Handsome British trio BBMak break away from the Backstreet Boys/'N Sync axis with a debut album the sounds of which revolve more around guitar-driven pop-rock rather than synthesizer-heavy big ballads and attempts at ... more »hip-hop cred. With classic-sounding vocal harmonies and arrangements reminiscent of a cornucopia of '90s lite-rock stars, the disc is well produced and particularly likable on its first few mid-to-uptempo cuts. It's when the group slows down, as on "Ghost of You and Me" and "I Can Tell," that it starts to come far too close to Richard Marx territory for comfort. Though such tracks don't display BBMak at their best, they're unfortunately the ones that radio programmers may be most likely to embrace. --Rickey Wright« less
Handsome British trio BBMak break away from the Backstreet Boys/'N Sync axis with a debut album the sounds of which revolve more around guitar-driven pop-rock rather than synthesizer-heavy big ballads and attempts at hip-hop cred. With classic-sounding vocal harmonies and arrangements reminiscent of a cornucopia of '90s lite-rock stars, the disc is well produced and particularly likable on its first few mid-to-uptempo cuts. It's when the group slows down, as on "Ghost of You and Me" and "I Can Tell," that it starts to come far too close to Richard Marx territory for comfort. Though such tracks don't display BBMak at their best, they're unfortunately the ones that radio programmers may be most likely to embrace. --Rickey Wright
Two Thumbs up! A Must Have Album For The Millenium!
Cristina | Chicago, IL | 07/27/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Packed with perfect pitched harmonies, catchy songs, and a unique sound, BBMak's US debut album, "Sooner Or Later," is sure to take your breath away. The handsome trio, Christian Burns, Mark Barry, and Ste McNally, storm the radio waves with their smashing hit "Back Here," providing a refreshing sound that's bound to make your mouth melt. With songs like "I'm Not In Love," "Still On Your Side," "Love On the Outside," and "Unpredictable," you can't stop listening. The wonderful blend of pop and soft rock captivates listeners to a new sound for the millenium. The British pop sensation has made their mark in the music world. They're not only good looking guys with a great sense of style, but they also write most of their music and play their own instruments as well. Three pluses for a band that deserves a pat on the back. Buy BBMak's "Sooner Or Later." You won't regret it. It's sure to make you sing along and dance like you've never danced before. It's an excellent CD to have for any occasion that will give you all smiles ;-)"
Sooner or Later
sarah | Woodbury, NJ United States | 07/20/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The first time I saw these guys they were on MTV, and I have to admit I fell in love with their good looks. (Christian is a hottie) But when I heard their first single, Back Here, I was like they can really sing, not to mention play their own guitars. Their harmonies are beautiful. I found a remake of the song More Than Words that they did for their Asian album and I loved that too so I went out and bought the album, something I don't usually do. All the songs are good. I was surprised because every cd has its bad songs, but this one honestly doesn't. My favorite songs are I'm Not In Love, Unpredictable, and Still On Your Side, but it's even hard to narrow it down to just those three. A lot of people haven't really heard of them, and they don't know what they're missing. Sooner or Later the other boy bands will realize they have some strong competition from BBMak."
A welcomed difference from Bubble Gum Pop
pomuzak | NJ USA | 05/20/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It's not that I don't like *NSYNC and The Backstreet Boys, but after a while, their songs all begin to sound the same. They are all synthesizer-infused, studio created melodies, with seemingly no feeling behind them. That is where BBMak is different. Though they are good looking men, they are also something that the guys from those other groups are not---musicians. Every track, from the first US released single "Back Here" to when the last strum of the guitar on "Again", is a great song, different from the tracks on, let's say, "No Strings Attached". These guys also have great voices to go along with the melody-rich songs they present on "Sooner Or Later". Another personal favorite track of mine is "I Can Tell", a song written by the same guy who did "Give It To You" by Jordan Knight. Although that song was not that great, he has redeemed himself on this track, a sweet and all around GOOD song. "I'm Not In Love" is another good song, a happy sounding song that you'll want to blast when you hear it. Ste, Christian, and Mark all sound like men instead of screaming little Hanson brothers. Sorry Hanson fans! Perhaps the best part of all is that BBMak doesn't try to be who they're not. They can write, they can sing, and their not afraid to show it. This is a great CD and it will have you hooked from the first moment you pop it in the CD player."
THIS IS MY ALL TIME FAVORITE CD!
sarah | 12/09/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Sooner Or Later by BBMak (my favorite band as I am their biggest fan!) is by far the best CD I have ever listened to. Back Here is only just a small portion of the delight on this CD; it is so good that every song should be released as a single. Still on Your Side, the second single is also a great song. Other Favorites of mine are: I'm Not In Love (a nice up-tempo song about love) Can't Say Ghost of You and Me (a beautiful ballad) Love On the Outside and Love is Leaving However all the other songs on this CD are amazing, and I thoroughly encourage anyone who is considering in buying this CD to buy it. Christian Burns, Mark Barry, and Ste McNally not only prove that they aren't a boyband because of their self-written catchy lyrics and yes, they play their own instruments, but they provide you with a CD that you can listen to over and over without getting tired of it. Their songs range from uptempo songs like "I'm not in love" to moderate tempo songs "back here" to slow ballads, "again". They're the next british sensation. It is truly an amazing CD, and I can't wait until their next CD comes out."
A nice surprise!
J. Novelli | PA | 05/21/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"BBmak's first album "Sooner or Later" is a real surprise. They first caught my attnetion with their cathcy single "Back Here". I bought the cd on a whim because I enjoyed the single so much. I was pleasatnly surprised with the wonderful vocal, lyrics, and guitars on the cd. The best songs on the cd are "I Can Tell", and "Ghost of You and Me". Their album is well put together with an equal amount of faster, mid-tempo, and slower songs. Do yourself a favor and pick up this cd."