Black & Blue is the fourth album released by the Backstreet Boys. The album recorded the best international sales in a week for an album in history. It sold over 5 million copies in its first week of sales^, As of 2007, the album has sold 24 million copies worldwide. The first single off the album was "Shape of My Heart," followed by "The Call" and "More than That."

Production

The concept of a followup to Millennium arose presumably not long after the album became a massive success; in fact, plans were already in motion by January 2000, when the group signed a deal with Burger King to release three promotional CDs, including an (at the time) yet to be determined track from the next album that August, with the album itself to be released in October.^[1] Actual production on Black & Blue, began a few months after the Into the Millennium Tour ended in March 2000 when the group took a trip to the Bahamas to work on tracks for the album in May 2000.^[2] This next album was to be more diverse than their previous albums, featuring elements of various musical genres, from rap to country.^[3] Recording for the album would begin on July 1 in Sweden^[4] with the boys recording at least eight tracks while they were there.^[5] A month later, the For the Fans series was released at Burger King, with each of the three albums including the track "It's True." ^[6] Recording for the album would wrap up in September, and it was announced the album, now set to be released on November 21, would be called Black & Blue. The next preview of the album would come on October 3 when "Shape of My Heart" was released for radio airplay.^[7] In a departure from their previous albums, the group decided to keep their faces off the cover, going for a more minimalistic silhouette look; Brian said this was done to differentiate themselves from other groups.^[8] It was also announced in October that Wal-Mart would receive an exclusive edition of the album, featuring the bonus track "What Makes You Different (Makes You Beautiful)."^[9] The group and their label took various unorthodox methods of promoting the album, including their label recruiting fans of the group to join a "street team" to promote the album^[10] and the group themselves going on a short tour to six continents in only 100 hours starting November 17. This tour would take them from Stockholm to Tokyo, Sydney, Cape Town, and Rio de Janeiro before landing in Times Square in New York on November 21. ^[11] A tie-in board game was also released, titled Backstreet Boys Around the World Game.

Critical Response

Upon its release, the album received favorable reviews from most music critics, based on an aggregate score of 61/100 from Metacritic. Stephen Thomas Erlewine rated it 3 out of 5 stars and wrote a favorable review, stating that "what gives Black & Blue character is that it's clear that the Backstreets want to remain kings of their world. So, the ballads are smoother than ever, and their dance numbers hit harder, all in an attempt to keep their throne." Another positive review came from Amazon's editor Helen Marquis, who wrote that Black & Blue is a worthy successor, if a slightly more mature sound for the boys. There's plenty of up-tempo pop, such as the catchy advice dished out on 'Get Another Boyfriend' and the slinky beat-riddled R&B of 'Shining Star,' nicely balanced with some smooth ballads." Billboard was also positive, writing that "Beyond ballads, Black & Blue crackles with funk-inflected up-tempo ditties that are notable for their rough edges." Barry Walters wrote for Rolling Stone a favorable review, stating that "the Boys still harmonize as well as the faceless background singers who prop up lesser pop puppets." The group themselves have said they were not satisfied with the album, especially how they had to record four albums and tours back to back, ^[12] although the album is widely praised within the community.