Snap judgment: JC Chasez's 'Until Yesterday'

shasa Sat, Jun 6, 2009 at 10:40 AM EST

i just wnna say I LOVE JC..
I M A GIRL FROM iNDONESIA
I LOVE JC MMMUUUUAAAACCHHH

Kenya Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 11:40 AM EST

I feel that the single is very good, i'm just tierd of waiting for the CD to drop. Is his CD every going to drop? I miss his voice and music.JC is the better singer out of the group *Nsync JT may just be the better song writer.

Castle 2 Fri, Oct 6, 2006 at 04:30 PM EST

I confess- even though I'm nearly 40 yrs old, JC's voice compelled me to break down & buy NSYNC's cds - just to savor JC's voice (love it when he sings, "baby" in the bridge in "bye,bye,bye"). JT can't hold a candle to JC in voice quality; the falsetto is so overused for JT. With JC's voice & his past demonstration of creative ability with NSYNC, why in the world is he continuing to use such bizarre & elicit lyrics in songs with too much repetition and limited vocal range that do not accentuate his VOICE???? I tried to like JC's 1st solo cd, but as a psychologist I can't listen to the lyrics without thinking this man sounds like a sex addict with bizarre fetishes. If only he would go back to creating catchy beats & tones without grossing us out. I don't think most of us want to spend our time thinking about him having threesomes or a girlfriend pregnant by someone else. Please JC, go back to writing about love & heartache without the rancid sexual depictions. Leave some things to the imagination of the listener and go back to sending chills down our spines with your VOICE & letting us remember your songs because of the catchy tunes & beats.

Mario Tue, Oct 3, 2006 at 10:16 AM EST

Nando,

Where is it stated that one cannot post in multiple boards? The only difference is that I'm posting opinions on topics I find interesting whereas you are posting messages addressed to me. I'm not being egostitical but what would you think finding posts addressed to you? On multiple boards, no less! Really, I'm flattered that you'd find me interesting enough to address me and think about me on your time off but I also have to tell you that you're coming accross a bit creepy and obsessive and I hate to tell you I didn't think about you on my time off. Who knew I'd end up having a fan on EW Popwatch?!

You also don't read very well, it seems. Let me repeat myself, I don't want a career in writing.. I already have one as a health care provider; visiting popwatch on the government's time (ultimately, on your dime I guess) is my pastime, NOT a career move.

Nando Tue, Oct 3, 2006 at 07:41 AM EST

Mario you are one egotistical maniac. Think about you all weekend? Surly you jest! You know you are writing to yourself. And speaking of writing on more than one message board, you are all over the boards. You should take Tina's advice, since you have the ability to write for the National Enquirer.

Mario Mon, Oct 2, 2006 at 07:03 AM EST

Nando, I'm flattered that you'd think about me all weekend long! You must have thought about me so much, you had to post in two different threads..that's a bit creepy. Unfortunately, I was busy living my life so I didn't get to laugh at your asinine comments over the weekend.

Tina, thanks but no thanks.. I already have a career in health and don't aspire to "write" for a living. This is all fodder for laughs.

Kacibelle Sat, Sep 30, 2006 at 06:58 PM EST

Ok here is what I posted on a website called jc-source.net.... there was some discussion about this song and this artticle so this was my post in response to it all!!! And I stand by every word because it is true and JC is an honest talent!

(From my JC-Source Post... go to www.jc-source.net to see other posts and comments and to read the ones that I referenced!
)
I still listen to Schizo, in fact I have 3 copies, one for my house, one for my car and the other that I keep in my desk at work so i can listen to it and i still listen to it regularly... so yeah Popwatch, who do you think you are, cause on this site, i can already count more than 11 people who still listen to Schizo!

As for comments made by other posters... most of you have hit the nail on the head but I fully agree with Jess, Donna, LornaUK (you are 100% right, he is quirky and that is grand because not everything he does sounds like everything else on the damn radio) and DRP...

I don't understand it... it's like the man couldn't get anymore talented yet he can't catch a damn break either! I don't know about you all but I for one an really getting sick and tired of JC not getting the recognition that he deserves.

"Until Yesterday" is a great song! As for lyrics wise... JC can pull them off, because he is just that talented!!! Enough said!

Diane Sat, Sep 30, 2006 at 12:25 AM EST

A spirit from another time, far far ahead of ours.

He's different (way) than most of the artists out there today.

I respect and admire him for his style. He's bold and has a taste for something a little more than what most have reached for.

I'm feeling it and love it.

Nando Fri, Sep 29, 2006 at 11:54 PM EST

No wonder Mario writes such long posts, he works for the government. All the red tape is hard to cut even when you are not working. Although, being a government worker entitles Mario to waste the government's money by staying on the post it board during working hours. Mario is living proof that when a government worker puts someone on hold they are actually having fun. No doubt there are benefits that go with the cushy job.

J. Free Fri, Sep 29, 2006 at 08:46 PM EST

ah crap. i like it.

Tina Fri, Sep 29, 2006 at 08:02 PM EST

Mario please keep writing. Perhaps your dream of becoming a real writer will come true.

Nando Fri, Sep 29, 2006 at 07:55 PM EST

Mario:
You are self centered. If a person does not agree with you, you resort to name-calling. Perhaps that works well in your quaint community, but it does nothing for me. You are always right, and every other person is wrong. The only "right" people in your pathetic sorry mind are the yes people. Sorry Mario, but I am not on your side. Go take a much needed rest.

brandonk Fri, Sep 29, 2006 at 07:15 PM EST

I love the new song, and I also listen to his first CD on occasion. Can't wait for the new one!

Fox Fri, Sep 29, 2006 at 06:08 PM EST

I bought his first album *and* attended two of his concerts. I still listen to the CD. GO ME! Seriously, go JC!

The man is incredibly talented, he's got a great voice. He's a fabulous vocalist and this song just kills me, I love it. The lyrics, unfortunately, make me want to smack him - and La Timberlake too, since his name will be on this thing - up 'side the head because I *know* he/they can do better. That said, I've already got a space on my CD shelf cleared for JC's new one. Go Chasez!

Dee Fri, Sep 29, 2006 at 05:14 PM EST

Oh and JT and JC both need to rework some parts of the song. This is just one song but the rest of the album might be great.

Dee Fri, Sep 29, 2006 at 05:11 PM EST

He needs to rework some of the chorus or else it just sounds hokey. I don't know....I like JC and want him to do well but there's just something missing there that he doesn't have. Whatever it is, JT has it.

Azia Fri, Sep 29, 2006 at 03:58 PM EST

Ellipsian: I read the sh*t & I know "Michael" credits JT at the beginning, but why is all the blame on JC when who knows which writer came up with which lines. So you can take whatever crawled up your a** and eat it.

Phil Fri, Sep 29, 2006 at 03:17 PM EST

Its a shame. I have always felt that JC has pushed the envelope with his tracks, especially combining forces with U.K. superstar deejays, Basement Jaxx on a number of occasions, but I have listened to "Until Yesterday" a few times today, and sadly I can say it'll probably be huge in the U.K., but I don't see very many Top 40 programmers spinning this tune. Its the same reason many people never heard alot of the singles from SCHITZOPHRENIC, like "A.D.I.D.A.S." because they did not fit the mold, & unfortunately now I realize why J.C. was quoted on Billboard.com as saying that many playlists are hip-hop driven, because, this song is SO dark in its lyrics, that it would need a pulsing beat to be a hit, however the rollicking beat plunges this track into further abyssmal depths.

