Review by Hayley
*NSYNC's first CD, aptly titled "*NSYNC"...how original. Now, in reviewing this CD, I had to keep in mind that they were WAY under the thumb of Lou Pearlman at the time, and didn't really have much of a part in the decision-making. Thank Christ. 'Cause I know for damn sure that I wouldn't want to be credited (blamed) for some of these songs.
Tearin' Up My Heart: This is a great song. It's got a good beat and you can dance to it, and the lyrics aren't too deep (trust me, NO danger of that happening on this CD), nor are they intelligence-insulting.
I Wanna Be With You: Me no likey. The "na na na" thing is super-annoying and doesn't really seem to fit the song. The beat is kind of pseudo-porn music, and just comes off sounding like the theme music for a pot-bellied lounge singer with a bad hairpiece. The lyrics are ultra-simplistic and match the lounge singer motif to a tee. Exhibit A: "Girl, you're turning me on. You're such a fine lady."
Here We Go: And the award for "Most Inane Lyrics" goes to... Exhibit A: "Come on, party people, there's a party going on tonight." Riiiight. But if you can ignore the nonsensical lyrics, it's a bouncy fun song.
For the Girl Who Has Everything: I'm sorry, but this song sounds like something from what I like to call "bandwagon boybands". You know what I'm talking about: since BSB and *NSYNC hit it big, there has been an influx of generic, mildly talented, utterly bland boybands, most of whom have not stood the test of time. I just feel like this song is beneath *NSYNC. Exhibit A: "For the girl who has everything, I bring you love." Ya know, I'm pretty sure that a girl can never have too many diamonds. Cockiness alert: "'Cause the girl who has everything can't get enough of my love." Oh, really?
God Must Have Spent A Little More Time On You: And the award for longest song title on the face of the earth goes to... I like this song. Correction, I LOVE this song. The lyrics are somewhat cheesy, but don't quite venture into limburger territory. Their voices were made to sing this song and they totally elevate it above the source material.
You Got It: The beat's okay, kinda gets my toe tapping, but damn, I just can't stand these lyrics. Exhibit A: "You got it. I want it. I'll do whatever it takes. You got it. I need it. Your love is what makes my heart break."
I Need Love: "State the Obvious" song. Exhibit A: "I need love. You need love. We all really need love." But I do like this song, because of the nostalgia: it sounds like a dance song from my high school glory days, circa 1994, and I like that.
I Want You Back: Who doesn't like this song? It's super catchy, lyrics non intelligence-insulting, and great harmonies. Ya know, there's a reason why this song and "Tearin' Up My Heart" were the biggest hits of this album.
Everything I Own: Back off, man, I really like this song. The lyrics are even kinda sweet...oh come on, I have a romantic soft spot, too! And this song hits it. Once again, their voices totally elevate the song and make it better than it should be, better than it would be in the hands of another group. Plus, this song has the incredible distinction of being one of the very few songs where Lance actually sings a line or two by himself. And man, Lance's priceless "You know, baby, my love for you will always stay true. That's right. Hehe. Because there is no me without you". It's just like something out of the doo-wop era. ("Darlin...")
I Drive Myself Crazy: Chris sings! By himself! Lead! Finally! We already know my feelings on Chris, but DAMN, he does have a lovely voice, and definitely deserves more solos. I love this song more than my luggage. Seriously, it's one of my all-time faves. Absolutely beautiful, they've never sounded better, and it has the distinction of being the one song on this CD whose lyrics I actually like, not just tolerate.
Crazy For You: Does anyone actually listen to this song?
Sailing: Orgasmic. I really LOVE this song. They make it more than a simple cover, and elevate harmonizing to the level of art. Another one of those songs that their voices were made for.
Giddy Up: *snicker* Ahem. Okay, time to seriously review this song. ....*giggle*....*snicker*...*pfffftt!!* HAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Okay, that's just not possible. Ridiculous. Ludicrous, even. That's all I got to say. Worth a listen only for Lance's only other solo line: "Girl, are you alone?" Priceless.
SUMMATION: It's definitely got its charms, but this album is quite obviously a prime example of what Lou and his cronies thought would be a cash cow. This album is all about playing it safe, keeping it stupid, and not colouring outside the lines. The boys' talent is the thing that makes this CD worth it.