Incomplete (Backstreet Boys song)

Last updated

"Incomplete"
Incomplete1.png
Single by Backstreet Boys
from the album Never Gone
B-side
  • "My Beautiful Woman"
  • "Movin' On"
ReleasedApril 11, 2005 (2005-04-11)
Studio Westlake Recording (Hollywood, California)
Length3:59
Label Jive
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) Dan Muckala
Backstreet Boys singles chronology
"Drowning"
(2001)
"Incomplete"
(2005)
"Just Want You to Know"
(2005)
Music video
"Incomplete" on YouTube

"Incomplete" is a song by American vocal group Backstreet Boys from their fifth studio album, Never Gone (2005). The power ballad [1] was released on April 11, 2005, as the group's first single since they decided to reunite after a two-year hiatus. It was written by Dan Muckala, Lindy Robbins, and Jess Cates, and it was produced by Muckala with Kevin Richardson on piano. According to Billboard magazine's Chuck Taylor, the song is an "emotion-packed, grown-up tome about relationship struggle and strife." [2]

Contents

"Incomplete" marked a stylistic change for the band, with member AJ McLean saying that the band wanted to break away from the image they had attained during the 1990s and early 2000s. [3] The song was a commercial success, peaking at number 13 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and earning a gold certification for selling over half a million copies in the US. It also reached the top 10 in several European countries and debuted at number one in Australia, where it became the group's only number-one hit and received a double-platinum sales certification in 2020.

Critical reception

Chuck Taylor from Billboard magazine compared the band's vocals to those of Bryan Adams and Blessid Union of Souls, going on to say that the song would be refreshing to hear on the radio "like crisp white sheets." [2] British columnist James Masterton wrote that "Incomplete" proved that the band had not lost their talent following their hiatus, going on to call the track's production "bombastic". [4]

Music video

Directed by Joseph Kahn, the music video for "Incomplete" sets the band in an arid desert environment and features each of the band members in a different element or force of nature: Brian Littrell, water; Nick Carter, fire; Howie Dorough, rain; Kevin Richardson, snow; and AJ McLean, the Sun.

Track listings

Personnel

Personnel are lifted from the Never Gone liner notes. [10]

Charts

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA) [63] 2× Platinum140,000
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil) [64] Gold30,000
Italy25,000 [65]
United States (RIAA) [66] Gold500,000*

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

RegionDateFormat(s)Label(s)Ref.
United StatesApril 11, 2005 Contemporary hit radio Jive [67]
May 2, 2005 Hot adult contemporary radio [68]
JapanMay 25, 2005CD [26]
DenmarkMay 30, 2005 [69]
AustraliaJune 13, 2005 [70]
United KingdomJune 27, 2005 [71]

Cover versions

In 2017, international symphonic metal supergroup Exit Eden covered "Incomplete" as the 3rd track of their debut album entitled Rhapsodies in Black . [72]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Let Me Love You (Mario song)</span> 2004 single by Mario

"Let Me Love You" is a song by American singer Mario, released as a single on October 4, 2004, from his second studio album, Turning Point (2004). The song was written by Ne-Yo, Kameron Houff, and Scott Storch, while the production was handled by Storch. The song garnered Mario a Grammy Award nomination for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance in 2006 and became a top-10 hit worldwide, reaching number one in the United States, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, and New Zealand.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fallen (Sarah McLachlan song)</span> 2003 single by Sarah McLachlan

"Fallen" is the first single from Canadian singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan's fifth studio album, Afterglow (2003). The song was a moderate commercial success, reaching number 32 in Ireland, number 41 in Australia and the United States, and number 50 in the United Kingdom. At the 2004 Grammy Awards, it was nominated for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, losing to "Beautiful" by Christina Aguilera.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shape of My Heart (Backstreet Boys song)</span> 2000 single by Backstreet Boys

