All it takes is one simple word, "Everybody," to elicit thoughts of one of the most popular bands of the 1990s and early 2000s. The Backstreet Boys have been an important part of pop culture for years, with their biggest hits included in movies and TV shows of the time. Though their sound has evolved over the years, they have always been a staple of the pop genre, whether it was in the '90s or today. Their pitch-perfect harmonies and ability to craft an infectious dance beat have made them a household name, and even a popular internet meme.

Even with their sound changing as the years went on, there is still something undeniably unique to the Backstreet Boys and their albums. The band saw the departure and return of a member amidst the changing landscape of modern pop music, and have consistently put out albums that their fans have loved and appreciated. With their newest single "Hey" and the promise of a remastered album in July, this is where we think the Backstreet Boys albums stand as of today (not including 1997's limited release Backstreet's Back or the holiday album A Very Backstreet Christmas).

8 Unbreakable

2007 Jive Records

As the first record released without member Kevin Richardson, Unbreakable shows the band trying to find their footing as a newly formed quartet. This album is also the first without producer Max Martin, who is known for creating major hits for other artists such as NSYNC and Britney Spears. It is the epitome of early 2000s boy band vibes, trying to secure its place in pop culture at a time when solo acts reigned supreme. Some songs like "Everything But Mine" take fans back to their synth-inspired party beat days, while "Panic" has more of a pop-rock take.

Unbreakable shows the band trying to find their footing as a newly formed quartet.

This album isn't a different sound for the boys, but something familiar that was updated for the times. Trying to find who you are as a band minus one member can be a challenge, and this album proves that. Though this album still has the feel and charm of a Backstreet Boys album, something is missing that leaves the listener wanting more.

7 This Is Us

2009 Jive Records

Released in the year before the coming boy band renaissance, This Is Us has the most unmistakable pop sound in the Backstreet Boys' discography. Big-name artists collaborated on this project, such as Ne-Yo, Pitbull, T-Pain, and former producer Max Martin. This album does a great job at giving each member solo moments that highlight their vocal range and abilities, more so than on previous albums. Songs like "Masquerade" and "PDA" call back to their early party anthem days, while "If I Knew Then" shows that they still know how to produce a good love song.

Overall, this album feels lost in the shuffle. It does not have any stand-out songs that stood the test of time or became classics. While it is not a bad album, it just isn't the most memorable that the Backstreet Boys have produced. It is the second and last record that was made as a quartet. It received positive ratings at the time of its release, but it has faded into the background since then.

6 In a World Like This

2013 K-BAHN

In a World Like This is the record that marked the return of Kevin Richardson, making the Backstreet Boys a quintet once again. It has all the feel-good vibes of pop music from the early 2010s, being reminiscent of other bands like The Wanted and Rixton that were popular around that time. We get hyped songs like "Show 'Em (What You're Made Of)" that showcase how talented the Backstreet Boys are at making "believe in yourself" songs. Those are paired with some stripped-back guitar tracks such as "Madeleine," which also fulfilled a popular trend at the time to use a woman's name as a song title.

Pop music is constantly evolving, and I believe that the Backstreet Boys evolved with the times on this record. While it also isn't terribly memorable and didn't produce any immediate hits, this album does have merit to it. It was their first independently released album under their own record label, and it did well on the charts. A returning member is something to celebrate, and celebrate they did. Their vocals are always impressive, and it feels like the band is whole again.

5 DNA

2019 K-BAHN and RCA Records

After a six-year break from the music scene, DNA is the Backstreet Boys' most recent album. Other artists like Andy Grammer and Shawn Mendes even collaborated on the project. It has a new and unique experimental sound that also features their most risqué lyrics to date, featured in songs like "ionate." There is something so satisfying about the chunky bass line from "New Love," especially after flutes are added to it. On paper, it sounds like it shouldn't work, but it does.

On paper, it sounds like it shouldn't work, but it does.

