In a World Like This
by Backstreet Boys
  • Record Label: BMG
  • Release Date: Jul 30, 2013
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
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. 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.
  2. The Guardian
    Jul 29, 2013
    60
    Longtime songwriter Max Martin has cooked up a title track that ranks as one of the blandest songs of his career.... Most of the first half carries on in this fashion, with the exception of the strummy anti-bullying ballad Madeleine, a showcase for AJ McLean's sweet voice. The second half is more interesting, making more of their spot-on vocal harmonies.
  3. The A.V. Club
    Jul 30, 2013
    50
    The group's musical personality feels somewhat whitewashed; many of In A World Like This' songs are indistinguishable from ones by OneRepublic, The Wanted, or The Script.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Rolling Stone
    Jul 30, 2013
    40
    The resulting LP is roughly 100 times less fun than the Boys' cameo in This Is the End.
  8. The Observer (UK)
    Jul 29, 2013
    40
    The music is just as you'd expect: uplifting cheese.

User Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. 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 CurrentAfter 20 Years, BSB is Now Acknowledging the Other Type of Boy Bands, Drawing Inspiration from the Original (Beatles) and the Most Current (One Direction)… Full Review »
  2. 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    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.    … Full Review »
  3. 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 toCoulda 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.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »