foxmonkey: Robot Snowman with Flowers (Default)
foxmonkey ([personal profile] foxmonkey) wrote2004-02-25 10:04 pm

An A minus!

From here.



JC Chasez
"Schizophrenic" Jive

Richmond Times-Dispatch Feb 26, 2004


When applied as a musical description, schizophrenia can be a very good thing, especially when referring to JC Chasez, the only other 'N Sync member with certified talent.

Chasez might have to play catch-up to buddy Justin Timberlake in the popularity and Grammy departments, but Chasez's solo debut is as impressive as his group-mate's, for completely different reasons.

Where Timberlake received his diploma from the "Thriller" Hall of Fame, Chasez chose a different pop maestro to study under - Prince. Nowhere is the Purple One's fusing of rock, pop and funk more deeply felt than the skittering "100 Ways," a melodic stew of spastic guitar and bass lines, lyrics that are alternately sung and murmured and, in true Prince form, a theme completely ruled by sex.

Chasez makes no secret of his libidinal longings - much as you might expect from a single, rich, 27-year-old stud - chanting about it on the gleefully intoxicating dance romp "All Day Long I Dream About Sex" and borrowing Donna Summer's orgasmic ode, "I Feel Love," to dress up "One Night Stand." Shades of Sting color "Everything You Want," and the rubbery synthesizer that intros Corey Hart's'80s hit, "Sunglasses at Night," anchors "Come to Me."

But despite paying homage to a plethora of influences, Chasez is no mime. He co-wrote all but one of the 16 tracks on the album and utilizes his voice - stronger and rawer than Timberlake's - to inject himself into these songs, even on something as simple as the acoustic foot-stomper, "Right Here (By Your Side)."

Yes, "Schizophrenic" is a bit long-winded (one bonus track is his minor hit from "Drumline," "Blowin' Me Up With Her Love"). But more importantly, it spotlights the breadth of Chasez's talents. Not an easy test, considering his background, but one that he aces. A-

- Melissa Ruggieri

[identity profile] powrhug.livejournal.com 2004-02-25 07:43 pm (UTC)(link)
eee! Love this!

[identity profile] swabian.livejournal.com 2004-02-25 08:06 pm (UTC)(link)
My god, she got it! :) What a great review from someone who actually listened closely to the album. Wee!

[identity profile] flambeau.livejournal.com 2004-02-25 08:09 pm (UTC)(link)
Whee! First the RS interview and now this - it's a good day to be a JC fan. At least, a good day to be a JC fan and hang out in your lj. :)

[identity profile] roselily87.livejournal.com 2004-02-25 08:57 pm (UTC)(link)
thank you so much for posting this. Positive reviews are always good! and I saw your post on the jjb, I bumped it up. That place desperately needs more positive vibes.

do you mind if I friend you? you post the best stuff, plus your Grammy icon kicks serious booty :)

[identity profile] foxmonkey.livejournal.com 2004-02-26 02:38 am (UTC)(link)
I saw your post on the jjb, I bumped it up. That place desperately needs more positive vibes.

ROFL! ::waves hands in the air and testifies:: And I'm laughing so hard that I'm just going to give up. :-)


do you mind if I friend you? you post the best stuff, plus your Grammy icon kicks serious booty :)

Thankee! That's my favorite line from any review so far, I think. Well, one of my favorites, but I'm keeping it close to my heart. "Solo star and Grammy contender in his own right." If I were JC and not afraid of needles, I'd have it tattooed on my body. ;-)

Yes, JC lovers are more than welcome to my journal. A warning though, I've been on vacation the last few days and I'm going back to work today. The good stuff posts shall surely plummet. Oh, how I wish this were my job...

[identity profile] roselily87.livejournal.com 2004-02-26 07:33 am (UTC)(link)
If I were JC and not afraid of needles, I'd have it tattooed on my body

ahahaha.

[identity profile] brighton-girl.livejournal.com 2004-02-26 04:09 am (UTC)(link)
Awesome, thanks for posting all these.

Back to the salt mines...I sure have enjoyed your vacation with you.