February is flashing back to the ’90s with the musical stylings of Ricky and Nicky — Ricky Martin and Nick Carter, that is.
The once has-been pop stars are trying to make a comeback in 2011.
Martin, who recently came out, just released his album “Musica Alma Sexo,” sung almost entirely in Spanish, Martin’s native language.
Carter, who is most likely recovering from a failed Backstreet Boys reunion, just released his second solo album, “I’m Taking Off.”
Martin has picked an opportune time to make a comeback, especially in light of his recent publicity. And his music, thankfully, has taken a significant musical turn from his hit songs like “She Bangs.” (Thank you, William Hung, for showing us just how ridiculous that song is, if we didn’t already know before.)
But Carter’s comeback is inexplicable. Though Carter, the older brother of pop star Aaron, was considered one of the hunkier Backstreet Boys, his star power was not as strong as that of his brother, who generated such memorable hits as the cover of Bow Wow Wow’s “I Want Candy.”
Still, there’s not a lot of vocal talent or creative talent with either Aaron or Nick. It seems inevitable that ex-boy band members strive to become the next Justin Timberlake, but often end up becoming the male equivalent of Kelly Rowland.
Carter’s album isn’t really anything new or innovative in terms of the genre he’s working in. Compare it to Timberlake’s first solo album, “Justified.” The style and content are clearly not on the same level, though not to imply that Timberlake is some sort of musical genius. But what Timberlake did do is mature his musical sound, unlike Carter, who is stuck in boy band song structure and lyrics, with some reference to 21st-century beats.
Martin, however, has taken a different musical direction than such artists as Enrique Iglesias, whose musical styling follows today’s techno, club music and auto-tune trend, straying far from his Latin-infused musical roots from the beginning of his career.
Martin instead has returned to his roots, somewhat, which is refreshing, though the music itself is not especially genius or catchy. But the style is different than today’s auto-tune-infused music. At least he has some original style.
Congratulations to Ricky Martin and Nick Carter for making it through the ’90s, but maybe your music should have stayed there.
