"'N Sync gets dirty--and gets respect: Boy band shows off shifting pop sound at Arrowhead show."By Jenee Osterheldt
Bedazzling in everything from puffy painted denim to vintage Dolce & Gabbana, 'N Sync was the sparkle in everyone's eyes as the group slid back and forth across the platinum stage. All that glittered was more than the mechanical bulls and the opening movie screen; these boys let their souls shine through.
Tuesday night's "PopOdyssey" concert at Arrowhead Stadium turned out to be a journey into the next level of 'N Sync: Dirty Pop. Thousands of fans ticked their necks back and forth in angst waiting for the blue and gold pyramid to open and the five elements of pop to appear. When they did, no one was prepared for the never-ending excitement and surprises these Energizer bunnies had in store.
Justin Timberlake and JC Chasez commanded the stage at all times. All females from 5-year-olds to grown women screamed like they were dying for just a glance from they eye candy. Joey Fatone, Chris Kirkpatrick and Lance Bass took on more of a humorous role during the show; nonetheless, they all danced with the beat of a thousand drums.
Not only did they strum hearts with fan favorites such as "Tearing Up My Heart" and "It's Gonna Be Me," but they also had everything from a colorful playground to dance girls who could very well have been borrowed from Prince. "I Want You Back" was performed with the harmony of angels. The crowed stayed on top of their seats, out of their seats, everywhere but sitting in their seats, singing the words to every song, never missing a note.
You expected the crowd to know the words to the multi-platinum hits, but who knew that they would be singing the words of several songs from the not-yet-released "Celebrity" album (due out July 24). All it took was hearing the hooks once, and before the songs were over the lyrics were memorized by the entire stadium. It was like witnessing some sort of mental programming.
New tracks such as "Up Against the Wall" and "Celebrity" showed that not only do these boys have the gift of melody, but they also have dance moves that make one wonder how do they breathe between dancing and singing. There is also a certain "hip-pop" sound to these new songs, a sound that could very easily slide from pop to R&B.
This could be where the pop gets dirty. 'N Sync is breaking the pop plague on boy bands with this new sound. Ballads such as "Gone" and "Selfish" let Justin's and JC's voices show that they are as soulful as mama's sweet candied yams.
It has been said that the guys ultimately will be heralded for mastering complex choreography and having such a colorful, intricate stage show. But it's their voices that are going to take all the attention this go round. In "Pop" Justin sings "all that matters is you recognize it's all about respect." With "PopOdyssey" respect is exactly what they are earning.
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