JustiN, ChriS, JoeY, LansteN, and JC...the five members of *NSYNC...corny
huh? Almost as corny as the lyrics to the songs from their first album. But
these five guys from Orlando have come a long way in the last five years.
Their second album, No Strings Attached, reflected their professional
struggles as they switched labels. It also reflected their personal struggle
as they searched for their niche in the music world. But the group showed
the first signs of coming in to their own, musically. The album featured an
edgier sound and slightly more experimental flavors. And Justin Timberlake
even put forth a rather decent attempt at songwriting with the old school
track :"I'll Be Good For You" (finally, he's good for something except
looking cute). Despite a few lame attempts to sound "ghetto", the album
actually proved to be very listenable...and even enjoyable, and managed to
let them stand apart from their counterparts. And although the album didn't
exactly receive any critical acclaim, it managed to set overwhelming records
as far as sales were concerned.
Now you might just call *NSYNC the Rodney Dangerfield's of the pop
world...they just don't seem to get any respect. Despite the #1 album, high
sales records, an assortment of awards and nominations, they have received
nothing but criticism. And with Celebrity, the boys are on a rampage to
silence their haters.
Celebrity features a new sound...one that might not be expected from a boy
band. The music is edgier, more energetic, slightly digital, and the lyrics
are louder, more aggressive and in-your-face. Hence a new genre of music is
born...DIRTY POP.
Okay, so it sounds cheezy. But hey, cheezy works. And the ultimate message
still rings true. These guys are trying to break out of a mold...and nothing
is going to stop them. Now you gotta give 'em some props. They actually want
more than just money and fame for their good looks and sugary-sweet
voices...they want RESPECT as musicians.
And as far as the musical aspect of this album is concerned, they do not
falter. They deliver perfect harmonies and never miss a beat. But for the
first time, they venture beyond simply singing the words and looking pretty
for the picture on the front of the album. In fact, Justin Timberlake and JC
Chasez venture in to song writing, arrangement, and even production...and
the attempt is more than decent.
The first single, "Pop" (written and arranged by Justin Timberlake with some
help from one of the choreographers) was a surprise. In fact, the song is
nothing short of amazing. It features a "cute white boy rap sound" (which
actually works for them)and a BT remixed digital, danceable sound, all while
delivering a speech demanding more respect...and you got to give it to 'em.
They've made good with this song.
And "Pop" is not the only commendable track on this CD. The fourth track,
"Girlfriend" delivers the typical "dump-his-ass, get-with-me" routine, in a
sweeter, more clever way than previously packaged by other bubble gum
artistes. "The Game Is Over" is an upbeat "I'm dumping your ass" song which
has been done with a surprising amount of skill and creativity. The
"pac-man" sounds added to the song only increase the song's appeal, without
making it sound trite. "Up Against the Wall" is another upbeat "get up and
get your freak on" type, with major single potential. The clubby beats
paired with somewhat freaky lyrics are easy to get down to...all while
reminding us what all 20-something guys have on their minds. "See Right
Through You" is another well-packaged, fun-to-listen-to song and the vocals
are, once again, nothing short of perfect. Still, in my opinion, one of the
best songs of this album is "Just Don't Tell Me That". It delivers yet
another message from these guys...they ain't about to be used by no
gold-digging girls. While the message is true but trite, the song has an
amazing beat, skillfully crafted music and punchy lyrics that you won't be
able to get out of your head.
And then of course, we have the sweet ballads that boy-bands are famous for.
But let me tell you, these guys have surpassed all their competitors and
even outdone themselves. The slow songs are few in number, but what they
lack in quantity is sufficiently made up for in quality. "Gone", composed
once again by Justin Timberlake and his choreographer/partner-in-crime, Wade
Robson, is an absolutely stunning song with beautiful lyrics and music, and
a wistful tone that touches the heart. The soulful "Something Like You" is
another highlight of this CD, combining beautifully delivered vocals and
amazing harmonica accompaniment by the legendary Stevie Wonder. But the
pinnacle ballad of this album comes through in "Selfish". Produced by R&B
genius Brian McKnight, everything about this song is perfect. The vocals are
come straight from the heart and the song could leave even the most
cold-hearted person in tears. I hate corny ballads, but I have never been so
impressed.
Impressive as this disc is, I am still not suggesting that the album is
perfect. The title track "Celebrity" features punchy lyrics, but the
background incantations prove to be somewhat annoying..."If I didn't get
cheese like every day, would you still wanna be with me?" Ugh! Please! "The
Two Of Us" is cute, but the circus sounding music is almost irritating and
doesn't fit the song. And "Tell Me, Tell Me...My Baby" includes all the
essential components of a boy band hit, but still manages to fall somewhat
short. And "Do Your Thing", a song which is chock full of inspiring lyrics,
still failed to inspire me. These songs aren't bad, but they don't reach the
standards set by some of the other songs on this album.
The music on this CD is different, while still being careful. It packs an
interesting punch, and some of the songs are downright irresistable. If you
like boy-bands and love *NSYNC, you may be surprised by what is delivered,
but no doubt that you will love every track and have all the lyr. If you
hate boy-bands and nothing will ever change that, I doubt that this will.
But if you're an open-minded music lover, give this album a chance. It has a
Boyz II Men meet the Chemical Brothers sound that manages to be incredibly
appealing. All in all, the album works. It made a believer (and maybe even a
fan) out of me, a self-confessed boy-band hater, who is still in denial of
the New Kids On The Block posters that once adorned her walls. My eclectic
musical tastes (which range from Dr. Dre to Dave Matthews to Brian McKnight
to Nirvana) do not usually include anything pop, but I believe in giving
credit where its due, and this album is more than a decent attempt by five
cute boys...its a damn good attempt by five musicians (who happen to be very
cute).