"Shape of My Heart" is a song by American boy band Backstreet Boys, released on October 2, 2000, as the lead single from their fourth studio album, Black & Blue (2000). The ballad was written and produced by Max Martin and Rami and co-written by Lisa Miskovsky. Following its release, "Shape of My Heart" topped the singles charts of eight countries and reached the top 10 on 15 others, including the US Billboard Hot 100, on which it peaked at number nine. The song earned a Grammy Award nomination during the 44th Grammy Awards for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Larger than Life (song)</span> 1999 single by Backstreet Boys

"Larger than Life" is a song by American boy band Backstreet Boys from their third studio album, Millennium. It was released on September 7, 1999, as the second single from the album. It was written by band member Brian Littrell with Max Martin and Kristian Lundin, who also produced the song along with Rami Yacoub. The song is a "thank you" for their fans' encouragement and devotion. Music critics praised its memorable melody, singalong lyrics and the band's vocal performance. It was also on Blender's list of the 500 Greatest Songs Since You Were Born.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Just Want You to Know</span> 2005 single by Backstreet Boys

"Just Want You to Know" is a song performed by American vocal group Backstreet Boys. The song was released on July 18, 2005, as the second single from the group's fifth studio album, Never Gone (2005). The single performed well in European countries, reaching the top 10 in the United Kingdom. Spain, and Belgium and peaking within the top 20 in Germany, Ireland, and Italy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Everybody (Backstreet's Back)</span> 1997 single by Backstreet Boys

"Everybody (Backstreet's Back)" is a song by American boy band Backstreet Boys, written and produced by Denniz Pop and Max Martin. It was released as the first single from the band's second international studio album Backstreet's Back in July 1997, and the third single from their self-titled debut US studio album in 1998, although the song was already being played by many American radio stations unofficially by importing the Canadian single. The accompanying music video was directed by American director Joseph Kahn.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Still...</span> 2006 single by Backstreet Boys

"I Still..." is a song from American vocal group Backstreet Boys' fifth studio album, Never Gone (2005). It was released as the third and final single from the album outside the United States on November 25, 2005. The single reached the top 40 in Australia, Greece, and Sweden. This was the last single the band released with Kevin Richardson until 2012.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Call (Backstreet Boys song)</span> 2001 single by Backstreet Boys

"The Call" is a song by American boy band Backstreet Boys. It was released on February 6, 2001, as the second single from their album Black & Blue (2000).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Don't Want to Be</span> 2004 single by Gavin DeGraw and theme song of One Tree Hill

"I Don't Want to Be" is a song by American singer-songwriter Gavin DeGraw from his 2003 debut album, Chariot. The song gained exposure after being featured as the opening theme to The CW teen drama series One Tree Hill, and it was released as a radio single on February 17, 2004. It peaked at number 10 in the United States in 2005 and became a top-20 hit in Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The One (Backstreet Boys song)</span> 2000 single by Backstreet Boys

"The One" is a song by American boy band Backstreet Boys. It was released on May 1, 2000, as the fourth and final single from their third studio album, Millennium (1999). It reached the top 10 in Canada, Hungary, Portugal, Romania, Spain, and the United Kingdom, and it peaked at number 30 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song was used as the opening theme for the anime series Hanada Shōnen Shi.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">All I Have to Give</span> 1998 single by Backstreet Boys

"All I Have to Give" is a song by American boy band Backstreet Boys, produced and written by Full Force. It was released by Jive Records as the third and final single from the band's second album, Backstreet's Back (1997), and the sixth and final single from their US debut album. The single debuted at number two on the UK Singles Chart and peaked at number five on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming their third top-10 single in the US, following "Everybody ". Nigel Dick directed the accompanying music video for the song.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">More than That</span> 2001 single by Backstreet Boys

"More than That" is a song by American boy band Backstreet Boys. It was released on April 17, 2001, as the third single from their fourth studio album, Black & Blue (2000). The song was written by Adam Anders, Franciz, and LePont and produced by the latter two.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Drowning (Backstreet Boys song)</span> 2001 single by Backstreet Boys

