Nick sure doesn't need "help" here!
chick_flick | 10/30/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Of course, being the huge Nick Carter/Backstreet Boys fan that I am, on this first day of Nick's solo album release date, I have already gone out to buy my own copy of his CD. But if you're unsure of buying 'Now Or Never', then buy the CD single of "Help Me" and I can gaurantee once you hear it, you'll be going out immediately to buy your own copy of 'Now Or Never'. 1.) "Help Me" [album version] ~ fantastic solo debut single! What more can I say? This song describes Nick and what he is going through right now in life. It's got a very Linkin Parkish feel to it. 5/5 stars2.) "Help Me" [instrumental version] ~ if you think you know the words by heart then this is your chance to sing it for yourself...see if you can top Nick's unique, polished vocals! 4/5 stars3.) "End Of Forever" [non-album track] ~ yes, I know Amazon.com says this song is on the album, but it's really not. It's one of the tracks that didn't make the cut. Wonderful song! I had downloaded the MP3 version. 5/5 stars4.) "Payback" [non-album track] ~ another track that didn't make the cut, unfortunately, because this is an awesome song. The lyrics are good and Nick sounds amazing, as usual. I also downloaded the MP3 version. 5/5 starsAll in all, if you like the "Help Me" song, then this CD single is highly recommended. And if you need more, then just purchase Nick's 'Now Or Never' album. (i.e.: this single is so much better than Justin Timberlake's boring, "Like I Love You" single!) I highly recommend the "Help Me" CD single.Score:
100/100
A+"
Youngest Backstreet Boy Rocks
kaosangel527 | NJ United States | 10/24/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Being the oldest in a family, being the youngest Backstreet Boy was sometimes inhibiting for Nick, as he mentions in so many interviews. As the Boys take a much needed break to pursue individual interests (Kevin's with his wife and writing, Howie's running the club and working with DLF, AJ's getting married, and Brian and his wife are expecting a baby), Nick got a surprise. Going into the studio to lay down some tracks as options for the new Backstreet album, Jive approached him about possibly putting out a solo album.
Nick's album, Now Or Never, shows the depth that only a 22 year old who grew up in the spotlight could show. His songs express trying to cope with growing up while still remaining young. Songs like "Blow Your Mind" and "Payback" talk about being used for what he is rather than wanting to be with him because of who he is. The first single "Help Me" and one of the considerations for the next single "My Confession" ask for help in being strong for himself and for those that are close to him. Possibly the highlight of the actual album is a heartwrenching ballad called "Do I Have To Cry For You" which truly shows the depth of Carter's character and explains about wanting a relationship to stay together when all it was doing was falling apart.
I believe the growth of this young artist is visible in his songs. While most maintain a nearly tangible link to his roots as a Backstreet Boy, they seem like an evolution. Hopefully we will see more from this talented young man as both a solo artist and as a Backstreet Boy.
With this, we can definitely say "Backstreet baby's back!""
Track Listings (4) - Disc #1