NSYNC was one of pop music’s most popular boy bands during the late 1990s and early 2000s. I mean you must be living under a rock, underneath another rock, if you have no idea of who they are. The group consisted of members Justin Timberlake, JC Chasez, Chris Kirkpatrick, Joey Fatone, and Lance Bass. They sold over 70 million records, won numerous awards, and were in the Guinness Book of Records for having the fastest-selling pop album in history “No Strings Attached”. The album sold over one million copies in one day and over two million in one week.
Imagine that, one million in one day. If someone told me that, I wouldn’t believe them at first.
But speaking of things I wouldn’t believe at first, I can’t believe that 20 years later, in the year of our Lord, 2023, *NSYNC are now reunited, and also, they have a new single!!
I am a 1990s baby so I grew up with pop groups as well, so I’ve listened to their great hits and I am going to rank the definitive, top five *NSYNC songs of all time. Love me or hate me, Don’t @ me.
#5 Tearin’ Up My Heart
On my number 5 spot, “Tearin’ Up My Heart” is basically the holy grail of pop music. It’s got all the secrets of a killer pop song – a beat that’ll make your grandma breakdance, some behind-the-scenes drama (Backstreet Boys passed on it, can you believe?), and synths that are basically the musical equivalent of confetti cannons.
Chris Kirkpatrick hops on the mic with JT and JC. Sure, he’s like the Robin to their Batman, but he’s there hitting those high notes to add depth to the song.
So, next time you’re feeling all nostalgic and want to time travel to when boy bands ruled the world, just crank up “Tearin’ Up My Heart” and let the harmonies of JT and JC teleport you to a pop paradise.
#4 Pop
The boy band scene was catching some serious shade because people weren’t buying them as legit singers. So NSYNC went, “Hold up, we can play this game too.” After the crazy success of “No Strings Attached”, they dropped this track to mess with the narrative.
It’s basically a backstage pass to the wild world of being a pop stars. But here’s the kicker—it’s not meant to be taken seriously. There’s some legit frustration in their voices as they dish about what folks say about pop stars. And yeah, there’s a line about the ice around their necks that might make you roll your eyes.
#3 Girlfriend
Ah, the theme that never gets old. Boy likes Girl but Girl already has a boyfriend but the boyfriend is not treating her well, and Boy wants to treat her better than she’s ever been treated before. He wants her to know that her boyfriend won’t treat her the way he would. Classic.
The Neptunes cooked up and whipped out this track for the gang. It also wasn’t a one-time deal. They teamed up with Justin Timberlake on a lot of his solo projects.
The moment that beat hits, this song slaps you in the face—in a good way. You know it the second it graces your ears. It’s got that signature Neptunes production tag all over it, blending pop, R&B, and hip-hop vibes like it’s nobody’s business, and it enabled the group to step away from their usual pop sound and explore some creative freedom.
#2 Bye Bye Bye
For our number 2 spot, “Bye Bye Bye” is a dance anthem that’ll have you moving like your limbs are possessed. I grew up with this song so I was forced, er I mean, heavily coerced, to dance the choreography of this to the entertainment of older relatives. Those were not-so-good old days.
Now, the musical arrangement is just pure fire, catchy beats and all. It feels like they got the perfect pop formula and they’re just flexing about it.
#1 It’s Gonna Be Me
Man, trying to describe how insanely catchy this song is, is impossible! The music’s straight-up fire. Drums and bass are hotter than a jalapeño eating a habanero. Add in some hardcore piano chords to drive the beat, and you’ve got a musical explosion.
This track is so radio-friendly, that it practically owns a spot on the airwaves. And get this, even though it was recorded ages ago, it’s timeless!
Justin Timberlake and JC Chasez practically sang their hearts out with passion cranked up to 1000. They give each other the stage to shine, and JC? Thumbs up for holding those notes like a beast. It’s like a musical masterpiece that refuses to age. I’m 32 and listening to this just brings me back 20 years.