Which One Am I?

Which One Am I? Performed by Howie D. CD. Approx. 38 min. Produced by Tor Hyams. 2019. $15.00.

K – Gr 5

Howie Dorough, best known as a member of the Backstreet Boys, launches his first album of 12 original songs for children, inspired by his own sons. Now, as a child of the 1960s, I was too old to take any notice of the “boy bands” that flourished in the 1990s. So, I was pleasantly surprised by this excellent album, which features a variety of musical styles: rock, rap, doo wop, reggae, Motown, tango, blues, Latin, and pop, and Howie handles each style with aplomb. The backup musicians perform beautifully on guitars, bass, piano, drums, and percussion. The title song “Which One Am I” introduces the members of Backstreet Boys. In “Back in the Day,” Howie shares tidbits about his childhood in Orlando, Florida. Not finding any in his room, Howie admits that the only monsters are the “Monsters in My Head.” Howie showcases his amazing falsetto as he describes being “Shy.” He also had “Worry” about many things, such as doctor’s visits, the playground and the lunchroom. He must learn to come out from “Pollyanna’s Shadow,” his older sister. In the “School Bell Tango,” Howie admits how much he disliked school (except for recess). Because he’s too short for the rides at the amusement park, or can’t reach the shelf for a snack, Howie sings the “Small Time Blues.” He also performs a great cover of “Lean on Me.” The other songs include “No Hablo Español,” and “The Me I’m Meant to Be.” This fun, toe-tapping album is due to be turned into a musical theater production in 2020.
Website: www.howied.net