I Want It That Way - Backstreet Barbershop Boys

The Backstreet Barbershop Boys are back! I Want It That Way was the Backstreeet Boys' 1999 hit single, from their album Millenium. The Backstreet Boys (#BSB) has been a very successful boys band since the mid-90s, with popular hit songs like As Long As You Love Me, Everybody, I'll Never Break Your Heart... The worldwide hit single I Want It That Way (Tell Me Why) topped the singles charts in over 25 countries, and made anticipation for the album Millennium high. The album sold over a million copies in its first week of release!
I humbly offer you my original 1899 barbershop quartet rendition of this 1999 boys band hit! All parts sung a cappella by me.
Arrangement and audio learning tracks available on my website (see below).
► MY WEBSITE (ARRANGEMENT & TRACKS): julienneel.com
► SUPPORT MY ART: / trudbol
► DOWNLOAD MY MUSIC: trudbol.bandcamp.com
► FACEBOOK: / trudbolmusic
#backstreetboys #barbershop

[@JulienNeel]

I hope you enjoyed this video! If you'd like to buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/julienneel Thanks for your support!

[@thewaymumdoesit6054]

Your my idol 🤩 keep going, superstars!!!

[@thewaymumdoesit6054]

I guys deserve more subscribers🤩🤩🤩

[@LeadBariBass]

Great job! This would really rip if you took the vibrato out of your sound. Vibrato kills lock and ring. Awesome though.

[@JulienNeel]

@@LeadBariBass Thanks! I can't really take vibrato out, to me it's a natural consequence of singing with a relaxed vocal tract and balanced breath support. I think you also get more projection and an overall fuller sound if you don't try to have a straight tone.

[@lrt35]

An old timey voice for the ages. I love this wholesome era art form at it's best

[@JulienNeel]

Thank you from all four of me!

[@Harlem55]

Really NOT all that "old" in the grand scheme of things.

[@DugrozReports]

Which wholesome era? The 1890's or the 1990's? :)

[@papiwe1]

I love that I can understand the words.

[@JulienNeel]

Yet the lyrics don't make sense :)

[@hopelessromantic8682]

My 30 something heart just melted! From the nostalgia of the song I loved as a teen to the sound of a barbershop quartet I love now: it was perfect. 👏🏻

[@JulienNeel]

Aww, thanks for your kind comment. Glad you enjoyed this!

[@XFanmarX]

Hear hear sister

[@kylestevens8216]

When he went “Bah do doot” I FELT THAT

[@drgandalfai]

Sounds like it came from my singing monsters

[@fovarberma752]

One of the two allowed exceptions to using the they/them pronouns for a single individual. Apart from a multiple personalities disorder.

[@sonyahannah]

Despite the fact that the words do NOT make sense [a fact that I've argued with several folks through the years], I love your version. It's always safe to hit "like" before listening to a Trudbol song.

[@JulienNeel]

The lyrics are strangely satisfying despite not being coherent, aren't they? ;) Thanks for dropping by!

[@GeorgeMammarella]

I agree, altogether they don't make sense. I think the lyrics work just well enough because the individual phrases make some sense or at least are easily colored by the listener. Tell my why *what* ? Doesn't matter, it's just a sort of pleading feeling. You want *what* , *what* way? Again, doesn't matter, when combined with "I never wanna hear you say" it clearly says to me you don't want to hear them make demands. Sort of an interesting phenomenon that despite the lack of overall cohesion and detail it works for so many people. And a funny thought just occurred, that means that Weird Al's parody being a cohesive story about eBay makes wayyy more sense than the original!

[@obadiahluna4215]

I'm curious how the lyrics don't make sense? Two parties of the song want their relationship "that way" The boy wants to be with the girl, because he desires her and can't live without her. The girl wants to distance herself from the boy and move on. The boy, asks "Why?" and the responses he's heard from the girl are that the relationship is nothing but a heart ache, and nothing but a mistake. Is that really that hard to understand? lol

[@Harlem55]

The lyrics make perfect sense. Rather you have to understand the "form" of the composition- which is a rhapsody. Essentially two conflicting lines of thought process are interweaved together in the lyrics.

