'NSYNC - the debut european album from one of the most popular and successful vocal groups in recent years showcases the talents of the five guys of *NSYNC. As many of y'all know 'NSYNC first came into prominence in Europe in the late 1990's and this album clearly shows alot of European influence to the group's sound. I am actually from the United Kingdom and I was first introduced to *NSYNC by my cousins from Germany and Switzerland in 1996, and I purchased this album in 1997.
The instant that it made its way into regular rotation in my music listening it just stuck with me. I would go into school with the melodies of their songs and their harmonies planted in my brain and I couldn't wait to get back home to listen to their songs. There is a really good variety of music on this CD, at a glance the songs that stick out the most are as follows:
"Tearin' Up My Heart" - a longer version which is easier to sing along to since it has more instrumental breaks!!!
"I Want You Back" - their debut single back in '96 which has all of the good points of a great dance pop song: a great beat, pleasant harmonies and an unbelievably catchy chorus!
"Here We Go" - another hot dance pop song which always gets me up and dancing and it reminds me of seeing 'NSYNC on German TV back when they first started!
"For The Girl Who Has Everything" - I can't even begin to describe how much I love this song, JC - what a voice!!! The harmonies, the guitar, the bass...everything about this song just screams perfection. JC has such a great voice throughout this song (especially the second verse!!!)
"Sailing" - Another great vocal performance by JC make this a memorable song on the CD as well as the 5-part vocal arrangement in the middle of the song (to cover the piano solo in the Christopher Cross version!!!)
"Together Again" - This was the 'NSYNC christmas single in europe for 1997 and for me is one of the highlights on the album, the verses are sung by 4 members of the group instead of just JC and Justin. Justin takes the 1st verse, Chris the 2nd and Joey does the 3rd verse (with JC doing some nice overdubs!!!).
"More Than A Feeling" - Very nice take on the Boston classic, almost unidentifiable from the Boston version - would have been better as a full acapella arrangent as the instrumental arrangement is very bare! You also get to hear Joey sing "Closed my eyes and I slipped away" in the 2nd verse!
"Crazy for You", "The Riddle" and "You Got It" (nice middle bit!) are all quite enjoyable uptempo dance songs with nice leads from Justin and JC making them a worthwile listen. Unfortunately the same cannot be said for the rather dreadful "I Need Love" and "Forever Young" - how "I Need Love" actually got to be on the US edition is still beyond me!!!
"Best Of My Life" is good but I will agree heartily with the other reviewers who said that it sound too much like "End Of The Road" by Boyz II Men. (Personally I feel that it was their take on "I'll Never Break Your Heart" by the Backstreet Boys - which they admitted was their favourite Backstreet Boys song on a German TV Interview in 1997!!!)
As for "Giddy Up" well it is the most laughable 'NSYNC track ever... what on earth are they on about here? I have never liked this song although it's not as "wack" as "If You Want It To Be Good Girl (Get Yourself A Bad Boy)" by Backstreet Boys - which is 10 times worse!
Anyway, overall this is one tight album and it brings back alot of memories for me, I recommend that you folks that don't have it, whip out your wallets and get purchasing!!!
Peace Out y'all!
