This Is Us Japan Limited Edition/Deluxe Edition CD+DVD

Deluxe Double Disc CD+DVD edition. Limited press contains 2 benefits: 
1. Hologram Sticker
2. Entry card with purchasing the single at the same time

Album Comment:

Two years after their last release, the Backstreet Boys return with a new album titled “This Is Us.”
The title itself is a direct message to fans — this is who we are, right now.

After two albums that leaned heavily toward pop-rock, the group took the next step by returning to the sound that defines their roots: classic Backstreet Boys pop infused with R&B, this time blended with a strong Euro-dance flavor. This new album marks a clear shift back to the essence of BSB.

During the spring recording sessions, while the album was still in progress, AJ revealed in a phone interview that the group was intentionally focusing on R&B-driven production. Although not all recorded material made the final tracklist — including songs written by Ne-Yo — the group consistently requested that even tracks written by rock-oriented songwriters incorporate an R&B sensibility. From the very beginning, their direction for this album was clearly defined.

One of the key reasons for this return was their live performances. Over the past few years, incorporating rock elements into their music had gradually limited what they could do on stage. The Backstreet Boys’ true strength lies in entertainment and performance, and band-style rock arrangements made it harder to fully showcase that. Reviving a dance-oriented performance style, rather than a band setup, became one of their main goals. In other words, this album was created with a conscious return to their origins.

Nick described it perfectly:

“It’s like getting back on a bicycle you used to ride.”

Brian elaborated further:

“We’re always listening to the radio and downloading new music. The scene shifted toward electro-dance a few years ago, but when you look back, that was actually close to our early sound. Music goes in cycles, just like fashion. Radio changes, new groups appear, and the scene evolves. This Is Us reflects our decision to revisit and embrace the electro-dance music we’ve always done.”

Recording took place during their previous world tour. Feeling a lack of fulfillment in their live performances, they immediately began envisioning the next album as a way to correct course. The first step was listing producers they wanted to work with and defining their creative goal. Remarkably, they managed to achieve nearly everything they set out to do — something Nick himself admits surprised him.

The lead single “Straight Through My Heart” was produced by RedOne, known for his work with Lady Gaga and Sean Kingston. Based primarily in Europe, RedOne is a talented songwriter and producer. Nick reached out to him directly, and RedOne gladly accepted, entering the studio with three completed tracks — one of which became the single.

Nick explains:

“Lady Gaga’s success played a big part. RedOne is incredible at building beats. We originally wanted to work with Akon, but when scheduling didn’t work out, we were introduced to RedOne, who was signed to Akon’s label.”

The collaboration was driven by the band themselves. RedOne had long been interested in the Backstreet Boys’ sound — in fact, he was a fan.

Jim Jonsin, known for his work with Soulja Boy and Pitbull, produced the title track “This Is Us.” Rooted in Miami bass influences, the song left such an impression that when Wyclef Jean visited the studio, he praised it enthusiastically. Nick felt something special in the track and decided it perfectly represented the album, making it worthy of the title.

The group also recorded “She’s a Dream” and “International Love” with T-Pain, whose youthful creativity proved deeply inspiring. They’ve expressed interest in creating a duet together in the future.

Tracks like “Bye Bye Love” and “If I Knew Then” were written by hitmaker Claude Kelly, known for his work with Britney Spears and Kelly Clarkson. These songs helped define the album’s electro-dance direction. The band also reunited with Max Martin on “Bigger.” When they first heard the song, it wasn’t about who wrote it — it was the warmth of the melody that immediately felt unmistakably Backstreet Boys.

Brian describes “Bigger” as:

“A love song about relationships — the ups and downs, the back and forth. It’s about realizing that the person you love is bigger than yourself.”

Howie adds:

“Max has never lost his passion for music. He’s been walking this journey with us from the beginning. We’ve evolved, we have our own vision now, and while we work with many producers, Max will always be an essential part of our career.”

Recording began in Manchester during the UK tour with vocals for “Undone,” written by Ryan Tedder and produced by Radio. Tedder — known for co-writing Leona Lewis’s No.1 hit “Bleeding Love” and as the frontman of OneRepublic — is one of the industry’s most respected songwriters.

Encouraged by the results, the band quickly moved on to recording with T-Pain. Why were they so energized this time? Perhaps because each member experienced a shift in mindset. Beyond working with great songs and producers, they committed to shaping their sound from the ground up — defining their future as a group.

AJ recalls:

“During the tour, everyone became actively involved in making the new album. We talked through the direction together.”

Brian adds:

“Nick always had his keyboard and laptop with him, writing music backstage using Logic and Pro Tools. We’d add vocals and refine ideas together.”

As Brian built a home studio in Atlanta, Howie became a father, AJ prepared to release his long-awaited solo album, and Nick worked on producing and starring in a short film adaptation — yet despite their individual lives, they devoted more time than ever to the Backstreet Boys. After a short break following the tour, they quickly shifted back into Backstreet Boys mode.

I would describe “This Is Us” as an album born from a fundamental shift in awareness. A return to their roots. Electro-dance at its core. R&B-based, crafted with live performance in mind. Every statement the band has made is reflected clearly in the music itself. More importantly, the heightened commitment of each member can be felt in every track — an album built by their own hands.

The four members describe themselves as more mature, more evolved. This album pushes the Backstreet Boys’ legacy forward through their combined experience, intelligence, and creativity.

This is not just an album title.
This is truly them.

8/end/2009
Keiko Imazumi
Thanx to Yoko Kikuchi