The 21st-century teen pop resurgence was in full swing in the summer of 2001 when NSYNC released its final studio album, Celebrity. Given that the group is the featured artist for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday, I could’ve easily featured the smash “Gone” from that album. Instead, I wanted to highlight a personal favorite from that album, “Selfish.”
There was always something different about NSYNC when it came to their music. While they were a boy band, similar to New Kids on The Block, NSYNC always had soul in their music. Initially, I didn’t care for the group.
However, when I read an interview, they gave to Vibe, and they shouted out dropped R&B group Riff as an influence, I knew they were the real deal. Whether it was performing “That’s The Way Love Goes” during Janet Jackson’s ICON special, working with R&B hitmaker JOE on his third album, or having Full Force produce songs on their debut album.
R&B Legend Brian McKnight produced “Selfish,” while group member JC Chasez wrote the song with Jolyon Skinner. Justin takes the first verse on crooning ;
“I just don’t understand
Why you’re running from a good man, baby
Why you wanna turn your back on love
Why you’ve already given up
See I know you’ve been hurt before
But I swear I’ll give you so much more
I swear I’ll never let you down
‘Cause I swear it’s you that I adore.”
“While verse 2 is all about JC, who sings;
I’ll be taking up your time
‘Til the day I make you realize (realize)
That for your there could be no one else
I’ve just gotta have you for myself (for myself)
Baby, I would take good care of you (good care)
No matter what it is you’re going through
I’ll be there for you when you’re in need
Baby, believe in me “.
The song is one anyone can relate to as it deals with unrequited feelings. Justin was the forefronted star of the group. However, from a vocal standpoint, he doesn’t come close to what JC can do. “Selfish” is JC at his best, and it’s still a crime that we never got a straightforward R&B from JC.
I can only imagine the hits he could have made linking up with producers such as The Underdogs, Jam & Lewis, or Mike City. Nevertheless, fans will always have songs like “For The Girl Who Has Everything,” “I’ll Be Good For You,” and “Selfish” when they want to hear JC do R&B.
Final Grade: B+
“Selfish” from Celebrity is available on all streaming platforms.
For their second single, the group presented a ballad entitled “Feels Like The First Time.” Once again, Greene handles the lyrics, while Neville Hodge is responsible for production duties. Greene begins the song with robust energy, proclaiming his love for the lady. Greene’s group members provide stellar work on the background vocals, and the songs eschew nineties R&B without going into crass vulgarity.
The ballad was composed by Michael Masser and lyricist Gerry Goffin, and it was first recorded by Dionne Warwick in 1981. Eight years later, Natalie Cole covered the song, shortening the title. It became the fourth single from her twelfth album, “Good to Be Back.”
Braxton’s vocal talent is perfect on the standards “Christmas Time Is Here,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and “The Christmas Song.” However, like any good R&B Christmas album, it is the soulful yuletide bops where Braxton truly shines. The album’s first single, “Snowflakes of Love,” is instrumental of Earl Klugh’s “Now We’re One”. Braxton’s lush vocals encapsulate the warmth and joy of romantic love amidst a wintery backdrop.