Top 5: Backstreet Boys music videos

Before you even start thinking it, let me just tell you that you’re wrong– this post is not 10 years too late.

They are still recording music. They are still selling out concerts all over the world. They are still fairly attractive. And god dammit, they are one of the biggest music acts of all time. ALL TIME.

And more importantly, a very pivotal part of my childhood that I will never am not ready to give up.

See? Still hot!

Out of all the boy groups, BSB hands down had the best music videos. And it wasn’t just because of Fatima Robinson’s choreography or Joseph Kahn’s directing skills. It was because of these five performing gods (slight exaggeration noted) and their love for what they do. So whether you’re taking a trip down memory lane or simply enjoying these masterpieces for the first time, here are the top five Backstreet Boy music videos according to yours truly.

1. “As Long As You Love Me” (Backstreet’s Back, 1997)

This was the first BSB music video I ever saw, and for that reason alone it has a special place in my heart. They’re young, hot, having fun and not taking themselves too seriously– the staples for a great boy-band video. And call me a romantic (actually don’t, because I’m not), but Brian meeting his future wife on set seals this in at number one in my book.

2. “Backstreet’s Back” (Backstreet’s Back, 1997)

Despite Jive Records refusing to back “Backstreet’s Back” (say it one more time with me: “back!”)  video because they disagreed with the group’s very own haunted house concept, the boys funded it themselves. Smart move, considering it went on to be one of the most played videos on TRL, rank #76 on MuchMusic’s 100 Best Videos and win Best Group Video at the 1998 MTV Video Music Awards. With elaborate costumes, ridiculous morphing and the apparently possessed cab driver– what’s not to love about this entertaining “Thriller”-throwback??

3. “Show Me the Meanings of Being Lonely” (Millennium, 1999)

One word: Tears. Not even normal tears, we’re talking jears. They knew damn well what they were doing reinforcing our awareness of Brian’s possibly fatal heart problems.

Also, let it be known that I made my friend Julie rush home from our first big New Year’s Eve party, so that we could be sitting in front of the TV for the world premiere of this video, which happened to air at midnight. Not being a fan herself, it’s safe to say she never forgave me.

4. “We’ve Got It Goin’ On” (Backstreet Boys, 1996)

I don’t think there’s anything that can be said about this video. You just need to watch it. I mean, those introductions… I just can’t.

5.”All I Have to Give” (Backstreet’s Back, 1998)

I doubt many people would put this admittedly run of the mill video on any top lists, but something about it struck me. And evidently three of my best friends in middle school as well, because– and I tell you this in confidence– this was the music video we reenacted in our audition tape for MTV’s FANatic. Remember that amazing, too-soon-canceled show where insane people sent in proof of their outlandish celebrity obsessions to land a chance at meeting them? I WAS ONE OF THOSE BATSHIT FANS. And to this day, I am 100% positive that if we had sent that video in, I would have not only met the Backstreet Boys, but Nick and I would probably be married at this point.

And do you know what that means? I could have saved him from his leeching family, his arrests, his drug problems and, most importantly, Paris Hilton!

Still haven’t quite gotten your BSB fix? Then check out these honorable mentions: Get Down (You’re the One for Me), I Want It That Way and Larger than Life.

Now that you can finally sleep at night knowing you have watched five of the most amazing music videos in existence, I ask you one thing:

If you don’t know what that means– and you were a child of the 90s– don’t bother reading any more of this blog, because we will never fully understand each other.

Just kidding! Please keep reading. I beg you.