[@Harlem55]

@Óye, Mariano's on his way exactly- bohemian rhapsody used distinct references from before 1950 in that it is written in the general style of Gershwin. Likewise here they lyrics use 1980s sexual euphemism that saw resurgence in the middle to late 90s.

[@ishachan]

I clicked on the video & the smile hasn't left my face since.

[@JulienNeel]

Woohoo! Thanks :)

[@j1sjoshua]

Beautiful. It gave me chills. From one singer to another.

[@davincent98]

It was number 5. Number 5 killed my brother

[@c0mpu73rguy]

It sounds so good in barbershop style!

[@konnorkuznetsov1035]

Ah yes! The BARBERSHOP boys haha!

[@aliyamoon80]

One of my colleagues was a HUGE fan of the Backstreet Boys. He brought a boombox and played the cassette in the operating room after cases were done. At the time, I was pregnant with my youngest. A few of the staff possessed musical talent, and would sing along. I had a fairly respectable vocal range at the time, so I had a great time singing along. When he was an infant, I taught him and his brother how to "keep time". We lived in a rural community, so any errand was long. I played Zydeco music, and "kept time" by tapping a palm on the console of my pickup truck. Zydeco music alternated between 4/4 and 3/4 time. I sang to my sons. Music was their second language. Right before my youngest started high school, he told me that he was trying out for chorus. I was pleased! At the age of 14, he made district and state honors choir. He performed at Stetson University twice a year for every year he attended high school. He performed at Candlelight at WDW for years. He performed at Carnegie Hall at age 18. His brother confessed, "The best lesson you taught me was keeping time. When I jam with other musicians, I sometimes have to stop to bring them back to keeping time. For me, keeping time is like the beat of my heart. It's not like that for others." I don't think that the Backstreet Boys made my sons musical. That was something in their chromosomes. I just taught them how to keep time.

[@Harlem55]

This is barbershop at it's finest. The fact is that a lot of people are scared shitless of this song. Rather I would look forward to more backstreet boys material from you, Niel- the fact is that you're one of the few that's truly capable of it in terms of doing it well.

[@JulienNeel]

Thanks John, much appreciated. :)

[@MasterSanders]

What is frightening about this song to barbershop quartets?

[@Harlem55]

@@MasterSanders The original was written in 5 parts, which makes it exceptionally difficult to score as well as execute for the quartet. Rather there is a technique for making the 5th part "appear" out of the harmony as a "deception" to the ear- The chordettes were known for it. The counterpoint with this one is also something you have to be careful with to avoid sounding like a bach corale.

[@JemmyJoeAGoGo]

I like the fun facts! Reminds me of VH1’s “Pop Up Video”.

[@kamelhaj6850]

Yesss!

[@TheJoyBinkley]

Yes!

[@BoMwarriorVlog]

100% Yes! 😅

[@Doctorguest1]

I've been hoping for this one for years! Your work is a gift

[@JulienNeel]

Thanks, hope you enjoy it!

[@doberski6855]

Walking across the room, right now to crank wind the gramophone and give this another listen!😎👍🤣🤣🤣Excellent sir!

[@JulienNeel]

Haha :)

[@NurseTalking]

Brilliant idea to have a Barbershop style arrangement on a pop song. Bravo!

[@JulienNeel]

Thank you!

[@xTheHairyPalmx]

I recommend you check out Mainstreet- The Good Ol' Days (Pop Medley)

[@NurseTalking]

@@xTheHairyPalmx Link please? Hahaha

[@kamelhaj6850]

@@xTheHairyPalmx Oh yes! I remember watching that. They took current songs and turned them into barbershop (as best as possible). Only mistake they made was adding "Killer" near the end - a song about 30 years old at that time, but it still was brilliant! Very funny!!!

