Backstreet Boys Japan Promotional CD

Since "Get Down" is the debut single in Japan, Debut album and single were usually promoted at the same time.

Booklet intro translation:

In the burgeoning spirit of EU integration, the European market holds greater potential than ever before. In these EU nations, even before currency and other integrations are completed, the musical borders have already been swiftly removed. Coinciding with this thawing, boy bands from various European countries are gaining popularity. Among them, the Backstreet Boys are rapidly rising in popularity, becoming a veritable whirlwind. While one might think they originated in Europe, they are actually a five-member boy band formed in Orlando, Florida, USA. Armed with outstanding chorus work and harmonies, they also excel at professional dancing, making them the type of group the current music scene has most eagerly awaited.
When it comes to a five-member young song & dance group, it's natural to want to give them the catchphrase "the second Take That." And indeed, they have gained astounding popularity, garnering immense support from listeners since Take That's disbandment. A little further back, one might recall New Kids on the Block. One could even compare them to Human Nature from Australia. In short, the Backstreet Boys are currently the hottest idol group.
However, it would be a big mistake to think that their popularity as idols is merely based on their approachable personalities and good looks. Their core musicality runs deeper than imagined.
In fact, this September, I had the opportunity to visit Poland and watch their live performance. The reason I specifically chose Poland for their European tour stop was partly because they granted me interview time there, but also because they had already achieved platinum disc status in Poland, alongside Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Indeed, their performances in the two major Polish cities of Warsaw and Gdansk were deeply moving, energized by the tremendous reactions of the audience. Their live performances offer numerous highlights, including splendid song and dance routines. What particularly impressed me was how confidently the five members showcased their vocals and harmonies, actively performing acapella on stage. Beyond their original songs, they even delivered an acapella rendition of Shai's US hit "If I Ever Fall in Love," which made me feel a connection to their deeper inclination towards R&B than their image might suggest.
When talking with them, discussions about R&B were endless. Kevin, in particular, was impressively enthusiastic about the reunited New Edition. In essence, if New Kids on the Block was a group aiming to be the white version of New Edition, then the Backstreet Boys are a group from a generation younger than New Kids, created by boys who were inspired by New Edition and listened to their music, striking a chord with each other. The biggest key to the musical success of groups like New Kids, Take That, and the Backstreet Boys is that young white artists actively incorporated R&B music, which was originally Black music, and firmly made it their own style. Among their predecessors, the Backstreet Boys are more distinctive because they very naturally incorporate the style of contemporary American R&B groups like Jodeci, Shai, and Boyz II Men. This is precisely the key to their international success.
The members of the Backstreet Boys are Kevin Richardson (born October 3, 1971, in Lexington, Kentucky; nickname Kev), his cousin Brian Thomas Littrell (born February 20, 1975, in Lexington, Kentucky; nickname B-Rok), Alexander James McLean (born January 9, 1978, in West Palm Beach, Florida; nickname Bone), Howard Dewayne Dorough (born August 22, 1973, in Orlando, Florida; nickname Howie D), and Nicholas Gene Carter (born January 28, 1980, in Jamestown, New York; later moved to Orlando; nickname Chaos).
The genesis of the group was a street group formed by A.J., Howie, and Nick, who constantly met at showbiz auditions. Kevin, who had moved from Lexington to Orlando, then joined. To further enhance their harmonies, they called in Kevin's cousin Brian as an additional member, forming the current lineup. Kevin and Brian were both musical individuals who had sung in churches in Kentucky.
The group name "Backstreet Boys" is derived from the Backstreet Market on International Drive in the USA. It was a flea market-like space where young people played music and danced. It seems it was the perfect place for the current image of the Backstreet Boys.
Initially, the boys didn't necessarily have a blessed start, making demo tapes and such. However, in early 1994, Jeff Feaster of Jive Records came to see a live performance, which led to their contract with the company. Their debut song, "We've Got It Goin' On," became a smash hit on Billboard's Dance Chart (Club Play section) in their home country, America, by late 1995. But from early 1996, it recorded big hits across Europe, starting with Germany. Recognizing this reaction, Jive Records first devised a European strategy, carrying out a promotion campaign focused on Europe from early to mid-1996. This achieved the unprecedented feat of an American group achieving success first in Europe. As a result, by this September, they had produced three single hits in Europe (in the UK, the 1st single was re-released and debuted at #6), and their first album, "Backstreet Boys," is currently a record-breaking hit in various EU countries.
It goes without saying that their diligent promotional activities were behind this success. However, it's particularly noteworthy that while employing American producers/creators like Timmy Allen, a house producer for Jive, they also swiftly enlisted internationally acclaimed European elite talents such as Sweden's Denniz Pop & Max Martin (known for Ace of Base) and Tony Kotura, a member of the German-based Fun Factory, to complete a fresh musical style. This was a remarkable endeavor.
Of course, their success is also due to their professional song and dance abilities. In fact, since the boys are based in Florida, home to Disney World, they are an evolved group of small entertainers who had been working for Disney since childhood. Therefore, it's only natural that their song and dance are outstanding. And it was these young men who boldly took to the streets as the Backstreet Boys.
Now, having already conquered Europe, including the UK, the Backstreet Boys' next targets are Asia and building a brilliant career in their home country, the United States. Album releases and promotions in Asian regions, including Japan, are planned for within the year, but a full-scale homecoming in their home country seems likely to follow that. Already, surprising attempts for their American strategy are underway. They are enlisting Babyface, Diane Warren, and PM Dawn, and an American version of their strategy that has been successful in the European market is steadily progressing. Babyface and Diane Warren are reportedly already writing a ballad called "Say What's In My Heart."
Their first album alone is an exciting listen, but just hearing about their next approach is already thrilling. In fact, what I desperately wanted Take That to challenge before their disbandment was to collaborate with American creators like Babyface. While I don't think relying on American hitmakers is the ultimate means, it's undeniably a major challenge. The Backstreet Boys are developing a strategy that Take That couldn't fulfill, and the day they realize a new leap forward is rapidly approaching.

by 村岡裕司／YUJI MURAOKA