By far their most modern sound, DNA shows the band taking more chances with their sound and not shying away from trying something new. The risk paid off, with the album debuting at number one in the US and being generally well-received. It shows that the Backstreet Boys aren't afraid to switch things up and give fans a surprise or two. They have switched up their sound before, showcasing that it is possible to go from one style to another. I believe DNA made this change successfully.

4 Black & Blue

2000 Jive Records

Perhaps one of the most innovative ways to start an album, Black & Blue kicks off with a jarring phone ring as "The Call" begins to play. I knew it was going to be a unique album when the opening song is about cheating on your girlfriend but making sure to call her first. This album starts out strong with the party tracks bringing the listener in, then slowing it down with love ballads at the end. For a turn-of-the-century album, Black & Blue gave the band a great starting point and a fresh new sound that still utilized some of their older tactics.

Black & Blue has a darker and edgier sound to it, which is the first time we hear the boys truly move in a different direction. It debuted at number one and was certified eight times platinum in December 2000. This album helped solidify them as a powerhouse band of the '90s and into the early 2000s. The album is gritty and different with a new pop-rock vibe, giving the fans something new to sink their teeth into.

3 Backstreet Boys

1996 Jive Records

The debut album from the Backstreet Boys, this is quintessential nostalgia and '90s feel-good beats. This album includes timeless hits that have become staples in pop culture. "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)" became a recent trend on TikTok, introducing the song and band to a whole new generation. The song was also featured in the hilarious ending to the This Is The End, which showcases its popularity and versatility. Each track features sultry and ionate vocals with an R&B edge.

Featuring tracks like "Quit Playing Games (With My Heart)" and "As Long As You Love Me," this debut album has solidified its place as one of the most iconic '90s records. The self-titled album put the Backstreet Boys on the map, making them a household name along with bands like NSYNC, who also had the same manager as they got started. This was a perfect debut, creating a ionate fan base and starting off an iconic music career. We have this album to thank for it all.

2 Never Gone

2005 Jive Records

Though Never Gone was not received well by critics, it was doomed to receive bad reviews. Changing styles and genres in the middle of a music career is no easy feat. The Backstreet Boys went from club-focused dance hits to piano-driven power ballads. They traded in their synths for strings, and I think for the better. Never Gone is driven by raw emotions, which makes it feel like a gospel album.

The band truly leaned into and honed their ballad style and reinvented the love song on this project. It debuted at number one in the US and was also certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America a month after its release. This album gave the boys the chance to show how versatile they can be, paving the way for how their sound would continue to change through the 2000s. Changing styles isn't a new concept by today's standards, but it was interesting to see how this new sound would affect the band in the future.

1 Millennium

1999 Jive Records

Full of iconic tracks like "Larger Than Life" and the well-loved "I Want It That Way," Millennium is the Backstreet Boys' most impressive work to date. This is the album cover and these are the songs that first come to mind when someone mentions the Backstreet Boys. It includes their signature party style, while also proving that they know how to slow it down. They even interpolate and reference "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)" in "Don't Want You Back," which I think is a clever way to connect fans from their debut to their sophomore album. The hit single "I Want It That Way" was also featured in an iconic Brooklyn 99 cold open, regarded as one of the best of the series.

Millennium has become synonymous with the '90s. After debuting at number one, the album continued to place on the charts for 10 nonconsecutive weeks. The influence created by this album is timeless and has created a special place in the hearts of fans. With its 25th anniversary coming up later this year, fans are anxiously awaiting the new edition of Millennium that will feature bonus tracks and an alternative version of "I Want It That Way."

As they also move to headline their own show in Las Vegas this summer, the anniversary of Millennium is only the beginning. After being in the industry and covering many different styles, the Backstreet Boys have proved that they are no strangers to change. They have always grown and evolved with the current music climate, and their dedicated fans have followed along. We can only speculate what they will do next, but we know it will be "Larger Than Life."