It's performance in the charts matches what the entire song feels like, It’s a terrible car crash between a mid tempo rock ballad mixed in with arena like chorus; which has a somewhat of dance like feel to it. Let’s not to mention its silly country guitar riff intro either. To think this song was written and produced by the creator of some of their greatest hits (Max Martin) makes you want to shake your head in disbelief. The music video is uninspiring and bland & is visibly lacking much effort. Not to mention the video is similar to another one of their music video's except it is in color (see the video for 2007’s “helpless when she smiles”).… Expand
  2. L4DLegend91
    Jul 30, 2013
    9
    I'm not sure why everyone thinks this album is their comeback album, they've had 2 successful albums when Kevin departed, a even more successful tour with NKOTB, so to say that they're back, is an incorrect statement. I'll end that rant there. The album itself is great, a great mixture of ballad, upbeat and mellow songs and certainly a big difference from anything they've done. I love itI'm not sure why everyone thinks this album is their comeback album, they've had 2 successful albums when Kevin departed, a even more successful tour with NKOTB, so to say that they're back, is an incorrect statement. I'll end that rant there. The album itself is great, a great mixture of ballad, upbeat and mellow songs and certainly a big difference from anything they've done. I love it from top to bottom, something i'm sure i'll be listening to a lot.… Collapse
  3. Algorithem
    Jul 30, 2013
    10
    Some can make a return as the backstreet boys.If u want proof i recommend u buy this album
    Going to Oblivion due to the Financial Failure of there last two albums,Now they are bouncing back and are ready to rock their stage once again.Truly Amazing!!
  4. pseawrightb
    Jul 30, 2013
    8
    The Backstreet Boys has always been a singles band, with a big focus on live performance, so it feels sort of unfair to review their album. For me, their style has always been hit-or-miss, with many misses for every hit. Still, the one thing that even the band's harshest critics must admit is that these guys can really sing and harmonize. They all have good, distinct voices, and they knowThe Backstreet Boys has always been a singles band, with a big focus on live performance, so it feels sort of unfair to review their album. For me, their style has always been hit-or-miss, with many misses for every hit. Still, the one thing that even the band's harshest critics must admit is that these guys can really sing and harmonize. They all have good, distinct voices, and they know how to make their voices work together. This is a rare and good thing. When they hit the right material, they can break a song open and make it soar like no other male vocal band I know. The song "In A World Like This" is definitely the right material. "Breathe" and "Make Believe" are too. These songs easily represent the band's best work in over a decade and all three are a great pleasure to hear. I'll probably listen to only these three songs from here on out, but crafting three good songs in a single album is rare for any band, especially a boy band all grown up. Good work guys!… Expand
  5. TSchub
    Aug 1, 2013
    6
    Coulda been better, and not their best stuff. Lyrics were almost laughable at times. However, there are a few tracks that carry the album to what they are known for, which is far above most pop music these days.
  6. TomRider
    Nov 7, 2013
    10
    If someone would say why 10 then here's the answer :
    Its their first album with Kevin's beautiful voice back.
    The tone of the songs of this album touches the heart and it feels like you are the one who is singing the songs. The melodies are really perfects. Backing vocals and sound mixing is above average. There's diversity in both the music and vocals. This album is not just like    If someone would say why 10 then here's the answer :
    Its their first album with Kevin's beautiful voice back.
    The tone of the songs of this album touches the heart and it feels like you are the one who is singing the songs.
    The melodies are really perfects.
    Backing vocals and sound mixing is above average.
    There's diversity in both the music and vocals.
    This album is not just like Boy Band stuff there's pretty mature sound in it.
    And that's all.
    I recommend this album to every one who liked Millennium and Never Gone of BSB.    … Expand
  7. warrenworld
    May 4, 2014
    10
    After 20 Years, BSB is Now Acknowledging the Other Type of Boy Bands, Drawing Inspiration from the Original (Beatles) and the Most Current (One Direction)

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
60

Mixed or average reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. Slant Magazine
    Aug 5, 2013
    40
    They seem stuck returning to the same predictable song structures and turgid melodies that made them famous in the first place.
    Read full review
  2. NOW Magazine
    Aug 1, 2013
    40
    Max Martin wrote the opening track on each of those early records, as he does here on their eighth. But even the anthemic title tune can’t hoist the group out of elevator-music territory.
    Read full review
  3. PopMatters
    Jul 31, 2013
    60
    This album won’t set the world on fire like Millennium did--quite likely nothing they do again will. But for what they’ve become, it is definitely a step in the right direction.
    Read full review
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