Backstreet’s back with latest effort, ‘This Is Us’

Fans of the Backstreet Boys may be ready to chant “Backstreet’s back!” as the pop quartet sans original member Kevin Richardson forges on with their “This Is Us” album, released nationwide today.

The album comes after a string of cancelled shows, solo endeavors and for members Nick Carter and A.J. McLea, drug and alcohol rehabilitation.

It also comes after the yesterday’s announcement that one of the leading members , Brian Littrell was diagnosed with H1N1.

“This Is Us” features production from pop music superproducer, Max Martin, who is responsible for helping to launch the careers of the Backstreet Boys with songs such as “I Want It That Way,” as well as the career of fellow Jive Records labelmate Britney Spears.

The 11-track disc also showcases collaborations from Lady Gaga producer, RedOne and hip-hop artist T-Pain.

The first single, “Straight Through My Heart” featuring a vampire-themed video, was released to iTunes in August and has debuted on worldwide Billboard charts.