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“I Want It That Way” is one of the most iconic pop songs of the late 1990s by American boy band Backstreet Boys. Released on April 12, 1999, as the lead single from their third studio album Millennium, the track quickly became the group’s signature hit and a defining moment in pop music history.
Official video source: Backstreet Boys – I Want It That Way (Official Video)
Background and Release
Written by famed pop songwriter and producer Max Martin along with Andreas Carlsson, “I Want It That Way” was produced by Martin and Kristian Lundin. Despite being sung by one of the world’s top boy bands of the era, the lyrics — especially the chorus — are famously ambiguous and don’t strictly make literal sense, a fact even acknowledged by the band and songwriters in later years.
The track was chosen as the lead single from Millennium and played a significant role in helping the album become one of the biggest pop records of the late 1990s.
Lyrics and Themes
Although the exact meaning of the lyrics remains debated — with band members admitting some lines “don’t make much sense” — the song broadly expresses frustration and emotional yearning in a romantic relationship. The familiar refrain “Tell me why / Ain’t nothin’ but a heartache” captures the sense of conflict and longing that made the track resonate with millions of listeners worldwide.
Music Video Overview
The music video was directed by Wayne Isham and filmed at the Tom Bradley International Terminal of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in April 1999. It features the band dressed in all-white outfits as they perform amid airport terminals and airplanes, symbolizing both travel and emotional distance — echoing the song’s themes.
The video became a staple on MTV’s Total Request Live (TRL) and is often remembered as one of the most iconic pop visuals of the era. In 2021 it became the Backstreet Boys’ first video to surpass one billion views on YouTube, highlighting its enduring legacy.
Chart Success and Impact
“I Want It That Way” topped the singles charts in more than 25 countries, including major markets like the United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy. In the United States, it peaked at number six on the *Billboard* Hot 100 and dominated mainstream radio, Adult Contemporary, and Top 40 formats.
The song earned three **Grammy Award** nominations — including Record of the Year and Song of the Year — and has been widely celebrated in lists of the greatest pop songs of all time. In 2021, *Rolling Stone* placed it at number 240 on its updated list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”
Cultural Legacy
Even decades after its release, “I Want It That Way” continues to be a cultural touchstone. It has been covered, parodied, sampled, and referenced across media and genres — from rap interpolations to TV shows and commercials. The song remains a fan favorite at Backstreet Boys concerts and a nostalgic anthem for fans of ’90s pop.
In 2019 the band even re-recorded the track as part of their 20th anniversary celebrations, solidifying its ongoing relevance to both longtime fans and new listeners.
Conclusion
“I Want It That Way” stands as a timeless pop classic whose enduring emotional appeal and global chart success have kept it relevant for generations. Whether remembered for its unforgettable melody, impactful video, or the passion it evokes in fans, the song remains one of the most defining tracks by the Backstreet Boys and of the entire 1990s pop era.
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