As Long as You Love Me

"As Long as You Love Me" opens with a confession: "Although loneliness has always been a friend of mine." That line, delivered by Backstreet Boys, sets up a song about devotion that doesn't care about money or status. Written by Swedish hitmaker Max Martin and co-produced with Kristian Lundin, the track became a defining piece of late-90s teen pop. It was released on September 29, 1997, as a single from both the group's international album *Backstreet's Back* and their US self-titled debut.

The song's global reach was immediate. It topped charts in Lithuania, New Zealand, the Philippines, and Romania, and hit number two in Australia and Austria. In Canada and the UK, it reached number three, while several other European countries placed it in the top five. The polished production and infectious hook showcased Martin's signature style, which would later shape hits for other acts.

The music video, directed by Nigel Dick, features the band auditioning for a panel of six women. Each member gets a moment to show off his charm, and the playful concept helped the video become one of the most-viewed from the boy band era. Over the years, the song has remained a staple in Backstreet Boys' live shows, including their Las Vegas Sphere residency, and continues to find new listeners through streaming. [edit]