"Drowning" is a song by American boy band Backstreet Boys, released on September 25, 2001, as the only single from their compilation album, The Hits – Chapter One.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">We've Got It Goin' On</span> 1995 single by Backstreet Boys

"We've Got It Goin' On" is the debut single of American boy band Backstreet Boys. It was released on September 11, 1995, as the lead single from their self-titled debut album (1996). The song was recorded at Cheiron Studios in Sweden during a week in June 1995. It was written and produced by Max Martin and his then-mentor Denniz Pop, with extra writing from Herbert Crichlow and was later included in the US album and achieved success worldwide. The single peaked at number 69 on the Billboard Hot 100 and spent 20 weeks on the chart. It was released across Europe, where it reached the top five in several countries, including Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. On the Eurochart Hot 100, the song reached number five.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Get Down (You're the One for Me)</span> 1996 single by Backstreet Boys

"Get Down (You're the One for Me)" is a song by American boy band Backstreet Boys. It was released on April 30, 1996 as the third single from their international self-titled debut album (1996). It was later included on their US debut album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Inconsolable</span> 2007 single by Backstreet Boys

"Inconsolable" is a song by American boy band Backstreet Boys. The song was released as the first single from their sixth studio album Unbreakable (2007). It is the group's first single without Kevin Richardson, who had left the group in 2006. The single was released to US radio outlets on August 27, 2007. It was first confirmed on July 25, 2007, and premiered by Jive at Z-100 - New York's Hit Music Station on August 6. The song entered the top 10 in Italy and Switzerland, reaching numbers two and eight, respectively.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hotel (Cassidy song)</span> 2003 single by Cassidy

"Hotel" is a song by American rapper Cassidy, released by J Records and Swizz Beatz's Full Surface Records as his commercial debut single on September 29, 2003. The song also serves as the lead single from his debut album, Split Personality. The track was produced by Swizz Beatz and features R. Kelly on featured vocals. "Hotel" reached number four on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number three on the UK Singles Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rubberneckin'</span> Song performed by Elvis Presley

"Rubberneckin'" is a song performed by Elvis Presley, which was recorded at American Sound Studio. It was used in the film Change of Habit and subsequently issued as the B-side of "Don't Cry Daddy" in conjunction with the movie premiere. It reached number six in the United States on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1969.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">As Long as You Love Me (Backstreet Boys song)</span> 1997 single by Backstreet Boys

"As Long as You Love Me" is a song by American boy band Backstreet Boys, from the group's eponymous debut studio album in the United States, Backstreet Boys (1997), and their second studio album worldwide, Backstreet's Back (1997). The song was written by Max Martin, who produced it with Kristian Lundin, and lyrically describes the reciprocity of a relationship. "As Long as You Love Me" was released by Jive Records as the second single from both albums in the United Kingdom on September 29, 1997, and in the United States on October 7, 1997. The song received generally positive reviews from music critics, who praised the production.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Don't Go Breaking My Heart (Backstreet Boys song)</span> 2018 single by Backstreet Boys

"Don't Go Breaking My Heart" is a song by American vocal group Backstreet Boys. The song was released on May 17, 2018 as the lead single to their ninth studio album DNA. The single peaked at number 63 on the Billboard Hot 100, which is their first song as lead artist on the chart since "Inconsolable" in 2007, and their highest-charted single since "Incomplete" in 2005. The song received a Grammy Nomination for “Best Pop Duo/Group” for the 2019 ceremony, their first nomination since "Shape of My Heart" at the 2002 ceremony.

