For the last 12 months, AJ has been in the studio writing with One Republic’s Ryan Tedder, *NSYNC’s JC Chasez, as well as industry legends, Mark Hudson and Kristin Lundin to create his debut. The album, which he sees as ‘pushing the envelope’, is a departure stylistically and musically from his Backstreet Boys material, and has seen him rediscover an inner sense of himself.
A personal record, the record draws inspiration from his own experiences, including exorcising the alcohol addiction he once suffered.
Says AJ of his new material ‘This record for me has allowed me to rediscover a sense of who I really am. I’ve been writing with some amazing people like Ryan Tedder and Mark Hudson; to be able to finally create this body of work, I really do think I’m going to surprise people with the direction of this album.’
Talking further about the sounds of the album – ‘We recorded partly in Nashville so we’ve got this whole Southern Rock vibe going, as well as in San Francisco and Los Angeles. The record really allows me to unwrap another side to me’.
On first hear of the material, you get a sense that AJ really is, in his words, ‘a sponge in terms of musical influence’. You can sense some early Lenny Kravitz, a bit of Jamiroquai, dripping into Daft Punk and rounded off with some Lynyrd Skynyrd. If you had to use one verb to describe this record, it would be funky.
Having had massive success with the world’s biggest boy band, AJ is no stranger to global chart success. However, he understands that with this record, it is more about discovery as opposed to ‘ticking the boxes to fit in with what gets played on radio’. The album, currently without name, but AJ admits ‘he has a few ideas’, is his vision, and won’t be compromised.
Having already teased fans on the Backstreet Boys World tour, as each of the boys performed one solo track, the record will be released toward the end 2008. The intimate European tour will allow AJ to reconnect with new and all fans, on a level not experienced since his early tenure with the Backstreet Boys. AJ’s tour kicks off in London on May 15th, taking in multiple dates in Germany (Frankfurt, Hamburg, Koln), Sweden, Netherlands, Denmark, finishing in Paris on the 3rd of June.
Substance abuse issues
Rising to fame in his early teens, McLean became known as the "bad boy" of the musical group known as the Backstreet Boys. In 2001, the other band members reportedly became distressed by A.J.'s self-destructive behavior. Following an intervention, McLean entered rehab for alcoholism and cocaine abuse. His mother, Denise McLean, later authored the book Backstreet Mom, describing A.J.'s life before, during, and after rehab.
In December 2003, McLean and his mother appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show to talk about his recovery from clinical depression, alcoholism, and drug use. Kevin Richardson, Brian Littrell, Howie Dorough, and Nick Carter surprised McLean by appearing on the show to talk about their experiences with his addictions and to offer their support for his rehabilitation. This was the first time all five Backstreet Boys had appeared together in public in almost two years.
Have It All
AJ McLean Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
happiness and love all around
Always wanted finer things
but all that money brings me down
Gonna walk around in your head
it's time to start moving
And do what you said
Gonna walk around in your head
Don't know where you're going
But you know where you stand
'Cause everybody walks alone
when they feel like they don't belong
If only you try, then you can have it all
But you need to let go, of everything you know
If you live and let die, then you will have it all
Some people let it in
while lovers let the moments pass them by
oh why
And there's never any question
it was always right in front of your eyes
oh why
I'm gonna walk around in your head
you know where you're going
And you know where you stand
'Cause everybody walks alone
when they feel like they don't belong
If only you try, then you can have it all
But you need to let go, of everything you know
If you live and let die, then you will have it all
'Cause everybody walks alone
when they feel like they don't belong
If only you try, then you can have it all
But you need to let go, of everything you know
If you live and let die, then you will have it all
And I'll wait for you now
while you turn things around
I will wait for you now
to be ready, where you are
'Cause everybody walks alone
and they feel like they don't belong
If only you try, then you can have it all
But you need to let go, of everything you know
If you live and let die, then you will have it all
AJ McLean's song "Have It All" is a testament to the idea that true happiness comes from within, and material possessions do not necessarily bring joy. The lyrics speak of wanting to have everything in life, including love and happiness, but realizing that money and wealth can bring you down. The song urges the listener to let go of everything they know and try something new, in order to find true fulfillment.
The chorus of the song emphasizes the idea of individuality and self-reliance, suggesting that everyone walks alone when they feel like they don't belong. However, the song offers hope that all can achieve their dreams if they try, and are willing to let go of their past experiences in order to move forward. The lyrics are deeply introspective and honest, with the artist acknowledging that sometimes we do not appreciate what is in front of us until it is gone.
Overall, "Have It All" is a powerful song about self-discovery and self-improvement. It suggests that the key to achieving one's goals is not through material possessions, but through finding contentment and satisfaction within oneself. The song provides a message of hope and encourages listeners to take a chance in order to reach their full potential.
Line by Line Meaning
I want to have it all
The singer desires to experience love and joy in every aspect of life.
happiness and love all around
The singer wants to feel blissful and adored by those in their life.
Always wanted finer things
The singer desires the luxurious possessions and experiences in life.
but all that money brings me down
The artist recognizes that money does not necessarily provide true happiness and can cause negative emotions.
Gonna walk around in your head
The artist wants to explore the thoughts and mind of someone else.
it's time to start moving
It is time to take action towards the desired goals.
And do what you said
The singer intends to follow through with previous commitments and promises.
Don't know where you're going
The artist is uncertain about the direction they are heading towards.
But you know where you stand
Despite uncertainties, the artist is aware of their current position in life.
'Cause everybody walks alone
Most people feel isolated and disconnected from others at some point in their life.
when they feel like they don't belong
This feeling of loneliness usually stems from a lack of belonging or purpose.
If only you try, then you can have it all
By exerting effort and attempting to overcome obstacles, one can achieve their dreams and goals.
But you need to let go, of everything you know
One must release preconceived notions and beliefs to make room for new experiences and perspectives.
If you live and let die, then you will have it all
By embracing change and letting go of the past, one can attain fulfillment in life.
Some people let it in
Certain individuals allow positive experiences and emotions to enter their life.
while lovers let the moments pass them by
Other individuals fail to appreciate or enjoy the present moment in life.
oh why
The artist expresses a sense of confusion or frustration towards this phenomena.
And there's never any question
It should always be clear and obvious as to what truly matters in life.
it was always right in front of your eyes
What matters in life is usually within one's reach or nearby.
I'll wait for you now
The artist is willing to be patient and supportive towards someone else's journey.
while you turn things around
The other person must make changes to improve their life and achieve their goals.
to be ready, where you are
The listener will be ready to support and assist the other person when they are at a place where they can make progress.
Contributed by James C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Flavia Flores
Só queria esse álbum no spotify :/
Lena Noldor
Nem tem no Spotify e nem no canal oficial dele, estranho e triste :(
Flavia Flores
@Lena Noldor eu sempre olho no spotify dele e nada :/
Yasmin Toledo
tb sou louca nessa album. fui ver pra comprar, apenas 230 no shopee :´[ kkkkkkkkk esse album é uma raridade ne, pqp kk
Jairo SNT
Eu tb
BREE DABADDEST
I love this man, his voice is so unique.... He has so much talent!!!
Sinthia Fernandes
AJ's voice it's sooo beautiful!! It is on my top 5 favorite male singers.😙
Charity Johnson
It's a absolute shame this is NOT available on Spotify. This whole album should have been
Apollo Paul
I'm still waiting too
hwoaranghotness
OH WOW i can't stop listening to this song it is so awesome!!!!!! AJ has always been my favorite Backstreet Boys member and he still is I just love his voice!!!!!!!!