Never Gone - Backstreet Boys
User Score
5.8 out of 10

Mixed or average reviews- based on 93 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 55 out of 93
  2. Negative: 36 out of 93

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  1. TiffL
    Dec 8, 2005
    7
    After taking a five year hiatus, the Backstreet Boys are back with a new album sounding a little older but wiser. Appropriately named, Never Gone, this album shows a lot of growth that the Backstreet boys have done. I saw appropriately named Never Gone because they might’ve been out of the spotlight for a while, they never completely gave up on music. And with this album, it’s a good thing they didn’t, we would be missing a great line up of songs. Being a group for more than 10 years, they had their struggles to get on top, and even on top they all had personal struggles. With this 5 year break, they finally got a break from being a band and got to do things they wanted to do and needed to do as individuals. But they couldn’t stay away from being a group and making music like they all love to do. Spending more than a year in the studio writing, producing, and recording songs for a new album . They spent time putting different sounds into their pop song to have a new variety of fans. Mixing a little more rock and also R & B but still kicking their original made sound that they are known for. As I mentioned before, the lyrics of this album are mature and deeper than previous albums. In past albums, they went for the rhyming factor which would turn to sound cheesy but catchy and it worked. This album and in the first single alone, you see the growing that the members have done lyrically and vocally. In “Incomplete” the lyrics used are “...Empty spaces fill me up with holes, distant faces with no place to go. Without you within me I can find no rest..” You can deel the pain that they are expressing a lot more deeper. Which makes the ballads on this album some of their best. Also, for their this album they focus more on ballads and to show off their vocal abilities because they are know for their great harmonies and pure talent. And they have a few mid-tempo songs that have great lyrics, such as “I Still..” and “Climbing the Walls”. They are lyrically better written they their other hits, like “As Long As You Love Me” and “Quit Playin’ Games”, but they are bigger hits because they are really catchy and that’s what radio and people go for. The new album has catchy song but not as catchy. If you were a die heart fan of the Backstreet Boys before you will noticed the maturity in the music and will like the change. But if you didn’t really followed their you might not like it as much, going into thinking it’s going to sound like the typical pop boy band. There is something missing in this album, and that’s a real big hit like “I Want It That Way” or even “Shape of My Heart”. The whole album is good but nothing big for radio. It’s really seems to be missing that one song that people go out and buy the album for. But if you are looking to hear great ballads and an occasional upbeat song, I’d recommend Never Gone for you. Expand
    • 1 of 1 users said yes
  2. AstghikB
    Sep 6, 2005
    10
    This album does ROCK!!! It shows that the boys are here to stay and will never be gone. They have put a album together that any age will love to hear. If you are 5 or 95 there is something on this album that you will love and trust me you will love it!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. jasonm
    Jul 29, 2005
    0
    More of the same fake, overproduced crap that is more big business than it will ever be musical talent. No one should ever pick on the Backstreet fans though. It's just a big company that cleverly markets generic garbage.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  4. VICKYK
    Aug 13, 2005
    10
    Guys you did the best job ever..Keep going!!!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  5. Mark
    Aug 20, 2005
    9
    So much better than their early stuff, this is more like it. All the critics are sad to be honest. This album is a turn to the best for the band.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  6. bigbyrd
    Aug 2, 2005
    5
    overall average, some good singles, but the album as a whole is inconsistent. It seems more of a transitional album as the backstreet boys try to change musical genres from teenie pop to adult contemporary, their new style fits them well. but when it's all said and done, their music will forever be "incomplete" without good song writing and more focus.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  7. JakeD
    Sep 7, 2005
    0
    They should have quit while they were........behind.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  8. alyl
    Dec 5, 2005
    10
    I love the backstreet boys,i luved them since forever i luv there old c.ds and there new c.ds and whoever dont lik them o well
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  9. JaimeS
    Jul 20, 2005
    10
    I loved it !!
    • 0 of 1 users said yes
  10. JedL
    Jul 28, 2005
    10
    Everyone put their pride asside and admit it: the songs are catchy and many rock ballds are respectable. Climbing the Walls for instance would be getting raves by all had it not been labled a BSB song. Just Want You To Know reminds me of Kelly Clarksons hit Since U Been Gone and Poster Girl is perfect R&B/. Great work, I dont see what everyone is booing about.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  11. NedS
    Jul 31, 2005
    0
    backstreet boyz deff. need to give it a rest
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  12. Josh
    Aug 10, 2005
    10
    This album is awesome! Every song is great!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  13. HotCarl
    Aug 17, 2005
    0
    This was really really bad!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  14. Matt
    Aug 18, 2005
    3
    I know it's easy to bash them, but they are still the same generic boy band.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  15. CalebF
    Aug 4, 2005
    0
    well it plain sucks nuf said
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  16. CosmoPrelog
    Aug 5, 2005
    1
    I give it a solid A. As in A for A-hole. Great job Boys ?????????