[@kerrynaruto]

I can only imagine how long it took you to put this together. Bravo 👏 brilliant work

[@JulienNeel]

Haha, thanks! It's quite an endeavor indeed. I'd say from start to finish a good 50 hours.

[@kerrynaruto]

@@JulienNeel really? Just 50 hours? Thought it was way longer. You are good with time management lol

[@SASCHAANDBRICKS]

Great Version.COOOOOOL

[@JulienNeel]

haha, thanks :)

[@brendragon]

My face hurts. You know, from all the grinning. I seriously could not stop!! I love this so freaking much... and don't think I didn't clock that adorable little warble, perfectly executed there at 3:12 !! The audacity, lol!! Thank you for this sir 🥰💖🥰💖

[@JulienNeel]

Thanks for your kind comment, I'm delighted you enjoyed this release (which was quite the endeavor to be honest). :)

[@andylasceski]

Your voice is so full and can fill a room with sound a clarity. This was an amazing rendition of this song. Those chord changes with the tensions and background parts made this really hit a different level. This is one of the best versions of this songs I've ever heard! Great job!!

[@JulienNeel]

Aww thanks, I appreciate that! You made my day :)

[@andylasceski]

@@JulienNeel of course! I have been first chair trumpet every year in middle school and high school. I know how important it is to have a full sound whether it's with your voice or an instrument. That can really make a world of difference when you can perfect that full sound. Amazing job once again

[@melinalack6224]

I know this is going to be good! Always love listening to your songs!

[@Hugelag]

That was beautiful.

[@bryanrendleman2001]

I always loved the Backstreet Boys. They had a beautiful sound and image in the middle of hate Rap crap which is devoid of music.

[@arthurhall8892]

Been supporting you for about 9 years now (used to buy your tracks directly from you before patreon). This one has got me smiling from ear to ear

[@JulienNeel]

Thank you, Arthur. I'm very grateful for your continued support!

[@chocohelena]

I have been a fan since your barbershop quartet versions of beatles songs. My, it has been almost a decade already! I am your fan from the Philippines. Amazing as always!

[@jillianbuckley5570]

I can't get over how gorgeous your voice is! Your vibrato and resonance are lovely, and I especially like hearing chords like the one you arranged at 2:05 :) You have so much skill in arranging this pop song to sound like a legitimate barbershop song, and you're such an inspiration to aspiring musicians like me. Wonderful job, and the amount of effort and time put into this doesn't go unnoticed!

[@subcumin7410]

These are the kind of videos the replay button was made for

[@allyd3778]

Can’t stop listening to this wonderful modulation. ❤

[@jeanmcfarlane7394]

This man's voice is family friendly and makes me toe tap all the time. Thank you for all your hard work can't wait to see what you come out with next

[@JulienNeel]

Thanks Jean! :)

[@RaySingh87]

Chills! Literal chills!

[@JulienNeel]

Awesome! :)

[@Discount_Friendly]

It was 5, he killed my brother

[@101kotletas]

@@Discount_Friendly oh my god! I forgot about that part

[@lily-surya]

MORE PLEASE!!!

[@Kemix0711]

Damn. I’ll listen to THIS version!

[@JulienNeel]

Woohoo! I'd say you wannih thaduh way

[@imrail1]

You shoul so do much more of this format, covers of modern songs in your Barber Shop style with trivias and tidbits. I bet it's a lot of work, but it's so much fun and entertaining. And awesome. ;)

[@JulienNeel]

Thank you! Yes, this "retro time machine" treatment works well for my voice and personality, I'll definitely be pushing this concept for future projects.

[@imrail1]

@@JulienNeel Et en français cette fois (oui français à la base), je regarde de nouveau, et j'adore les petits instants où pour quelques mots la voix basse prend le dessus, et les harmoniques (mais bon, quatre voix en harmonie, c'est pour ça qu'on écoute du Barber Shop).

