Quit Playing Games (With My Heart)

Album: Backstreet Boys (1996)
Charted: 2 2
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This pop ballad was written by British-born and Sweden-based songwriter Herbie Crichlow and Swedish producer Max Martin. It was one of the first hit singles for both songwriters.
  • Crichlow started writing this song on the bus to the studio. He recalled to Genius: "I had a fight with my wife, and it just kind of hit me. I ran into the studio, and I was like, 'Martin, I've got this idea. I've got this song, and we have to go do it, now!' We ran downstairs and basically, the song was written in about 25 minutes."
  • This was the closest The Backstreet Boys had to a chart-topper on the US Hot 100. It peaked at #2, being prevented from reaching the summit by firstly "Mo Money Mo Problems" by The Notorious B.I.G. then "Honey" by Mariah Carey.
  • The group performed this on Saturday Night Live in 1998.
  • The music video was shot at Howard Middle School in Orlando, Florida, and is mostly angst-ridden expressions and plenty of abs. In 2017, the guys called it their most embarrassing clip. "We're all beefed out," Nick Carter told Entertainment Weekly.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Grunge Bands Quiz

Grunge Bands QuizMusic Quiz

If the name Citizen Dick means anything to you, there's a chance you'll get some of these right.

Brandi Carlile

Brandi CarlileSongwriter Interviews

As a 5-year-old, Brandi was writing lyrics to instrumental versions lullabies. She still puts her heart into her songs, including the one Elton John sings on.

Jon Anderson

Jon AndersonSongwriter Interviews

Jon Anderson breaks down the Yes classic "Seen All Good People" and talks about his 1000 Hands album, which features Chick Corea, Rick Derringer, Ian Anderson, and many other luminaries.

Justin Timberlake

Justin TimberlakeFact or Fiction

Was Justin the first to be Punk'd by Ashton Kutcher? Did Britney really blame him for her meltdown? Did his bandmates think he was gay?

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"They're Playing My Song

Chris and his wife Tina were the rhythm section for Talking Heads when they formed The Tom Tom Club. "Genius of Love" was their blockbuster, but David Byrne only mentioned it once.

Frankie Valli

Frankie ValliSong Writing

An interview with Frankie Valli, who talks about why his songs - both solo and with The Four Seasons - have endured, and reflects on his time as Rusty Millio on The Sopranos.