With the world at large drooling over the The Wanted and One Direction, it is safe to say that boybands are back in style.
Indeed, more than 10 years have passed since the last “boom” courtesy of the Backstreet Boys and NSYNC – who dominated charts globally. One of the latter’s last ever singles, ‘Girlfriend’, is this week’s From The Vault pick.
The track served as the final single from their blockbuster curtain-call ‘Celebrity’ and was a Top 5 hit in the US, the UK, Canada and Australia. Originally produced by multi-talented Wade Robson, the video mix for ‘Girlfriend’ featured rapper Nelly and was helmed by the mighty dynamo duo The Neptunes – who would go on to produce the bulk of Timberlake’s debut.
This more Urban, edgier sound was a departure for the boys, who before that were serving up cheese-flavoured bubble-gum in abundance (not to take away from the classic statuses of ‘Bye, Bye’, and ‘It’s Gonna Be Me’). The tune was also a hit with critics (as was its parent album), and is considered a fan favourite.
Its drag race-themed visual echoed the edgy; and is clearly a visual Team Bieber had on loop before shooting the youngster’s latest vid, ironically titled ‘Boyfriend’. The ressemblance is uncanny.
*****
We can’t say we are eager for a NSYNC reunion (although another JC solo run is a *must*). Still, we’d amply appreciate if the new breed of boyband stopped wallowing in the cheese, and actually concentrated on giving them young girls (and boys) something to really scream about. Today’s superstar’s should be building on the foundations set by their predecessors…not peeing on it.
Your thoughts?
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Loved N’Sync back in the days. 1999-2001 were the best years with stars like Britney, Destiny’s Child,J.lo, Christina Aguilera, N’Sync, BSB and Eminem. Now we have dross like Katy, Rihanna, Gaga and the horrible rest.
Great to know that this supposed “Urban Music Culture” blog hasn’t even mentioned a death in one of the most important rap groups of all time, The Beastie Boys.
Yet keeps talkin about nobodies and boybands… you should change your description to “Disposable Urban Culture Blog”, that would be more appropriate.
LOL @MIGUEL
For me this was the only time Justin Timberlake was credible because after this (solo) it became hype, good looks (if he’s your thing) and mediocre music that just followed in the vein of this song
I used to think that the whole teenpop/boyband thing from 1997-2001 was crap, but I would take that over this latest wave of dorky electropop/video game music anyday.
Back when pop/ urban pop used to be interesting and fun. Now everything is so dull and one-dimensional. And I can’t not even nostalgic, since I was about 4 years old when this song came out, but I wish that current music was as seasoned.
:::: blank stare @ ASAP ::::
You were only 4 years old when this song was out?
I used to looooove that song especially the remix with Nelly! Justin Timberlake was to die for in this vid.
I’m just proud to say I was there in 1998 – 2003 during the time N’Sync/Justin Timberlake, Destiny’s Child/Beyonce, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Pink, Usher, Alicia Keys, Eve, Nelly and even Diddy ALL BLEW UP.
I was and still is an avid fan of each act and to me those five years will go down as one of the best eras of music. Talent, Swag, Identity, everybody was ON POINT.
I missed those days so much !
*Heads to Youtube to watch ” What’s Going On” by All Star Tribute*
http://youtu.be/T2hPhILxez8
The name was ARTISTS AGAINST A*** WORLDWIDE, sorry ^^
Did this come to mind, after the web has recently been buzzing that Justin Bieber’s new video for “Boyfriend” has been said to be based off this music video???
Odd timing is all I’m saying. Anywho, its one of N*Sync’s better singles. The Remix is even better than the original.
Look at the sales of Nsync’s albums (and the albums of their competitors) and tell me that RIhanna’s album sales are good! LOL
I see you Justin!!
@ASAP (As Sincere As Possible)
OMG! you’re a baby, this was in mu teens days, oh i feel so old.