Will these pop acts make a comeback with their new releases?

by Carolyn Richardson

Today is the day for new releases from familiar teen idols -- the BACKSTREET BOYS release Unbreakable, while BRITNEY SPEARS' fifth studio album, Blackout, also hits stores.

The Backstreet Boys' sound seems to have matured with their age, while Britney's music is still for parties only. But expectations for both releases are sky high. Satisfying the maturing tastes of their once teeny-bopper fans will be hard, but with the different paths each has taken since their early days, nostalgia alone should please the masses.

Singer KEVIN RICHARDSON is no longer a part of Backstreet Boys, but their bond is still "unbreakable," as the remaining members -- A.J. McLEAN, HOWIE DOROUGH, NICK CARTER and BRIAN LITTRELL -- have not ruled out the possibility of Kevin rejoining the group, which got its start over 15 years ago.

The album however, is all about broken relationships, and stays at a steady tempo, a change from their usual upbeat music. The revamped group's first single, "Inconsolable," is a universal song of reconciliation. Their added rock edge stands out on most of the tracks, including "Love Will Keep You Up All Night" and "Something That I Already Know."

Meanwhile, Britney's Blackout only manages to utilize one song about break-ups, in "Why Should I Be Sad," which is full of references that could be real-life reflections of her split from KEVIN FEDERLINE. Though the song closes out the dance-heavy disc, it's more fitting at the beginning, with lyrics like, "It's time for me to move along, I'm tired of singing sad songs."

The rest of the disc could play in an aerobics class, with energy-infused, sexy beats to keep you moving. "Ooh Ooh Baby" recalls the melody of the '60s hit "So Happy Together" as it begins, but while THE TURTLES were speaking of a lifetime of love, this song is all about sex. Spears' single "Gimme More" and "Get Naked" are similar musically as they are both produced by NATE "DANJAHANDZ" HILLS, who also worked on JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE's "Sexyback."

In "Piece of Me," Britney sings what seems to be a direct quote from her current plight, "I'm Ms. Bad Media Karma -- another day, another drama." It could be the theme song for the hours of paparazzi footage garnered from her daily exploits. With reports of a long line of fans at Virgin Megastores last night for Brit's latest, she could very well sell a million "pieces" of Blackout.