References

  1. Vineyard, Jennifer (March 15, 2005). "Backstreet Boys Pick Power Ballad for Their Comeback Single". MTV . Retrieved October 16, 2020.
  2. 1 2 Taylor, Chuck (April 16, 2005). "Essential Reviews" (PDF). Billboard . Vol. 117, no. 16. p. 44. Retrieved August 4, 2020.
  3. "The ARIA Report: Chartifacts!" (PDF). ARIA. June 20, 2005. p. 2. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 22, 2008. Retrieved May 22, 2021.
  4. Masterton, James (July 3, 2005). "Week Ending July 9th 2005". Chart Watch UK. Retrieved March 20, 2021.
  5. Incomplete (UK CD1 liner notes). Backstreet Boys. Jive Records. 2005. 82876 699272.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  6. Incomplete (UK CD2 liner notes). Backstreet Boys. Jive Records. 2005. 82876 699282.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  7. Incomplete (Australian maxi-CD single liner notes). Backstreet Boys. Jive Records. 2005. 82876 69248 2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  8. 1 2 3 "Backstreet Boys – Incomplete". ARIA Top 50 Singles.
  9. Incomplete (Japanese CD single liner notes). Backstreet Boys. Jive Records. 2005. BVCQ-29604.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  10. Never Gone (CD booklet). Backstreet Boys. Jive Records. 2005. 82876-70534-2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  11. "Backstreet Boys – Incomplete" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40.
  12. "Backstreet Boys – Incomplete" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50.
  13. "Backstreet Boys – Incomplete" (in French). Ultratop 50.
  14. "R&R Canada CHR/Pop Top 30" (PDF). Radio & Records . No. 1609. June 3, 2005. p. 26. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
  15. Backstreet Boys — Incomplete. TopHit. Retrieved August 11, 2019.
  16. "Rádio 2005" (in Czech). IFPI. Archived from the original on August 30, 2005. Retrieved August 4, 2020.
  17. "Backstreet Boys – Incomplete". Tracklisten.
  18. "Hits of the World – Eurocharts" (PDF). Billboard. Vol. 117, no. 25. June 18, 2005. p. 88. Retrieved August 4, 2020.
  19. "Backstreet Boys: Incomplete" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat.
  20. "Backstreet Boys – Incomplete" (in French). Les classement single.
  21. "Backstreet Boys – Incomplete" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved May 13, 2019.
  22. "Top 50 Singles Eβδομάδα 18–24/9" (in Greek). IFPI. Archived from the original on September 24, 2005. Retrieved August 4, 2020.See Best Position column.
  23. "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Rádiós Top 40 játszási lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége.
  24. "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Incomplete". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved January 21, 2020.
  25. "Backstreet Boys – Incomplete". Top Digital Download.
  26. 1 2 "インコンプリート | バックストリート・ボーイズ" [Incomplete | Backstreet Boys] (in Japanese). Oricon . Retrieved August 29, 2023.
  27. "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 25, 2005" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved May 13, 2019.
  28. "Backstreet Boys – Incomplete" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
  29. "Backstreet Boys – Incomplete". Top 40 Singles.
  30. "Backstreet Boys – Incomplete". VG-lista.
  31. "Nielsen Music Control". Archived from the original on June 25, 2007.
  32. "Top Radio Hits Russia Weekly Chart: Aug 18, 2005". TopHit . Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  33. "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved July 6, 2023.
  34. "Backstreet Boys – Incomplete" Canciones Top 50.
  35. "Backstreet Boys – Incomplete". Singles Top 100.
  36. "Backstreet Boys – Incomplete". Swiss Singles Chart.
  37. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved May 13, 2019.
  38. "Backstreet Boys Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved April 21, 2017.
  39. "Backstreet Boys Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard. Retrieved April 21, 2017.
