Arriving an hour late and quite perturbed at myself for not paying more attention to where I was going I was relieved to find out that Nick Carter had not performed. Apparently the promoters used the opportunity to promote other acts from the well known like 3LW (who I missed) to small acts like the brother and sister alternative rock band Just in Case.

     Up until that point, those that waited nearly 2 hours finally got to see the star of the evening Mr. Carter. Clearly surprised at the number of persons in attendance, Carter put on a show. Backed by a four piece band Carter fans, primarily females young and old (meaning us late 20s-Early 30s chicks) were singing along verbatim.

     Despite the obvious energy permeating throughout Hunka Bunka, I was left with a very uncomfortable feeling. As a dedicated fan I felt let down by the music I was hearing. This album was touted as Carter's homage to 80s rock, yet most of the tracks were mediocre with no catchy hooks or memorable songs. Actually unlike most BSB songs, many of the tracks performed sounded like stereotypical 'boy band' songs.

     My disappointment with this concert is in no way directed at Carter as a performer (heck anyone that can keep singing on note being bombarded by teddy bears and roses is a bonafide star), it is with the material. I was really hoping for something that was out of this world. I really wanted to just thumb my nose up at people who constantly berate Carter and Backstreet, despite their bonafide success. Moreover, the material presented on this album is no way on par with Carter’s previous works, and I hope on his second venture out (which I hope there will be), will be a little more risqué and really show his talent.

     Yet Carter did manage to show his true rock capabilities in several cover songs. His rendition of Jenny 867-5309 was great, but his hard metal edge reared its poignant head as Carter performed a few versus of Tears for Fears Shout. When I heard Shout, it was like my heart leapt, I was like "YES, this is where you belong. I hope the rest of the show is like this!"

     Carter's Band? EXCELLENT! I did not catch all their names, but they all performed tremendously. I thought the Bassist kicked butt. I was pleased to see him, in a day and age where, outside of Lenny Kravitz, Black people in rock are slim to none-Kudos for Carter for bringing in a little color.

     In the end I have two points of advice to give to Cater. First, experiment and do not be married to your ideas. Remember your fans are spending their hard earned money and deserve your best. Second, you have talent to be a rocker. Unlike many rockers, you are versatile and have the fame and credibility to span genres. You can bring a new fan to the rock and roll arena-get yourself some rock and roll producers and writers. That is where you belong.

     Send your questions and comments about this article to JenniferJ@ybfree.com.

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