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  17. TreyH
    Aug 9, 2005
    10
    It's not just that the harmonies are as striking as they once were- what's really astonishing is the sheer depth. Probably the most moving album of the last 20 years.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  18. johnb
    Sep 12, 2005
    0
    Absolutely crap, backstreet boys need to realize that their time has long gone. Boyband has gone down the ditch whatever effort put into trying to revive those glorious days are uselss. absolute junk might as well use em as coasters.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  19. RanjithD
    Sep 28, 2005
    10
    The music is absolutely fanatstic. I have always been a BSB fan and I am glad that they are back. The music is smooth and relaxed. The lyrics are wonderfull (trademark BSB's). It's good to hear them after 5 years. I give it 10.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  20. LestatB
    Sep 4, 2005
    10
    Essential! Do yourself a favour and trade your new Sufjan Stevens and your New Pornographers for these excelent collection from one of the biggest band of the 90s. On second thought, you should probably keep your precious indie rock cds since they definitely sell more albums than all your top ten of 2005 list combined.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  21. CarlosP
    Sep 7, 2005
    0
    I concur...absolute garbage
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  22. SamD
    Apr 30, 2006
    0
    yes they were, and i wish they wouldv'e stayed that way. the cover art isn't even good!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  23. zos
    May 29, 2006
    10
    The best cd ever!!, this album is gr8 every song speaks for itself, the guyz have such awesome voices that have matured and have gotten even better!!, BSB ALWAYZ AND FOREVER!!!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  24. MichelleM.
    Feb 3, 2008
    10
    The Backstreet Boys are the best. Their cd, Never Gone ruled!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I will always be a BSB fan.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  25. britaa
    Nov 17, 2005
    10
    Absolutely fantastic album... I really love it... The boys are back in style... It really shows that they have all grow... Keep up the good work guys... KTBSBPA
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  26. AlexS.
    Dec 24, 2005
    10
    A very good album, with a very good sound and amazing lyrics; One of the best Cd by Backstreet Boys
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  27. brenta
    Jul 31, 2005
    1
    i'll give 'em 1 for turning up. i'd vote higher if they promised it was their last ever. they may have grown up to be men but have done so in a bubble of unreality and a great lack of inspiration.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  28. RichT
    Aug 1, 2005
    10
    Watch out Beatles and Radiohead! These are no longer boys, but men. The only thing stopping them from becoming great is their inability to play instruments or sing well, but that should come with practice.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  29. RM
    Aug 17, 2005
    0
    sucks
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  30. JamieM
    Aug 19, 2005
    0
    Jess, that's against the rules to say a backstreet boys album ROCKS. That's just crazy if you say that. Oh and by the way, it does not rock. It is the most dull, shockingly bland album you will ever hear.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  31. DF
    Aug 21, 2005
    8
    You know what, guys? Take it for what it is. This album may not break new ground or set new standards, but it is a great listen from start to finish.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  32. esmem
    Aug 23, 2005
    10
    muy buenisimo el disco!!!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  33. Segageek
    Aug 25, 2005
    8
    I didnt expect much from this album but it surprised me, it has some good songs, crawling the walls, Incomplete were excellent songs. Not a bad pop album overall however a few bland songs that were pretty much fillers aka Weird World, which seemed effortless and emotrionaless. But overall i highley reccomend this album
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  34. sarahp
    Aug 7, 2005
    0
    it sucked. alot.no one wants to hear the backstreet boys try and be ben folds.....ever. because they never will be because there a POP band. way to show no creativity and steal other peoples work you sure went for the gold::rolls eyes::
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  35. BBB
    Aug 8, 2005
    0
    The songs are built to stick in your head even if you hate them.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  36. JasonL
    Aug 8, 2005
    1
    Boy, Mikey really will listen to anything.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  37. SuzanneC
    Sep 10, 2005
    10
    I really did think that this was quite a nice relaxed album to listen to, with song lyrics that if you have ever been in love, you can actually relate to
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  38. AdamM
    Sep 17, 2005
    8
    Excellent BSB CD
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  39. drewB
    Mar 8, 2006
    0
    3 words der der der is all this piece of shit deserves
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  40. ShailS
    Mar 9, 2006
    10
    an excellent album!!!! after reading the reviews soon after the release of the album i was kinda surprised and thought myself to listen to it. but it has proved all it critics wrong coz critics have no other job to do than to criticise.so guys dont listen to critics but to backstreet boys. the guys sound much mature a very true fact.specially nick n brian.the songs like climbing the walls , i still, incomplete, safest place to hide, crawling back to you are sufficiently enough to answer all its critics. i hope to see more of backstreet boys soon. Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  41. nayantaras
