All I Have To Give

Album: Backstreet's Back (1997)
Charted: 1 5
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This tender ballad of devotion was written by Full Force, an R&B group who wrote the #1 hit "Head To Toe" by Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam. It was one of the first Backstreet Boys tunes to feature all the guys on lead vocals.
  • Howie Dorough, aka Howie D, was thankful to get his moment to shine on the song, which he calls his favorite tune of the Backstreet Boys' catalog. Before the boy band hit it big, Howie D was one of the lead singers of the group until Swedish hitmaker Max Martin was brought on board as producer. He brought New Jack Swing-ish edge to their sound that made the group famous but didn't suit Howie's voice, so he was often pushed to the background.

    Howie told Songfacts he credits Full Force for recognizing his potential on "All I Have To Give": "Full Force was working with us and they said, 'We hear all the voices here, but why doesn't anybody ever use Howie?' They were like, 'He sounds great, we need to put him on this.' So, they are the ones I always credit, and it's still one of my favorite songs."
  • Backstreet's Back was the group's second international album and, under the title Backstreet Boys, was their debut album in the US.
  • This won Video of the Year at the 1999 Teen Choice Awards.
  • The Backstreet Boys performed this on Saturday Night Live on May 15, 1999.
  • Full Force included the track on their 2014 album, Full Force: With Love From Our Friends, which features guest appearances by many of their R&B contemporaries. The BSB cover boasts Lil' G of Silk, Slim of 112, and Steve Russell of Troop.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Ian Astbury of The Cult

Ian Astbury of The CultSongwriter Interviews

The Cult frontman tells who the "Fire Woman" is, and talks about performing with the new version of The Doors.

JJ Burnel of The Stranglers

JJ Burnel of The StranglersSongwriter Interviews

JJ talks about The Stranglers' signature sound - keyboard and bass - which isn't your typical strain of punk rock.

Bible Lyrics

Bible LyricsMusic Quiz

Rockers, rappers and pop stars have been known to quote the Bible in their songs. See if you match the artist to the biblical lyric.

Protest Songs

Protest SongsMusic Quiz

How well do you know your protest songs (including the one that went to #1)?

Adele

AdeleFact or Fiction

Despite her reticent personality, Adele's life and music are filled with intrigue. See if you can spot the true tales.

Wedding Bell Blues

Wedding Bell BluesSong Writing

When a song describes a wedding, it's rarely something to celebrate - with one big exception.