City number one, Lexington, Kentucky, home of cousins Kevin Richardson and Brian Litrell. From musical families, Kevin and Brian were heavily involved in state and regional church choirs as well as the local entertainment scene. During family visits they harmonized classic doowop hits, traditional Barber Shop Quartet tunes, and the contemporary hits of their biggest influences, Boyz II Men, Shai, and Jodeci. By the time they reached their teens, the boys knew they had something going on.

City number two, Orlando, Florida. A.J. McLean, Howie Dorough, and Nick Carter saw each other at auditions all the time. They were solo performers with solid credentials in musical theater, commercials, television and film, and as they sat around waiting to audition for new projects they'd find themselves harmonizing an old Temptations hit, or somebody they'd just heard on the radio. After a while, the a capella singing took on a life of it's own.

People were amazed at the a capella harmonies Backstreet Boys could create at the drop of a hat. No musical instruments or engineering wizardry were required for this group to create vocal magic and moods.

Honesty, energy and heart-wrenching harmonies characterize Backstreet Boys self-titled debut album. The hook-laden urban pop tracks are a romantic's delight. "I'll Never Break Your Heart," "Anywhere For You," and "Every Time I Close My Eyes" are powerful ballads that speak straight to the yearning heart. "We've Got it Going On," "Boys Will Be Boys," and "Don't Leave Me" are rockin', up tempo gems that opine a force that is always with us, especially in matters of love. "Tell Me That I'm Dreamin'" offers a taste of Backstreet Boys' outrageous live harmonies and "Tender Love" in which A.J. McLean shares the contents of a letter he's written with his Backstreet Boys' brothers is a believable slice of life. Your heartstrings will hip-hop, rock, swing, and ache from total involvement in the Backstreet Boys experience.
~Taken from the Backstreet Boys 1998 US Tour book.

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