Ms. Gokturk
Research Citing Sample
There
are different ways to weave information you learn into your writing. The
methods have been illustrated in this essay (which was adapted from an Internet
sample), but the names have been changed for your amusement. The methods of
citing have been underlined. Also note the Works Cited section.
The Backstreet
Boys: A Popular Rock Band
by Manny Aguirre, freshman
Rock bands are as popular today
as they were in the 1950’s, when rock ‘n’ roll was born. The fans get wild when
they see their favorite group. The girls scream and faint at concerts and
record sales explode. The decade of the 90’s has produced many popular bands.
One band in particular is The Backstreet Boys. The group is made up of five
young men: Kevin, Brian, Howie, A. J., and, the youngest, Nick. The listeners
range in age, but the largest group is teenagers (Backstreet Boys' Fan Site).
The Backstreet Boys are popular primarily because of their image, but they also
have the ability to manipulate the media successfully and to write engaging
lyrics to upbeat music.
The Backstreet Boys have
created a nice image for their young fans to follow. One example is the way
they look. Their fashionable clothes are cool and up-to-date. Teenagers relate
to their baggy jeans, oversized shirts, and top-of-the- line shoes. A. J. and
Howie have goatee beards and all of them have short, sometimes colored and
spiked, haircuts. According to Jesse Segall, spokesperson for Seventeen Magazine, young fans feel they
"can relate to these guys because their appearance is interesting and
attractive to them" (23). The Backstreet Boys are also polite during
interviews. They all thank God and their families for their success and
talents. They participate in charity events, and they avoid setting bad
examples for young people to follow, such as promoting alcohol and tobacco
products.
The media and the managers for
the group play a huge role in the promotion of The Backstreet Boys. For
instance, the group is on many covers of Teen, J-14, Teen-Idol, and other
magazines. They release information about their personal lives, their favorite
foods, their concert dates, and any other pertinent information they can find
on a regular basis. These magazines offer photographs and posters of each
member of the band. This type of publicity keeps the fans excited and wanting
more (Segall 45). The television is another source of media for bands. Stations
like MTV and VH1 play their music videos and invite them into the studio for
interviews. This action helps promote the songs and albums they produce;
meanwhile, the band becomes even more popular. Record production is not an easy
task. In fact, many bands never make it despite their efforts:
Records
begin far before they are fabricated in factories. Before the music can happen,
an idea must be born. Musicians gather and discuss the concept. Then, more
musicians and a producer are consulted and practice begins. It isn't until the
producer has approved recording that it begins. Recording time is very
expensive, so bands should be finessed at this stage as to cut down on cost.
(Brewster)
On a last note, the lyrics and
music The Backstreet Boys create is a definite reason they are popular. Their
music attracts all ages. They sing slow love songs that will touch a couple’s
hearts. For example, “Anywhere for You” is written about a person ready to make
sacrifices for the one they love. The chorus is straight forward and touching:
I’d
go anywhere for you.
Anywhere you asked me to.
I’d do anything for you.
Anything you want me to.
Your love as far as I can see.
Is all I’m ever gonna need.
There’s one thing for sure.
I know it’s true.
Baby, I’d go anywhere for you.
On the other hand, songs like
“Everybody (Backstreets Back)” and “Larger than Life” are more upbeat. They
make a person feel good and want to dance. This type of music is versatile.
Disc jockeys play it on easy listening, light rock, and top-40 radio stations;
and radio promotion also helps a group become popular.
There are several reasons why
The Backstreet Boys have become popular. The manipulation of the media and the
wonderful lyrics and music play a large role, but the most important issue is
their image. Young people have enough negative distractions in their lives.
Peers, advertisements, music, and television programs and commercials all play
a part. Therefore, it is nice to find a group that does not participate in a
negative image.
Works
Cited
Brewster,
Liz. "The Truth About Non Hockey Facts." The Schreiber Times,
"Doo-wop
in 2000." Backstreet Boys' Fan Site. http://www.bbb.com.
Segall,
Jesse. Seventeen: Decades of Teen Fashion.