Which One Am I?
Self-Released, 2019
8/10
For the uninitiated, Howie D was and still is a member of the international superstars the Backstreet Boys. A true renaissance man, he also dabbles in acting, real estate, and he’s even released 3 solo albums to date as well, including this new effort, Which One Am I?
The title track starts the album with Howie poking fun at himself for being the Backstreet Boy that people least recall, as he croons with soulful pipes on a playful pop-rocker, and “Back In The Day” follows with a retro groove in a fun story about his formative years.
Elsewhere, “Shy” puts the focus on keys as Howie shows us his strong vocal range on a ballad turned oldies vibe, while “Worry” has the album settling into reggae with fantastic results.
The back half of the record keeps the variety strong with the Spanish influenced “School Bell Tango”, the upbeat “Small Time Blues”, which leaves a big impact with bouncy blues, and the arena ready pop stylings of “The Me I’m Meant To Be”. Howie exits on “Lean On Me”, where he puts a modern twist on a classic that sounds perfect under his smooth pipes.
An album penned along with Broadway performers, Howie delivers an often theatric and family friendly record that revolves around themes of conquering insecurities and growing into his own. Even if he is the least internet searched Backstreet Boy, Howie D leaves an indelible impression on this eclectic and instantly enjoyable listen.
Travels well with: AJ McLean- Have It All; Chris Wallace- Push Rewind