Released in April 1999, “I Want It That Way” by the Backstreet Boys is one of the most iconic pop ballads of the late ’90s—and arguably the defining song of the boy band era. With its unforgettable melody, emotional vocals, and cryptic lyrics, the track became a massive global hit and remains the group’s signature anthem.
The song was written by Max Martin and Andreas Carlsson, and produced by Martin and Kristian Lundin, key figures behind the Swedish pop machine that also powered hits for Britney Spears, *NSYNC, and others. “I Want It That Way” was released as the lead single from the Backstreet Boys’ third studio album, Millennium, and instantly caught fire worldwide.
Musically, the track is built around a gentle acoustic guitar progression, layered with soft synths and a crisp pop beat. It opens with Nick Carter’s smooth tenor before moving into AJ McLean, Howie Dorough, Brian Littrell, and Kevin Richardson trading verses and harmonies—showcasing the group’s trademark blend of voices. The soaring chorus—“Tell me why / Ain’t nothin’ but a heartache…”—is instantly recognizable, and it’s where the song’s emotional punch truly lands.
Lyrically, the song is famously ambiguous. The chorus expresses heartache and longing, but the verses and title line—“I want it that way”—are often considered contradictory or unclear. Despite this, the emotional delivery overrides any confusion, and fans embraced the feeling of romantic distance, regret, and unresolved love. In fact, the enigmatic lyrics have become part of the song’s charm and pop legend.
The music video, featuring the band at LAX airport, performing in coordinated white outfits with wind-blown hair and emotional gazes, became just as iconic as the song itself. Directed by Wayne Isham, it captured the fantasy of celebrity, emotional sincerity, and travel—all elements that resonated with a teen audience at the time.
“I Want It That Way” was a commercial juggernaut. It topped the charts in more than 25 countries and reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. (Billboard chart rules at the time limited songs without a physical release, otherwise it may have gone even higher). It received three Grammy nominations, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year.