    Jul 22, 2006
    10
    loved it i dnt give a damn to all trhe critics this cd is awesome!!!!!!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  42. Juliet
    Jul 25, 2006
    9
    I've been a Backstreet fan since the beginning; and though there sound has matured a bit I still love them just as much, if not more. Every song is just as easy to sing along to, even if some of them sound incredibly similar. Loved it!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  43. ShineB
    Feb 12, 2007
    9
    Greate. not pop, not rock. Unusual and original. Very Strong music.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  44. AllisonB
    Feb 14, 2007
    9
    As a BSB fan, I was very pleased with this album after waiting years for another. This album definitely shows a more mature side to the guys, and I do like the direction they took. As a metal and hardcore fan, I can honestly say I like the mellow songs on this album, and I would recommend it to any BSB fan or to anyone who just needs something to relax to.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  45. AliciaZ
    Nov 16, 2005
    9
    I'm a pop fan, and the Boys will always be my favorite...this is an album that deserves to be up there with *Millennium* (except that people refuse to give them a chance...). It's great to hear music that enfolds values rather than the horrible rap songs that are flooding the radio nowadays...amazing album--I would suggest it to anyone, even if you didn't like their old stuff...you might be suprised. Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  46. firstlast
    Jul 23, 2005
    10
    better than millennium
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  47. ALANR
    Jul 24, 2005
    0
    Are you kidding?
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  48. MikeyV
    Jul 24, 2005
    10
    Absolute genius. It takes a few listens to really appreciate the subtleties on this album but it's worth it. The BBs will change your life. Really.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  49. HughG
    Jul 25, 2005
    10
    This is awesome and the boys have grown up to be M.E.N.!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  50. JessB
    Jul 26, 2005
    10
    this iz tha best album ive evr heard it totally rox!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  51. BJW
    Jul 28, 2005
    0
    it takes one listen through to realize that this is horrible filthy trash.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  52. LyonellG
    Jul 29, 2005
    9
    This album is great. Good car music to jam with.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  53. NRS
    Aug 22, 2005
    10
    An absolute masterpiece. This is a work of astonishing depth and melodic complexity. The most vital album of the year.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  54. jacobm
    Aug 29, 2005
    0
    absolute crap
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  55. Saurav
    Jan 15, 2006
    10
    Excellent maturity shown by the band. Their music has grown with them and the songs are a good mix of pop,rock and R&B while maintaining their originality. This album shows rhat BSB is ready for a second innings.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  56. DawnL.
    Nov 5, 2007
    10
    I thought it was a great album for a comeback.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  57. mohamadm
    Dec 15, 2006
    10
    that is more wonderful than i think.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  58. Mar 15, 2011
    9
    I've listened to all of the Backstreet Boys albums,and this one is possibly their best,depending on how one views Millenium.Their sound here is more mature but still melodic and pleasant,rather than the heavily-electronic dance music their most recent two albums have been.They've clearly shed their poppy roots and are embracing adulthood here,but while I found the tone of it somewhat unsure of itself,it wasn't ever **** or trying too hard to prove itself.The Boys teamed up with popular adult contemporary composers and artists they admired,like Darren Hayes from Savage Garden and one of the members of Train,to create a more adult contemporary style that embraced a very different set of sounds than their previous albums;whereas their previous releases had had a fair amount of electronic melodies mixed in with some light acoustic sounds,this one went almost entirely acoustic,and the new palette of sounds is refreshing.The Backstreet Boys always had the advantage over their competition in that they could actually sing,and this album allows them to show that,instead of their vocal talents takiing second fiddle to hooks and catchy choruses.The subject matter is also more mature this time around;now,instead of singing about teenage love,they sing about the world post-September 11th and a Poster Girl who likes to hook up in elevators in front of the security cameras.Overall,this was a mature effort by the band,who had outgrown their poppy days,but more recently have returned,unfortunately,to meaningless lyrics and studio editing instead of relying on their actual talent. Expand
Metascore

Mixed or average reviews - based on 7 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 7
  2. Negative: 2 out of 7
  1. Never Gone [is] a solid adult contemporary album, which will please both BSB diehards and the dwindling ranks who wish that the glory days of Jon Secada never ended, but its relative strength does highlight one problem with the album: this kind of music doesn't sound quite as convincing when delivered by a group of guys as it does by one singer.
  2. 40
    Never Gone's rock ballads are painfully and sometimes powerfully earnest demands for meaning and redemption. [Aug 2005, p.108]
  3. Even if they aren't Never Gone, their inspiration certainly is.