Charli XCX says the Backstreet Boys are "epic," and we totally agree.

Charli XCX is known for making edgy, electro-powered pop -- from Icona Pop's summer-obliterating "I Love It" to her own solo jams -- but she's got a soft spot for the Backstreet Boys. Hey, us too, girl. After showcasing the song live earlier this year, Charli unleashed her definitive take on "I Want It That Way" on the A.V. Club's Undercover series. Backed by two dudes in jean jackets, her take eschews Max Martin's thumping production for a lighter, synth-driven take -- at least until Charli belts the chorus like she's Sandra Bullock in "Speed" and instead of driving a bus really fast, she has to absolutely crush BSB hooks.

Watch Charli XCX cover Backstreet Boys' "I Want It That Way" after the jump.

"It is such an epic pop song," Charli told the A.V. Club of BSB's famous 1999 jam. "It's really super-cheesy, when they do it like that, with that music video, but when you strip it back, it's a really beautiful, powerful pop song."

The Boys themselves are having quite the year: Kevin Richardson, out of the band since 2006, is back in the group, and the quintet's celebrating their 20th anniversary with a new album, In a World Like This, a world tour and a crazy cameo in Seth Rogen's "This is the End." Wait for it… wait for it… Backstreet's back. Feels good. We'll wait for the BSBXCX collab in 2014, take your time, guys.

+ Watch Charli XCX cover Backstreet Boys' "I Want It That Way."

Charli XCX covers Backstreet Boys

Photo credit: IAMSOUND