*NSYNC, Pop | Bangerz N Bopz 🔥

In the 40^th edition of Bangerz N Bopz 🔥 (2024), we highlight “Pop” performed by boy band extraordinaire, *NSYNC. 

Bring on the bold, fierce songs! Bangerz N Bopz 🔥 serves up background info and insight into songs of various styles, especially songs that raise eyebrows and/or stir the pot.  Featured records can be classic or brand new. In the 40^th edition of Bangerz N Bopz 🔥 (2024), we break down “Pop” performed by *NSYNC.

“Dirty POP!” Indeed, Justin Timberlake! “Pop” serves as the opening track from Celebrity, the 2001 studio album by boy band extraordinaire, *NSYNC. It commences Celebrity with a surefire bang.  From start to finish, “Pop” is ear-catching, featuring gimmicky music cues and colorful sounds. Notably, it samples “Smartbomb” by BT who produced it. Justin Timberlake and Wade Robson composed this pop song, which exhibited ample innovative spirit thanks to the variety of sounds and ideas utilized.  *NSYNC had bigger hits, but “Pop” earned them another top-20, reaching no. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100.   

Thematically, Justin Timberlake, JC Chasez, and company asserted they’re more than the ‘pop life’ they are criticized for.  “Sick and tired of hearin’ all these people talk about / ‘What’s the deal with this pop life / And when is it gonna fade out?’ Timberlake sings in the first verse, adding, “That thing you got to realize what we’re doing is not a trend.” In the chorus, *NSYNC further touts their craft:   

“Do you ever wonder why  

This music gets you high?  

It takes you on a ride 

Feel it when your body starts to rock.”  

Chasez performs the second verse, keeping the same energy as his fellow hot, and talented bandmate (“Tired of feelin’ all around me animosity”). Ultimately, *NSYNC makes their point compellingly.  While the collective faded, Timberlake has endured well beyond the ‘fad.’ “Pop” shines thanks to infectious, playful lyrics, fun vocal ad-libs, lovely vocal harmonies, and a beatboxing Timberlake at the end. A bop, a bop, a B-O-P!  

*NSYNC // Celebrity // Zomba Recording LLC // 2001

*NSYNC, Pop: Bangerz N Bopz 🔥 No. 40 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Zomba Recording LLC; cottonbro studio, Harry Shelton, Kool Shooters, Lucas Pazeta, Mavluda Tashbaeva, Teddy Yang, Wesley Souza from Pexels]