[@obadiahluna4215]

He did it lads. He took an amazing classic and made it even more beautiful. Bravo!!!!

[@aaegerter6191]

I watch all your videos, but man, this one is special!

[@JulienNeel]

Thank you!

[@hypermalware1364]

The most perfect voice for the song. Literal chills. Love it

[@darth-severus]

See, moments like this are what the internet is for

[@trx90vito29]

i did not think i needed this... *Thank you*

[@JulienNeel]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@sailboatbob3969]

That was OH so good, GREAT job

[@horvathgaborne301]

For me, you are always the voice. My opinion doesn't change. Because it's always good to see and hear about you. All your songs are a beautiful journey with you. We can fly, dream and remember. I want you to sing in French too.

[@JulienNeel]

Thank you Violet! Thank you for all your kind messages, your letters and presents. I have not been good at responding to all your kindness, but please know it is really appreciated. Hugs

[@horvathgaborne301]

@@JulienNeel Thank you!!

[@accousticdecay]

I am OLD TIME barbershop baritone, and I know the OLD song. This is cool, but I never heard it before. My quartet was the Chronic 4, and we had nice hats and suspenders.

[@AT-zr9tv]

The song is from 1999, and the arrangement from 2021. It's an original.

[@il400]

This is the way I've always wanted this song

[@JulienNeel]

Woohoo, you made my day. :)

[@yasamanghafaryanshirazi5353]

Good to see Bill Nye trying new things.

[@sethemerton2940]

Banger. Absolute banger.

[@MoonbrickStudios]

one of the best songs out there performed by one of the beset acapella singers!

[@evelynedeen]

I adore the harmony. Thanks for this and your other videos, Julien. You're awesome!

[@snorlax8056]

Personally, I thibk this was freaking amazing(I look forward to more in the future, especially the sing alongs)❤❤❤

[@JulienNeel]

Thanks! I'll definitely be making more singalong videos as well.

[@elijahjames9271]

How can every video you make be amazing

[@JulienNeel]

Aww thanks, much appreciated! It's a lot of work :)

[@Lukvancer]

I loved the fun facts. You still have a great voice. Thank you for this!

[@LoneStarCowboy1]

Can’t wait for another amazing upload love your barbershop courtet videos

[@JulienNeel]

Thanks! It was a big endeavor, I hope you like it!

[@brianjohnson7]

This is amazing! I love it! Takes me back to my childhood too :)

[@NanaRides]

Love, love barbershop quartets! Thanks for sharing your talent!

[@iciclecold2991]

Oh wow... this sounds amazing. You should more of the boy band songs. It translates really well to barbershop!

[@JulienNeel]

Thank you! Will do!

[@benjaminprietop]

Amazing! I had this CD when I was a kid, I played it so much

[@JulienNeel]

Good times!

[@paulthomas9098]

I think this is the best thing I've ever heard no lie!

[@ItsAsparageese]

Your head/body movement is so stimmy! I'm nuts about your voice/arrangements too, but I can't get enough of your movement lol, it and your incredible range remind me a lot of the singer/character Spine from the group Steam Powered Giraffe. Found you via the acapellascience collab & just had to search you up. Your work is fantastic. Thanks for making all your music!

[@constancepaolantonio8276]

This was so fun! Love the boy band choreography!

[@JulienNeel]

Thanks! Got my 1899 swag on!

[@Veggieman87]

The one dislike is from the actual Backstreet Boys' account because they wish they'd done this first.

[@myguitarhannah]

THAT WAS AMAZING

[@JulienNeel]

Many thanks!

[@Suzziee7606]

Very well done. Thank you so much 💛

[@JulienNeel]

Thank you for your kind comment!