  40. "Backstreet Boys Chart History (Adult Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved April 21, 2017.
  41. "Backstreet Boys Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved April 21, 2017.
  42. "Top Pop – Pop 100" (PDF). Billboard. Vol. 117, no. 22. May 28, 2005. p. 46. Retrieved August 4, 2020.
  43. "ARIA Top 100 Singles for 2005". ARIA. Retrieved May 22, 2021.
  44. "Jahreshitparade Singles 2005" (in German). Retrieved May 13, 2019.
  45. "Rapports annuels 2005" (in French). Ultratop . Retrieved May 13, 2019.
  46. "Brazilian Top 100 Year-End 2005". Crowley Broadcast Analysis. April 3, 2018. Retrieved January 30, 2022.
  47. "CIS Year-End Radio Hits (2005)". TopHit . Retrieved August 11, 2019.
  48. "Year End European Hot 100 Singles Chart 2005 01 – 2005 52" (PDF). Billboard. VNU Media. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 18, 2012. Retrieved January 7, 2022.
  49. "Top 100 Singles–Jahrescharts 2005" (in German). GfK Entertainment . Retrieved May 13, 2019.
  50. "Rádiós Top 100 – hallgatottsági adatok alapján – 2005" (in Hungarian). Mahasz . Retrieved April 20, 2020.
  51. "Classifiche annuali 2005 FIMI Nielsen, dominano gli artisti italiani" (in Italian). FIMI. Archived from the original on May 6, 2006. Retrieved January 15, 2021.Click on Scarica l'allegato.
  52. "Top 100–Jaaroverzicht van 2005". Dutch Top 40 . Retrieved October 21, 2019.
  53. "Jaaroverzichten – Single 2005" (in Dutch). MegaCharts . Retrieved May 13, 2019.
  54. "Romanian Top 100: Top of the Year 2005" (in Romanian). Romanian Top 100. Archived from the original on April 10, 2006. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
  55. "Top Radio Hits Russia Annual Chart: 2005". TopHit. Archived from the original on April 21, 2024. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  56. "Årslista Singlar, 2005" (in Swedish). Sverigetopplistan . Retrieved March 19, 2020.
  57. "Schweizer Jahreshitparade 2005" (in German). Retrieved May 13, 2019.
  58. "The Official UK Singles Chart 2005" (PDF). UKChartsPlus . Retrieved May 13, 2019.
  59. "Billboard Top 100 – 2005". Billboardtop100of.com. Retrieved May 13, 2019.
  60. "2005 The Year in Music & Touring: Hot Adult Contemporary Songs" (PDF). Billboard. Vol. 117, no. 52. December 24, 2005. p. YE-76. Archived (PDF) from the original on June 27, 2021. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  61. "2005 The Year in Charts: Top Adult Top 40 Songs". Billboard Radio Monitor . Vol. 13, no. 50. December 16, 2005. p. 31.
  62. "2005 The Year in Charts: Top Mainstream Top 40 Songs". Billboard Radio Monitor. Vol. 13, no. 50. December 16, 2005. p. 26.
  63. "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2020 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association . Retrieved May 22, 2021.
  64. "Brazilian single certifications" (in Portuguese). Pro-Música Brasil . Retrieved January 10, 2023.
  65. "Le cifre di vendita" (PDF). Musica e dischi . January 2006. p. 9. Archived from the original (PDF) on May 26, 2015. Retrieved February 26, 2020.
  66. "American single certifications – Backstreet Boys – Incomplete". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved May 13, 2019.
  67. "Going for Adds" (PDF). Radio & Records . No. 1601. April 8, 2005. p. 21. Retrieved May 18, 2021.
  68. "Going for Adds" (PDF). Radio & Records. No. 1604. April 29, 2005. p. 19. Retrieved May 18, 2021.
  69. "30. maj 2005 – 19. juni 2005" (PDF) (in Danish). Sony Music Denmark. p. 21. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 27, 2005. Retrieved November 13, 2023.
  70. "The ARIA Report: New Releases Singles – Week Commencing 13th June 2005" (PDF). ARIA. June 13, 2005. p. 28. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 19, 2005. Retrieved May 18, 2021.
  71. "New Releases: Singles". Music Week . June 25, 2005. p. 23.
  72. Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine : "EXIT EDEN - Incomplete (Backstreet Boys Cover) | Napalm Records". YouTube .