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Our Top 10 Nick Carter Songs list looks at a singer, musician, dancer and actor. He rose to fame as a member of the boy band Backstreet Boys. During breaks with the boy band, Nick Carter released solo albums. The singer also recorded an album with Jordan Knight. The Backstreet Boys were nominated for several awards. Nick Carter wrote songs and recorded music in 2002 when the group had downtime. The record company wanted him to do a solo album. Backstreet Boys recorded music without him so he started working on his solo album.
Nickolas Gene Carter was born on January 28, 1980. He was acting and singing at a young age. Nick Carter made an appearance in the movie Edward Scissorhands in 1990. When he was 12 he auditioned to be on the Mickey Mouse Club as well as the Backstreet Boys. The singer and actor had to choose which one to do. Needless to say, he chose to be in the group. Backstreet Boys went on to record several albums together. They went on to become one of the biggest boy bands in the 1990s and 2000s.
Nick Carter released his debut album Now or Never in October 2002. The album peaked at number 17 on the Billboard 200 charts. It features the singles “Help Me,” “Do I Have to Cry for You” and “I Got You.” The album sold over 500,000 copies. I’m Taking Off came out in February 2011. It features the songs “Just One Kiss,” “I’m Taking Off,” “Love Can’t Wait” and “Burning Up.”
Nick Carter collaborated on and album with singer Jordan Knight. Nick & Knight came out in September 2014. The album peaked at number 24 on the Billboard 200 charts. It features the songs “One More Time,” “Just the Two of Us” and “Switch.” All American dropped in November 2015. It features the singles “I Will Wait,” “Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love for You” and “19 in 99.”
Nick Carter is mostly known for being a member of Backstreet Boys, but he managed to have a solo career. He had a modest solo career. It may not have trumped his career in the group, but he was able to record music on his own. Our Top 10 Nick Carter Songs list will put a spotlight on his solo work.
# 10 – Do I Have to Cry for You
The 10th song on our Top 10 Nick Carter Songs list is “Do I Have to Cry for You” appears on the Now or Never album. The single was released in October 2002. The song is about a relationship that’s in trouble. The couple is struggling to make the relationship work, but they don’t want the relationship to end. He doesn’t want to end their relationship, but things are deteriorating between them. He can’t keep living the way she wants him to. She needs to tell him what he must do because they can’t keep living the way they are. He thinks about the love they once shared and wonders if that love will last. Our singer is feeling helpless and needs to know what he must do to make their relationship work.
“Do I Have to Cry for You” tells a story about a relationship that’s about to end. The lyrics tell a story about a relationship that’s at a crossroads. He wonders if he should stay or walk away. The story is drama filled and will hit close to home for you if you are dealing with a toxic relationship. This song gave Nick Carter a chance to write a track that’s filled with turmoil. It gives him a chance to show his vulnerable side. This song gave Nick Carter a chance to spread his wings and separate from the Backstreet Boys.
This song has a soft rock beat which is different from the songs with the Backstreet Boys. At the height of their fame, the group recorded pop and dance hits. The instrumentation is beautiful. The music is similar to Bryan Adams’ songs. You might be surprised to hear Nick Carter record a song with instrumentation like this. Nick Carter’s vocals are strong. He has a raspiness in his voice that he didn’t have with the group. He uses a double and he belts. This song gives him the freedom he didn’t have with the Backstreet Boys.
# 9 -One More Time Nick Carter and Jordan Knight
The ninth song on our Top 10 Nick Carter Songs list is “One More Time” which appears on Nick Carter and Jordan Knight’s Nick & Knight album. The song was released in September 2014. It’s about a couple who have broken up, but they are still attracted to each other. Nick Carter starts the song by reminiscing about the times he spent with the woman he loves. He asked her if she remembered when they broke up because she had doubts. They tried to talk it out but ended up making out.
She would never find another one like him. He warned her that she wouldn’t find anyone else like him. No one would make her feel the way he did. In verse two, Jordan Knight steps up to the mic. He asks her if she remembers how he made her feel when she came home crying. Now she just wants to be friends. She would be lying to herself if she thought someone could take his place. Despite everything, they want to be the girls “one more time.”
“One More Time” explores the complications of a relationship. The song teaches you that you don’t know what you have until it’s gone. Nick Carter and Jordan Knight are confident that the women they are singing about won’t find anyone better than them. In addition to the warnings they give, they still want to spend time with them “one more time.” They must have a lot of confidence to expect women to go to bed with them after their relationships are done. They also believe that they are so good that the women won’t find anyone better than them. It’s a catchy and upbeat song. There’s no way you will be able to resist dancing to the beat.
The music caters to both of their styles. It has a pop and r&b sound that’s perfect for the summer. Nick Carter and Jordan Knight working together was like a union of boy bands. Nick Carter is from the Backstreet Boys and Jordan Knight is from New Kids on the Block (N.K.O.T.B.). They worked well together. They sound like they are having fun on the track considering they are talking breaking up with their women. The match is like the teacher and student working together. Jordan Knight helped open the musical door for Nick Carter so it makes sense for them to work together.
# 8 – Hurts to Love You
The eighth song on our Top 10 Nick Carter Songs list is “Hurts to Love You.” The non album single was released in January 2023. The song is a tribute to his late brother Aaron Carter. He opens the song by talking about going through battles with someone. No one was able to understand their relationship. They went through struggles together, but that was their reality back then.
He always wanted his brother’s tomorrow to be better than the days before. He hoped he would find a place where he would be happy. In the chorus, Nick Carter admits that it hurt to love his brother, but he still did it. He misses him with all his heart and he always will. He prayed for his brother’s soul to have peace. It’s hard for him to let go of the anger. It took him time to get over it. There are times when darkness lasts forever. Unfortunately, it feels like the light won’t ever shine again.
“Hurts to Love You” is a moving tribute to Nick Carter’s late brother. This had to be hardest song he’s ever written. Nick and Aaron Carter had problems with each other so it had to be worse when he lost him. No one wants to sing about losing a sibling or any relative so we give Nick Carter credit for stepping up and writing this song. Nick Carter never mentions his brother by name, but it’s not hard to figure out who this song is about.
We applaud Nick Carter for allowing the listeners to get an inside look on his relationship with his brother. Hearing the lyrics was like reading his diary. He wrote it in a way that’s applicable to anyone’s situation. If you lost someone, this song will mean something to you. The beat is melancholy which goes with the lyrics. Nick Carter’s vocals are heartfelt. You can hear the sincerity in his voice as he’s singing out to his brother.
# 7 – Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love for You ft. Nissy
The seventh song on our Top 10 Nick Carter Songs list is “Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love for You.” It appears on the All American album. The song is about everlasting love and devotion. The singers talk about unconditional love. They will love their partners no matter what happens. Nick Carter and Nissy appreciate their partners and are devoted to them. The singers feel their partners should know that they will love them forever. They will be there for their partners through good and bad times. The singers reassure their partners that they don’t have to change anything about themselves. They will love them the way they are.
“Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love for You” tells a story about true love and how nothing’s going to change their love for their partners. If it sounds familiar, it’s a remake of George Benson’s song. Glenn Medeiros’ version is arguably the most recognizable one. Nick Carter and Nissy’s version is closer to Glenn Medeiros’ than George Benson’s. They have more instrumentation in their version than in the other versions of it. Nick Carter and Nissy’s version has guitar riffs that aren’t in George Benson or Glenn Medeiros’ versions. It was the right call because they made the song their own.
The other versions are excellent the way they are so that could have been a mistake, but it was a good change for them. Nick Carter and Nissy turn the song into a duet. The original version isn’t a duet so that was another good change. Nick Carter and Nissy poured their hearts out on the song. They don’t have the same soul as George Benson and Glenn Medeiros, but they do a remarkable job on it. You won’t forget the other versions, but theirs is worth checking out.
# 6 – I Will Wait
“I Will Wait” is from the All American album. It came out in September 2015. The song is about a man being there for the woman he loves. He pledges he will wait for her. The song starts with him wanting her to promise him that she will be okay if she was gone before he woke up. The singer lets her know that he’ll wait for her because their love was made for two. He’s going to hold on this time. He won’t leave her behind. In verse two, the singer lets her know that he won’t sleep until they reach the highest mountain peak. He wants to pay her back for being there for him. As the song moves forward, he admits to breaking the golden rule. He’s upset with himself for leaving her the way he did.
“I Will Wait” is a remorseful song about a man who wants to make up for his mistakes. He knows he messed up and wants to make things right with her. He promises not to leave her behind. The lyrics are a thank you to his partner for what she did for him. It’s relatable to anyone who is in love. Nick Carter wasn’t afraid to look bad in the song. He admitted that he hurt her and wanted to make it up to her.
It’s romantic to hear him try his best to make things right. The song is an acoustic jam and he did the right thing by doing that. It’s a sound that’s different for him. The soft music gives us a chance to focus on his vocals. His vocals are pure and smooth. Nick Carter does fantastic runs that we didn’t see coming. His harmonies are exquisite. We didn’t know he had it in him. Singing alone gives him a chance to show off his vocal chops that he can’t do in the group.
# 5 – Just One Kiss
The next song on our Top 10 Nick Carter Songs list is “Just One Kiss” from the I’m Taking Off album. The song was released in January 2011. The song is about a man who is trying to hold on to a relationship that’s on the verge of ending. He asks his lover not to turn away or close the door. He wants to find a way to make things right with her. Our singer wants to fight for the promises he made. He knows if he doesn’t act quickly, it will be too late to save their relationship. Nick Carter asks her for one kiss. He believes that a kiss is the most important part of a relationship. The singer knows if they can kiss, they might be able to rekindle the magic that existed between them. He wants her to take a chance and not worry about what other people think.
“Just One Kiss” tells a story about a man who is vying for a chance to make his relationship work. The lyrics take you on an emotional rollercoaster. We can’t help feeling sympathy for him. He sounds sympathetic as he pours his heart out to the woman he loves. If you are in a situation like this, you may feel like he was following you around to write this story. If you’re having trouble trying to convince the person you love to stay with you, it might be a good idea to play this song. It may convince your partner to give you another chance. The music is upbeat and bouncy which doesn’t match with the theme. Nick Carter kept the song from sounding depressing by having a bouncy beat for the song. The chorus is easy to remember and easy to sing along to. The song will stay in your head long after it’s over.
# 4 – Beautiful Lie Jennifer Paige ft. Nick Carter
“Beautiful Lie” appears on Jennifer Paige’s Best Kept Secrets Deluxe Edition album. The single came out in October 2009. “Beautiful Lie” is about heartbreak and betrayal that leads to mistrust in a relationship. Jennifer Paige opens the song by talking about feeling like her world is crashing down on her. Her partner’s words don’t mean anything to her because he lied to her. Nick Carter talks about her running around and playing with his emotions. She lied to him. They wonder what did they feel inside if it wasn’t love. How can they look each other in the eyes. Their hearts are breaking and not falling this time. Now they know this can’t be love. Their love was a lie. They had each other wrapped around their fingers. It felt like a puppet on a string. The singers didn’t know they would be victims.
“Beautiful Lie” is a bitter anthem about being betrayed. This song gives the singers a chance to show off their angry side. The song lets listeners know how lies can affect a relationship. It might make you question your relationship if you are with someone who has questionable behavior. We liked how they sang the song together. It added depth to the song. You can feel the anger from both singers. It gives them a chance to tell their stories at the same time.
Nick Carter and Jennifer Paige have electrifying vocal chemistry with each other. We didn’t think they would work well together, but they surprised us. Their voices complement each other. They handled the vocal changes together. They knew to go up and down together. Their timing was good. They knew when to change their voices to match the beat changes.
# 3 – Love Can’t Wait
Coming in at number three on our list is “Love Can’t Wait.” The song is from the I’m Taking Off album. It was released in June 2011. We are shifting gears for this song. It’s about a man who falls in love at first sight. The song begins with Nick Carter gazing at the woman he loves. She’s a beautiful view. He is awestruck by her beauty. Her beauty captivates him to a point where he can’t articulate his emotions. He can’t figure out what to say to her. There are sparks between them. The chemistry between them can’t be ignored. He wants her to return his feelings for her. The singer lets her know they shouldn’t wait to fall in love. There’s no better time for them to fall in love. He can’t wait for them to be together.
“Love Can’t Wait” is a song about taking a chance on love. The song lets listeners know that you shouldn’t waste time when it concerns being with someone you love. The lyrics are straightforward and easy to figure out. If you have found the right person for you, the lyrics will hit home. The lyrics are touching and romantic. You may find yourself wishing you could fall in love at first sight the same way. Nick Carter tells this story in a believable way. He convinces you that it’s possible to fall in love right away.
The music is energetic and upbeat. It will be a challenge to sit still and listen to this song. It will have you on the floor. In fact, the song has a club beat. Nick Carter steps out of his wheelhouse for this track. It sounds like an EDM song and not a pop song. He may be out of his element, but he was able to handle it vocally. Nick Carter’s vocals are stacked in the chorus. It makes the song infectious. The chorus is simple and easy to remember. The song ends abruptly, but we are having a good time along the way.
# 2 – I Got You
“I Got You” is from the Now or Never album. It was released in February 2003. The song is about finding someone who makes you feel complete. In the first verse, he thinks about people telling him where he belonged. He spent his life trying to prove people wrong. The naysayers told him that he was looking for something that couldn’t be found. They said he was missing out. He was looking for something that couldn’t be found. He wanted to find something that would make him feel complete. In the chorus, he realized that life took on a new meaning. She came into his life and changed his beliefs. Everyone is trying to tear him down, but they can’t touch him because he has her. In verse two, he wants to thank her for everything she’s done. He thanks her for choosing him to be the one for her.
“I Got You” is a touching song with positive lyrics. The song takes you on a journey of a man who never thought he would find love. It gives you hope that you can find love no matter what anyone tells you. If people are trying to tear you down and make you think you will never find happiness, you should let this song be your guide. The song may inspire you to forget about the people who are out to destroy you.
The song has an uplifting beat that will make you smile while you’re listening to it. The music is the perfect soundtrack to the lyrics. Nick Carter sings in a higher key from most of the songs on our list. He doesn’t have the raspiness in his voice that he does in the other songs on our list. His vocals are stacked in the chorus which enhances it. He attempts to do runs in the chorus and we give him a thumbs up for the effort.
# 1 – Help Me
The number one song on our Top 10 Nick Carter Songs list is “Help Me” from the Now or Never album. The song was released in February 2003. “Help Me” is a song about a man who feels lost and doesn’t know what his purpose is anymore. He needs help to figure out what’s right and wrong. He needs help to figure out where he belongs. The singer wonders why he’s stuck in the middle and needs help sorting out what’s going on in his mind. Things are too much for him to decipher. He finds himself thinking too hard, but it’s not working. He’s not getting anywhere. He needs help from someone who could help him sort things out. The singer is mentally overloaded.
“Help Me” tells a story about a man who is unable to figure out what’s going on in his mind. This is something most people have gone through in their lives. If you find yourself at a crossroads of what to do, this song was written for you. You know that you’re not alone when you are feeling emotionally drained. This song encourages you not to be afraid to get help when you need it. This is a song that can help you get through tough times in your life.
It may help you weather the storms you are going through. The music is upbeat despite the subject. The upbeat music keeps the song from being depressing. The acoustic and electric guitars are sizzling hot. The drums give the song tempo. You won’t think of the Backstreet Boys when you hear this song. It’s different from their sound which makes it easier to separate his songs from Backstreet Boys songs. Nick Carter sounds passionate while he sings the lyrics. This song showcased what a talented singer Nick Carter is. He shows his versatility in the song because his voice goes up and down like a rollercoaster. This is the song that introduced him as a solo artist and we’re here for it.
Top 10 Nick Carter Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2023
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