And I personally love "FutureSex/LoveSounds" and can honestly attest that had "Schitzophrenic" been released NOW in the wake of Justin's latest cd, it probably would have been a much larger commercial success since the similiarities are there, its just it was a few years before its time. And for all the Justin haters, sure he's had "SexyBack" at #1 on the Hot 100 for 5 weeks now, but no one is even commenting on how its currently sitting also at #11 on the Hip-Hop & R&B chart on Billboard, and will more than likely crack the top 10 on that chart next week, which is no easy feat for any white artist.

C Fri, Sep 29, 2006 at 03:17 PM EST

Good song, I didn't care much for it until the end and I still think it's lyrically challenged. How many times can one listen to the choppy, "If. You. Play. With. Fire. Then. You'll. Get. Burned." opener to the chorus? And I really didn't care for the "sexin' with another man" portion either. But I digress. It's a song about paternity tests and a man who is pissed he's not baby's daddy...

I hope Mr. Chasez has more to offer on his next record. This is a good start, but I need more. I know he can sing but I wish he would display his hook like Justin has with his falsetto.

David Fri, Sep 29, 2006 at 02:36 PM EST

Schizophrenic was GOOD! So is this.

It's just not commercial enough to set his career off the way I think he wants it to.

It's a shame.

Patrick Fri, Sep 29, 2006 at 01:53 PM EST

JC rules!

brooke Fri, Sep 29, 2006 at 01:32 PM EST

I really love "Until Yesterday." I think it's catchy and different. Although, it's not the kind of song I would feel comfortable singing along to if I saw him in concert; that'd be weird. I like being able to sing to his songs that are meaningful, like Build My World, or something. But other than that, I like his new sound.

Mario Fri, Sep 29, 2006 at 01:28 PM EST

Nando,

Your snark wasn't necessary, most people here already agree that JC doesn't get enough recognition vs Justin, but thanks for proving my statement. How does it feel to be one of the millions of dense americans?

Anita Fri, Sep 29, 2006 at 01:15 PM EST

Another example is Nelly Furtado' lyrics in her new album... is a little corny and strange lyrics too... and the people don't care.. like it anyway..!!! so the lyrics is not the f**** problem..!!! JC is great!!!

Ellipsian Fri, Sep 29, 2006 at 01:12 PM EST

Azia: The "writer of this article" has a name, which is Michael (Slezak if you nasty). And Slezak credited a co-author of the song in the very FIRST sentence of the friggin' article. So how 'bout you bother to actually READ his "sh*t" before YOU start slamming him?

Now that I've regulated... I'm sooo rooting for Mr. Chasez. He took some chances with "Schizophrenic" (some of which pained me), but his record was certainly more musically daring than "Justified". I don't know that I'm feelin' this new song (the "play with fire" cliche really burns my muffins), but I'll be there when the album drops.

Oh...and to all you Timberlake haters: I remind you that beyond being friends, J.C. and Justin are colleagues. And they still work together. And Justin's pawprints are reportedly all over a number of potential songs slated for J.C.'s new album. So you either decide that J.C.'s got bad taste, or you get over it and just enjoy something for being good, regardless of the ingredients.

aramis Fri, Sep 29, 2006 at 12:25 PM EST

I'm thinking of riding down the flighline of the naval air station I work out of with a huge banner flailing from the back of my pimped out ride that reads: SLEZAK ROCKS!

I am a proud member of the 11-club, that happily bought JC's debut solo album upon its release. I actually found it to be a higher quality album than Justin's in terms of creativity, ambition, and style. Not to say I don't enjoy BOTH, but I think JC's was a better, WAY underrated, and definitely underappreciated album.

Hrm, I think a duel is in mind. A fight between the two. In a ring.

With a body oil of some kind.

