97 Words: “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” by Backstreet Boys

Vincent Anthony
2 Min Read

This song is part of our “THE SUMMER 97 (1998 x 2023)” playlist. Check out the full list.

For some acts, it’s a slow burn to superstardom; for others, it’s overnight. By the time the Backstreet Boys released their fourth single stateside, they were huge — and it was clear that they weren’t going anywhere. Just in case, they served up a reminder with “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back),” an infectious party anthem with a “Thriller”-inspired music video. The quintet who prided themselves on their vocals managed to keep the harmonies tight, while still letting loose. With built-in instrumental dance breaks and chanting crowds, “Everybody” succeeds in its main mission, you’re bound to “rock your body right.” Alright?!

Watch the “Everybody” video, stream it, or order the single on vinyl.


In celebration of summer, the staff at THE 97 has compiled a playlist containing some of our favorite summer songs, from then and now. Each day we will reveal one song, rotating daily between past and present with pairings from 1998 and 2023, for a total of 97 days/songs. Since we love nostalgia, we’re celebrating summer songs from 1998 as they turn 25, alongside new songs that we feel deserve some shine. Pairings could be thematic, sonic, or based connections between the artists.

Check out our full “THE SUMMER 97 (1998 x 2023)” playlist here

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Vincent is the founder of the magazine and has had a strong passion for popular music since, well, 1997! If it's not obvious, his favorite artists include Destiny's Child, Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, P!nk, and many more. Vincent lives in New York, where he is a high school English teacher, and currently he is pursuing a Master's in Journalism at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY.