[LISTEN] Backstreet Boy AJ McLean’s First Official Country Single – “Boy and a Man”

I’m of the perfect age to have a pretty serious appreciation for the Backstreet Boys.  I know all the words to far too many of their songs, but I have a good excuse….growing up, girls my age LOVED them. Which means it’s totally okay for me love them too, right?

Well, ready for it or not…AJ McLean has released his first ever song to Country radio!

We first learned of AJ’s venture into the world of Country Music back in March of last year when it was announced that he’d joined the Country Music Association.

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So first off I should be asleep but sadly I either got a hopefully 24 hour bug or possibly food poising so that’s why I’m still awake right now and have to be up in 7 hours! Anyways that being said I have to just say thank you to a few people! First off I have to say thank you to my amazing team behind me and my new journey I’m about to embark on stepping into the world of country music! From my amazing manger mr Johnny Wright to my equally amazing social team slash co managers Cassie and jade and all the ladies at crowd surf. Also I have to thank more than anyone my partner in crime and the man pushing me to my limits me Brandon Mashburn thanks bro for seeing my vision and for never giving up on me. Also my boys and now family and most amazingly talented writers Brett Tyler and Clint Lagerberg for taking a chance on me and making a dream come true. Last and most certainly not least I have to thank the country music association for taking me under your wings and welcoming me to the country world! All I can say is this, I’m a fan of all music and I know my fans are the best most loyal in the world and no matter what kind of music I do they will support my vision. You guys are all in for a treat and I couldn’t be more proud of the music I’m doing and that a little dream is now becoming reality! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again I wanna make great music and make people happy and be the first solo country artist to shake things up!

A post shared by AJ McLean (@aj_mclean) on Mar 2, 2018 at 11:59pm PST

And of course…we know the Backstreet Boys have been friendly with Florida Georgia Line, teaming up with them on the song “God, Your Mama, And Me” — they appeared on an episode of CMT’s Crossroads with FGL as well!

Okay…I’ll quit playing games with your heart.  AJ spoke of his first Country Radio single to PEOPLE:

“It’s that growing up type of story — a becoming of who you’re going to become. For me, personally, I’ve always tried to be old-fashioned. I try to always be a gentleman especially when my wife is concerned, from opening the door for my wife to getting up to make her coffee in the morning — always putting my family first.”

Featured on his first Country-inspired solo album Long Road, due sometime in the Spring of this year, check out “Boy and a Man” below!

What do you think?  Should we play it??

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