Growing up, like many people, I had an unrelenting crush for a boy band: The Backstreet Boys. They made my world go round! Nick’s golden locks, they way they fell over his eyes and made my heart swoon. Brian’s perfect melody and how it echoed through my ears and into my heart… The five boy band-ers made everything about adolescents worth it. I was obsessed! And although it is no longer acceptable for me release high pitched shrieks of joy at the sight of them, a small piece in my heart will always be reserved for the guys that let me know I was Larger Than Life.

Now you can imagine my surprise when my favorite boy band circa 1999 is still alive and well in the People’s Republic.

It started one early Saturday morning when Garrett and I headed to my favorite bakery for some sustenance. Minna, is a delicious bakery a block away from our apartment that provides us with amazing Chinese desserts, breads, and pastries. As we perused the clear plastic windows with the delicious treats housed inside and decided on which of the delectable food particles would replenish us that morning I heard the soft unmistakable voices of the boys who never broke my heart. Thrilled, I pointed out the melody to Garrett and exclaimed with excitement.

It didn’t end there.

As Garrett and I sat down to breakfast the soft melodies of five charming voices continued. All of the Backstreet Boys greatest hits raged on. It was as if they had been expecting me.

Later, during an afternoon shopping trip with some friends I heard it again. This time Gina, who shares my passion, witnessed it and reveled in the excitement with me as we perused the shoe racks.

A few days later I heard my boys through the crackly speakers of a taxi car, then again in the tiny boutiques of Hengshan Lu. I even heard then through the blaring headphones of a subway passenger.

It’s as if they have returned.

Is Backstreet Back?