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>> track-by-track, *NSYNC <<
(debut album, European and U.S. versions)
*since the songs are in a different track order on each version, they're in alphabetical order here (EU = European release, US = United States release, no notation means the song appears on both, and the mix is the same)
album overall:
European - *** [3 stars]
U.S. - **** [4 stars]
"Best of My Life" (EU) ****
Simply a very good song. Justin sounds young (because, well, he was), which is charming; the harmonies are on-point (per usual), and the lyrics are beautiful. However, it loses a star because: 1. the song doesn't fit *NSYNC's style at the time, and therefore seems out of place on this album. If they released it now (please redo this one, guys), it would definitely be a better fit. 2. The whole song seems a bit muffled -- which is certainly the fault of the producer, not the guys. It could use a remastering job, for sure. Come to think of it, the entire European album isn't as crisp and clear as its U.S. counterpart.
"Crazy For You" ***
I'm especially fond of the first verse's beginning, "It's not easy to be alone, it's not easy to fall in love," and the "I wanna rock with you" bridges. This one is better live than it is here. It comes across a bit like cookie-cutter pop, and not really signature *NSYNC. However, I'm keeping in mind this was before *NSYNC had really established their sound (not to mention they were under Pearlman control at this time).
"Everything I Own" (US) *****
Definitely in my top 5 favorite *NSYNC songs. Beautiful harmony, flawless solos (by each member, by the way), and just a great choice for a cover (it was originally a Bread song, and was also redone by Boy George in the 1980s).
"Forever Young" (EU) ***
This has a good music-to-vocals balance, which is refreshing on the European album where most songs' beats drown out the vocals. I love the lyrics and overall message of the song, too. Every member of the group can be heard in this song, as well - not all five get solos, but they can be heard more clearly in the background than in many early *NSYNC songs. It only gets 3 stars, however, just because so many better songs exist.
"For the Girl Who Has Everything" ****
This was a favorite when I first heard it.. the vocals and the message are great, I think I'm just suffering from burnout, so it loses a star... ha ha. For the record, I strongly prefer this all-JC album version to the video mix where he and Justin split the verses.
"Giddy Up" ***
This one has really grown on me. I think the main reason I like it is the fact that they wrote it (primarily Chris), and that means so much to them -- especially considering it was during the puppet days. Aside from all that, though.. darn it if it's not catchy! It's just fun, and sometimes, that's all music needs to be -- not every song has to change the world with its strong moral and political message. Even better live, as are most *NSYNC songs.
"God Must Have Spent A Little More Time On You" (US) ****
Long title, much? This song is simply beautiful. The words are sweet, the harmonies are perfect, and the way most fans react to it is very touching. It's the first *NSYNC song I remember really liking on the radio. I liked "I Want You Back" too, but this one was that "OK, they can really sing" realization I needed to become a real fan. I prefer the edited version that appears on 'The Winter Album,' just because it seems to waste less time -- gets right to the good stuff. :)
"Here We Go" *
Every boyband needs a "theme song" (ie: Boyz II Men's "Motownphilly," or Color Me Badd's self-titled track), and *NSYNC is no exception. With the line "Yes yes yes here we go, *NSYNC has got the flow" firmly in place, it served the purpose, but really accomplished little else. I think the trouble is, the song is very dated now, and just seems stupid. On a side note: I do like the video, just not the song.
"I Drive Myself Crazy" (US) ****
Chris' solo in the opening verse is just so touching - he can really convey so much emotion with his voice, it's amazing. When you hear it, you really believe it. The backing music is great, the vocals are great (I know I say that a lot, but it's true).
"I Just Wanna Be With You" (US) ****
I love this song - good beats, great vocals. It loses one star because of two things: one - there are other tracks that are so amazing, I have to leave room for them on the scale, and two: it's just a bit dated now -- you can listen and go "that's from 1998."
"I Need Love" ****
Yes, I know, a lot of *NSYNC fans don't like this song, so you're surprised right now. I just like it, and I can't really explain why. It's just a lot of fun, and it helps you get going on those days you find it hard to get out of bed.
"I Want You Back" (EU version) ***
The debut single. In the European version, the vocals are edited out in some spots (I guess just to showcase the beats more, or something), and they are definitely missed. The video for this version is completely different too, by the way.
"I Want You Back" (US version) ****
The first *NSYNC song we (and most people) ever heard. It's still a blast to listen to, great to watch live, and one of the most fun tracks to sing along with. The bassline is mom's favorite of all their songs, she walks around imitating it sometimes. Definitely among my favorite fast *NSYNC songs.
"More Than A Feeling" (EU) ****
I adore this song. I know it's a remake of a rock song (originally by Boston), but *NSYNC does it like it's their own. There aren't many instruments clogging it up at all, which is a major plus in my book. They used to do it a cappella on occasion as well, and it was wonderful that way.
"Riddle" (EU) *
I think this was mainly done to reach the dance music market in Germany (where this album was released). I just don't care for it very much, sorry. It is cute to hear Justin sound so young (he was 15), and the lyrics are pretty good, but for some reason, it's just annoying. There are times I'd give it a 2 or 3, it depends on my mood.
"Sailing" ****
This is *NSYNC at their early best. It's a very soothing, calming song, originally performed by Christopher Cross in the 1980s (a favorite then, as well). JC's vocals really shine on this one (he sings the whole thing, with the others doing flawless background harmonies). His range is really shown off, and in parts, he sounds a lot like Claude McKnight (from Take 6... Brian's brother) which is a great thing. Just gorgeous.
"Tearin' Up My Heart" (EU) ** (US) ***
This is slightly different than the version released in the U.S. that most fans are used to. The actual song remains the same, but there is a somewhat odd police radio type intro. This song is very catchy, and remains one of our favorites when performed live. Since I prefer the U.S. version's intro, the European loses a star.
"Together Again" (EU) **
I wanted to give this more, really I did. However, the awkward, and not at all *NSYNC-like harmonies are too hard to see past. The lyrics are good, solos are flawless (Chris and Joey actually get to sing), and the harmonies do get a bit stronger as it goes. If there are better-flowing remixes out there, please let us know. The edited version is somewhat improved, but not enough. Since I know the guys are so talented, I'm tempted to blame this one on bad songwriting (because maybe the harmonies were actually written to sound like that). *shrug*
"You Got It" **
There isn't anything terribly wrong with the song, it's just kind of bland. It's more like cookie-cutter pop, and less like *NSYNC. The vocals are spot on, so no issues there.. it's just.. blah. As usual, though, I will point out it's really good live.
hey-you@nsyncable.com
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