What makes Drowning by Backstreet Boys notable?

The album's title track, 'Drowning', achieved significant commercial success, reaching the top of charts in several countries and reinforcing the band's enduring appeal. Additionally, it showcased their ability to adapt to changing musical landscapes while retaining their signature style, influencing subsequent boy bands and pop acts. Released on October 16, 2001, 'Drowning' came during a transitional period for the Backstreet Boys, following their peak popularity in the late '90s. This single marked a shift as they sought to evolve their sound while maintaining their established fanbase after a brief hiatus from recording.

How many songs are on Drowning?

Drowning has 3 tracks, running approximately 19 minutes.

Released 25 years ago this October

Drowning

Backstreet Boys · 2001

19 min · 3 tracks · contemporary R&B

Melodic harmonies blend with heartfelt lyrics, creating an emotional landscape that captures vulnerability and longing amidst infectious pop beats.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Drowning (radio edit) — As the lead single, this track emphasizes the band's signature vocal harmonies and emotional delivery, encapsulating the essence of early 2000s pop ballads.
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Everybody (Backstreet's Back) (Sharp London vocal mix) — This remix brings a fresh energy to a beloved classic, showcasing the group's dance-pop roots while appealing to both old fans and new listeners.
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I Want It That Way (Morales club version) — This remix reinvents one of their most iconic songs, highlighting its catchy melodies and solidifying its status as a pop anthem with club appeal.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The single showcases strong melodies and harmonies but lacks cohesion due to its mix of styles.

What we noticed

The title track 'Drowning' features layered vocal harmonies that build throughout the verses, culminating in a powerful chorus.
The second track, 'Everybody (Backstreet's Back)', employs a dance beat and call-and-response vocals, contrasting with the emotional tone of 'Drowning'.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Reinforced the band's appeal post-peak, showcasing their emotional sound.
Career context: Released on October 16, 2001, 'Drowning' came during a transitional period for the Backstreet Boys, following their peak popularity in the late '90s. This single marked a shift as they sought to evolve their sound while maintaining their established fanbase after a brief hiatus from recording.
Stylistic neighbors: NSYNC· 98 Degrees· O-Town