[@mezmerizez]

Loved it 😍😍😍😍😍😍 thank you for this 😊

[@rtasvadum1810]

That was awesome!!

[@getdusty1]

You really are incredible!!! Never heard this song ever before.

[@jounese6939]

This is so beautiful!!

[@JulienNeel]

Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it! More to come!

[@natedoesgaming7]

How did this not blow up yet

[@user-ct7rz7xx1d]

Wow just wow!

[@allietiess]

I feel like I like it even more every time I listen to it. Beautiful arrangement!

[@JulienNeel]

Aww thank you. It was a rather big undertaking, I'm glad you enjoy the result!

[@hmorenom]

1 word: Subscribed.

[@holgerz1241]

Thank You so much for that entertaining video. I so much enjoyed the time while listening to it.

[@JulienNeel]

Thanks for your kind comment, much appreciated. :)

[@mtlson]

Love your addition of the "baby, I..." for the bass in the chorus. Splendide comme à l'habitude. Félicitations!

[@iciclecold2991]

Awesome!!

[@Men_In_White708]

This was so fun to listen to!! 👍

[@XFanmarX]

Absolutely fantastic!

[@Elshabassy89]

Just saw another video by this guy that you commented on… 10 years ago! Then this one popped up and you’re up at the top! That’s awesome that you’ve been showing support for some creator for so long. 🤙🏼

[@kasikat7031]

Wow amazing!

[@MasterSanders]

It sounds sadly beautiful. Good job as always.

[@marceloschild-churchsongs]

This is great! I absolutely loved it!

[@JulienNeel]

Thank you!

[@lalokrmak]

Amazing!!!!

[@RhyminCarly]

This is such a cool arrangement! I haven’t been on KZbin much lately, but I still come back on occasion and check out your new songs. Never a disappointment!

[@DanielRSchmidt]

You had so many great interpretations of songs, but this definitely is your masterpiece! Much love!

[@JulienNeel]

Thank you very much, I appreciate it!

[@tenkaiechi01]

Nailed it.

[@vayde]

What a cool change of pace, love it! Just goes to show that your great arrangement talents can be applied to anything, maybe we can get some more popular music in barbershop renditions :)

[@jakajakos]

That was amazing!

[@JulienNeel]

Thanks!

[@michaelandersen1396]

Fantastic range! Awesome arrangement!

[@CSGDuncan11]

Nailed it! Well done lad

[@Lowbolt]

Amazing cover! The harmonies are insane

[@Sam-zz2lf]

This is delightful!

[@JulienNeel]

Thanks Samantha! :)

[@dakotaethersim2544]

Such an amazing song

[@xfaybeline2468]

How have I only just found this I'll never know, but I love it 😍😍😍

[@jurgenweimann3627]

Oh That was stunning. Great work man

[@JulienNeel]

Thank you! :)

[@bobchuseby]

Nice job on the arrangement, sounds great!

[@PatrickvonMassow]

Haha, great - you actually made me like a boy band song :). Love your cover!

[@JulienNeel]

Thanks man! haha

[@deewesthill1213]

What a beautiful song with such a tone of wistful longing!

[@epycs93]

Ok, I found my new favourite version of I want it that way 🥰

[@I8Tr4shm4n]

I think I've watched this video a dozen times by now. Julian, amazing video and amazing performance. Thank you for one of my favorites on this website

[@JulienNeel]

Thank you for your kind comment Spencer, I'm humbled

[@anayrajani7731]

i love it

[@JulienNeel]

Right on, glad you did!

[@FWilson15]

This was awesome!

[@JulienNeel]

Alright! Glad you dig the 1899 swag!

[@fam3871]

AYYYY SO GOOD!!!!!!!

[@JulienNeel]

Woohoo!

[@latrinedveen]

How is this just coming to me now this is gold

[@dillonmcconnell8331]

God damn it man you put that shit down!

[@jojoledesma7303]

Just « Wow » I was so young when that song popped… Thank you again