The Gold Year 1997
Although
'N SYNC had already exceeded all expectations with the success of their debut
single " I Want You Back ", in 1997 they moved up a gear. 1997 really
was a Golden Year. It began with the gold discs for " I Want You Back
" and " Tearin' Up My Heart " and ended with a gold disc for
their debut album.
Their
comet-like ascent was honoured with numerous awards, for example the VIVA "
Komets " and the " Bambi " in Cologne for " Newcomer of the
Year ".
The
" I Want You Back " and " For The Girl " tours were hugely
successful. Their breathtaking live shows, consisting of acrobatic interludes,
fantastic dance routines and their explosive charisma, didn't only convince
confirmed 'N SYNC fans but was responsible for an ever increasing growth in the
fan base.
Is
'N SYNC's success just the result of a contrived marketing campaign or the
result of hard work, a lot of talent and luck ?
Not
only did 'N SYNC have a successful 1997, it was also a very busy one. It began
with numerous appearances ( on VIVA, MTV, Bravo TV, Wetten, daß , The Dome, Pop
Explosion ), IFA performances, their October tour and, finally, the crowning
finale on WDR's New Year's Eve Party " Die Nacht 97/98 ". These
appearances and performances alone didn't achieve the success, it followed
numerous magazine and radio interviews along with the filming of videos and
dozens of photo sessions. The constant flying from A to B, through which 'N SYNC
proved their professionalism, can also not be overlocked. Despite enormous
stress they always managed to summon a smile for the cameras.
How
can this sudden demand for 'N SYNC be explained ?
Obviously, it was clear to anyone who heard 'N SYNC that it was no flash in the
pan phenomenon. Rather, it had all the makings of something that was going to go
all the way. Everyone who saw Justin, Chris, Joey, Lance and JC live realised
that the incredible chemistry between the five bundles of energy would attract
more than just a very young audience. Even their first live performances were
something special. The sweat in the dance studio with their choreographer "
Robert Jacquez " was paying dividends. Building on the artistic training
that each member of 'N SYNC had already undergone, Mr Jacquez was able to
motivate the boys to even more difficult dance routines ( " Tearin' Up My
Heart " ). Anyone who themselves loves to dance will easily realise just
how much of an effort it is to not only to perform these difficult routines but
also to sing at the same time. The fact that 'N SYNC haven't lost their voices
is only thanks to the years of singin g lessons and their hard - earned physical
condition.
But
what use is musical and dance talent without the suitable songs ? By finding an
experienced manager in the shape of " Johnny Wright " access to first
class songwriters like " Dennis Pop ", " Toni Cottura " or
" Veit Renn " was made easier.
As Dieter Bohlen said in an interview : " A good song can be destroyed by a
bad interpretation. Equally a terrible song can be brought to life through
charisma. "
In 'N SYNC's case the charisma and vocal harmony make a good song even better.
With their energetically explosive charisma 'N SYNC can, for example, with their
sond " Here We Go ", set even the most sluggish of bodies in a party
mood. And , in all honesty, no one has covered the rock ballad " Sailing
" with so much feeling and beauty as 'N SYNC. The self - written funk song
" Giddy Up " also gets under your skin. It could be said that with
their debut album 'N SYNC hit the jackpot and impressively proved their vocal
and musical range.
'N
SYNC's success was built from hard work, a huge amount of talent, an that all
important portion of luck. And, of course, not forgetting their enormous
personal charisma.