Let's just say that I'm not exactly in the minority when I say that I was completely obsessed with NSync, Backstreet Boys and basically all of the wanna-bes they spawned back in the good old 1999/2000 days. Am I ashamed of that? Well, no. Sure, my music tastes have changed...uh, a lot, but I'm not about to say that straight-up pop music is the worst music I've ever heard (for the curious, Lil' Jon and his sound-alikes win that award in my book). Far from it, actually. So, February 2004: without a doubt, the most talented vocalist of NSync, JC Chasez (for the curious, I always thought Chris Kirkpatrick was by far the hottest -- okay, I'm shutting up, because nobody cares) comes out with his debut solo album, Schizophrenic. As everyone and their dog knows, JC's significantly more popular ex-groupmate Justin Timberlake was very successful with his solo stuff. But you know what? I was fairly unimpressed with Justified (aaaaaalthough that "Never Again" gem co-written by Brian McKnight is simply heavenly).

Simply, I just knew Schizophrenic would be better.

I like JC's voice. Always have. It's powerful. It's good. Has a tendency to sound very '80s, a tendency that even sort of dared to show itself in some of NSync's work (but not much). So, what exactly does he do on Schizophrenic? Let's just say that a couple of equally appropriate album titles would have been JC Unleashed or JC Gone Wild. He really, uh, lets everyone know what's on his mind. The result is funky, eyebrow-raising, dance-able, and, well, refreshing.

In late 2002, I heard JC's debut solo single, the addictive "Blowin' Me Up (With Her Love)" and loved it insanely. Oh, my. I couldn't stop listening to it. Even when I did stop listening to it, that undeniably catchy chorus seemed to have lodged itself into my brain with no intentions of leaving. JC surely knows how to make his voice glide, and even though this song is five minutes long and seems like it would get old, it keeps my interest the entire way through. Definitely a stand-out, because who wouldn't enjoy his silky voice layered over that midtempo funky track?

Another favorite of mine is "She Got Me", which has a clappy vibe that is Prince meets Michael Jackson, mixed with something unidentifiable that is new, zesty, and captivating. At times, JC adopts a fast, whispery-talk thing through the verses, and it works excellently. I must say though, he shines most in the soaring chorus as he cries, "Came down from nowhere, you're blowin' my mind, yeah!" "100 Ways" captivated me instantly, with that CRAZY-infectious, slamming beat pounding itself into my skull. JC holds nothing back here, as he encourages his girl to, uh, speak her mind. Apparently, he sees no real point in being elusive anymore, as he mumbles, "It's really simple, girl...our goals are both the saaaame..." JC's voice is so versatile on this particular track, as he switches sporadically from high-pitched wails to husky muttering.

My initial reaction to the fluffy, summery ballad "Build My World" was, Very NSync-ish. But actually, this song simply sways and is much prettier than anything NSync has ever done. It's much more genuine and it has an honest and sincere yearning. I'm more partial to the feathery verses than the slightly annoying chorus; if you don't get goosebumps when JC mourns, "There's someone for everyone, but no one for me," well, then, you're just...heartless or something. Or, okay, maybe you think it's incredibly lame -- that could always be an option. But I'm a sucker for weepy things like that, so it's great. The taunting, inviting "If You Were My Girl" is stunning and ridiculously singable. JC showcases more of that impeccable vocal range, which lends itself perfectly to this club-worthy track. His passion displayed while singing is impressive -- not to mention contagious. Even while he's shrieking out "Yeah, yeah...OW!" in the middle of the song, it puts anything that Timberlake guy has ever done to shame.

The bass-heavy "Shake It" has an undeniable, freakishly robotic late '60's/early '70s funk vibe written all over it. I seriously think this guy would have been the hugest, most successful artist in the world had he released this thirty years ago. All the synthesizing, dance-y sound effects seemed to have all gotten together and partied this track to death. And it is good. The spoken part at the beginning of the midtempo stunner "One Night Stand" makes me laugh so hard that I cry everytime. "Say, sweet thing...you know, I couldn't help but notice you lookin' all good over here...I was wondering, do you wanna fffff?" At this point, JC's last word deliberately trails off, and the crazy groove takes over. And it's actually totally forgivable, simply because, well, I pray that he wasn't being serious with that spoken part. Anyhow, the song rocks nevertheless. Fiercely soulful and entrancing, indeed.

"Come To Me", complete with this crazy, throbbing beat and amazing vocal work, just might be my absolute favorite. Allow me to say right here that people would swear that a guy from NSync is not the one singing this. It is only further proof that Schizophrenic does not try to stay within certain boundaries; its appeal is so eclectic and I swear this would be a massively successful hit if the music world had any justice at all. "When I'm all aloooone," JC hums, "I imagine I am faaaaace-to-face... inhaling every breaaath you take." Throughout its near six minute entirety, it doesn't lose me.

The reggae-tinged "Everything You Want" is exquisite. So, what's it like? Well, my mom thought it was Sting when she first heard it. Once again, JC's voice is top-notch, as he powerfully emphasizes the human greed that has led to the demise of so many people. "There's always something else around the corner," he acknowledges. "The appetite is never fully satisfied." With soulful wailing scattered throughout the song, along with the thumping beat that personifies it, this is yet another stand-out track. "Lose Myself" is a mature, free, heartfelt ballad that will definitely hold appeal for fans of Brian McKnight. It's so freaking emotional and gorgeous, and JC's voice -- particularly during the chorus -- will literally tide you over with its beauty. "I'm fighting with my confidence," he admits reluctantly, ready to proclaim his devotion. Stifle your laughter, whatever; the guy sounds nothing short of amazing here.

It was hard to simply pick the highlights of Schizophrenic because there are so many. I can't even begin to describe to you how consistent, refreshing and awesome this album is. To this day, it disappoints me that it didn't get as much attention as it should have. This could probably be accounted to the fact that most of the world is, well, over the boy-band pop stuff. What people need to understand is that Schizophrenic is much different than the predictable pop scene. I wish there was a stronger word than 'eclectic' to describe it, because believe me, there really is something for everyone on this consistently enjoyable disc.

TRACK LISTING
1. Some Girls (Dance With Women)
2. She Got Me
3. 100 Ways
4. Mercy
5. Build My World
6. Something Special
7. If You Were My Girl
8. Shake It
9. All Day Long I Dream About Sex
10. One Night Stand
11. Come To Me
12. Dear Goodbye
13. Everything You Want
14. Lose Myself
15. Right Here (By Your Side)
16. Blowin' Me Up (With Her Love)
17. Some Girls (Dance With Women) Remix













Recommended: Yes

Great Music to Play While: Getting ready to go out