Ignorance is bliss: 90s music edition

Inspired by recent NSYNC events, I stayed up way too late more nights than I should admit watching old boy band music videos on the Interwebz. I would like to state for the record that I was a reasonably sheltered child, oblivious to the meanings of many things, including raunchy song lyrics. Here are some of my favorites.

Backstreet Boys: Quit Playing Games with My Heart

While the overall song is pretty tame, this music video gets the Flashdance water treatment about halfway through, and their shirts magically burst open under the water. Howie and AJ really know to sex up a camera. Nick also has a fascinating arsenal of questionable facial expressions.

Spice Girls: 2 Become 1

Fascinatingly enough, this song is about sex. I distinctly remember my parents buying me the SPICE album when we were on vacation in Washington, DC in fifth grade. I also recall listening to it in the hotel room on my dad’s work computer and then accidentally leaving it in his computer after we went home (he stayed in DC for work). I can’t imagine the Spice Girls were too popular at the Pentagon.

The Spice Girls taught me more about safe sex in one song than four years of public high school.

Backstreet Boys: I Want It That Way

What do you want which way? This song couldn’t merely be a lovers’ spat about not compromising in a relationship. Or maybe he’s trying to stick it in her butt (sorry, Mom and Dad).

5ive: When the Lights Go Out

Baby, I swear you will succumb to me,
so baby come to me when the lights go out.
I know you think it may be just a lie,
Ain’t no use in putting up a fight,
’cause my heart is set on you

This doesn’t sound entirely consensual.

Backstreet Boys: If You Want It to Be Good, Girl, Get Yourself a Bad Boy

BSB apparently had some pervs writing their songs. Where do I even begin?

O Town: Liquid Dreams

I’ll just stop now.