The lowdown: It's not 'N Sync's biggest hit (though that Hot 100 peak is deceiving; the song reached the top ten on pop radio but had no physical release). Nevertheless, this second single from the group's debut album is a beloved standout of the bubblegum pop era, with its sunny Swedish approach to a desperate serenade of love. (Witness: In 2007, VH1 named it the 30th-best song of the '90s.) In fact, the case could be made that this has become 'N Sync's signature track.
The vote: Those hoping for an 'N Sync victory in this rate nearly got their wish. "Tearin' Up My Heart" was leading as the voting period neared its end, having received only one score below a 9. (It was an 8.5.) But in the last four votes, a 4 and two 7's came pouring in, yanking the boy band crown out of Justin Timberlake's grasp.
Best bit: When things get all slow and dramatic at the middle eight—and then Justin's falsetto kicks in. Awesome!
The lowdown: Without the availability of a commercial single, this second release from the Backstreet Boys' debut album was never able to chart on the Billboard Hot 100. It was still a massive success for the group, spending more than a year on the airwaves and reaching the top five on pop and adult contemporary radio. Its well-meaning chorus ("I don't care who you are/Where you're from/What you did/As long as you love me") might also be to blame for sending Nick Carter down a path of terrible romantic choices.
The vote: "As Long As You Love Me" actually tied with the second-place entry, but had two fewer 10's. Its impressive consistency with voters should also be noted. It received only two scores below 8 (including a 6 from V3$$3L., who is probably just bitter that A.J. McLean doesn't appear on the song).
The lowdown: Without the availability of a commercial single, this second release from the Backstreet Boys' debut album was never able to chart on the Billboard Hot 100. It was still a massive success for the group, spending more than a year on the airwaves and reaching the top five on pop and adult contemporary radio. Its well-meaning chorus ("I don't care who you are/Where you're from/What you did/As long as you love me") might also be to blame for sending Nick Carter down a path of terrible romantic choices.
The vote: "As Long As You Love Me" actually tied with the second-place entry, but had two fewer 10's. Its impressive consistency with voters should also be noted. It received only two scores below 8 (including a 6 from V3$$3L., who is probably just bitter that A.J. McLean doesn't appear on the song).
