| Although their edgy new fashion statement is more thrift-store funky than Milan runway chic, not much else has changed for the Backstreet Boys on their third disc, Black & Blue. And for die-hard fans, that's a good thing. Instead of heading for club-thumping territory like their boy band rivals 'N Sync, Black & Blue finds the Boys remaining true to their roots with a winning mix of bouncy, up-tempo tunes -- the pouncing synth track "The Answer to Our Life" and the spunky Rodney Jerkins-produced "Shining Star" -- and syrupy ballads such as the soon-to-be wedding day classics "I Promise You (With Everything I Am)" and "Yes I Will." There are some changes, of course. Instead of Brian Littrell's earnest vocals, flamboyant A. J. McLean's gravely pipes come to the fore on several tracks including the hymn-like ballad "Time" and the funky dance cut "Not for Me." While the boys take a stab at playing down and dirty on "The Call," on which they make triflin' "my cell phone didn't work" excuses for their cheatin' ways, it's not a great fit.
 CONDITION: NEW! DRILLED CASE!
 TRACK LISTINGS
 1 The Call
 2 Shape of My Heart
 3 Get Another Boyfriend
 4 Shining Star
 5 I Promise You (With Everything I Am)
 6 The Answer to Our Life
 7 Everyone
 8 More Than That
 9 Time
 10 Not for Me
 11 Yes I Will
 12 It's True
 13 How Did I Fall in Love with You
 
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