>>drools like Homer<<

Hailey Fri, Sep 29, 2006 at 12:17 PM EST

I love all of JC's music. He is direct and poetic at the same time, or in different tracks. **Schizophrenic was an ingenious album for that reason. That cd is always in my stereo.** If he expressed his lyrics with lots of metaphors to be more illusive, you would critisize him about not understanding his message. When he uses direct language and slang, you downgrade his artistic ability. Make up your mind! I think it's great that he can do both. His music appeals to everyone. Seriously, society says we're tired of the same hum-drum sound of the Top 40 songs, but when someone comes along with a new & fresh vibe you try to cast him away. I like "Until Yesterday"; the groove is new, and its content is true about the majority of America today. I love the song, and cant wait until the new album comes out!!

Celeste Fri, Sep 29, 2006 at 11:30 AM EST

JC's style has always been more interesting and more experimental than Justin's. Sure, some of his lyrics are cliché. But come on, name one pop song that doesn't use clichés. I think JC can get away with it because he usually writes songs that aren't cliché to begin with. I mean, "Space Cowboy" and "Digital Getdown" off No Strings Attached.. who else in 2000 (or ever) was writing songs about space travel and cybersex? He uses lyrics, even cliché lines, in a more interesting way to create a song that hasn't been done before. Even the songs he wrote and produced for other groups always had a slightly angry edge to them.. not the stereotypical "I love you baby, you drive me crazy" pop songs.

There have already been more than 11 replies to this by people who prefer JC to Justin. In fact, JC's last album was extremely well-received by critics, despite its lack of commercial success. Not to sound all conspiracy theorist, but I really think the promotion had a lot to do with it. Jive picked their baby and it was Justin. But Justin himself even said in a recent interview that he thought JC had the best voice of any of them, and by "them" he meant all boy bands. JC had a lot more to do with the writing and production of *NSync's albums, and sang lead as much if not more than Justin, yet Justin's always gotten the credit. I don't mean for that to sound bitter, because I think for the most part it's been in JC's best interest to have it that way. I just wish more people would give JC a chance instead of seeing him as a Justin wannabe.

Azia Fri, Sep 29, 2006 at 10:50 AM EST

I still listen to Schizophrenic and I think everything JC's done has been far better than anything JT will ever do. JT's just overhyped. His nasaly voice & melon head is just unbearable. JC is just a pure talent. He can actually sing & write. So to the writer of this article: JC's not the only person credited for writing this song. Check your sh*t before you start slamming someone.

Simeon Fri, Sep 29, 2006 at 10:35 AM EST

Slezak, this is the second time you've made my day in about 5 minutes. First, you call out "Betty"'s nephew as a futuregay, then you admit to loving JC's first disc (I'm one of those 11 peeps)...you are too cute!
Anyway, the single...it's not bad, but not in the same league as his first solo efforts.

Lover Fri, Sep 29, 2006 at 10:28 AM EST

I'm glad it's not another overproduced song with heavy beats!

sneeky Fri, Sep 29, 2006 at 10:25 AM EST

I think if you're going to slam the writing of a song then you need to slam ALL the writers of the song. Yes the lyrics could have been more cleverly put together. But should it be a suprise that they aren't? Look at Sexy Back; there are what, 6 lines in the entire song sung over and over again?
Americans obviously don't care about lyrics and this tune has a great beat and build to the end. It SHOULD do okay. But we'll see...

Kessa Fri, Sep 29, 2006 at 10:24 AM EST

Oh yes. Justin MUST be a superior lyricist. Just look how he masterfully rhymes back/act/back/and slack. Honestly, Sexyback would be absolutely nothing without Timbaland and the beat. At least JC's song has some depth to it. It is a welcome change to the junk playing on the radio these days.

popper Fri, Sep 29, 2006 at 10:24 AM EST

I thought I was the only one who thought that Justin's FS/LS sounded like JC's Schizophrenic. I like the new song, but I want to hear the rest of the album first before I ake any real kind of judgement.

donnad Fri, Sep 29, 2006 at 10:08 AM EST

I hope his new CD will be targeted at more adult audience because teenyboopers can only appreciate songs like SexyBack, Stars Are Blind or London Bridge.

Anika Fri, Sep 29, 2006 at 10:01 AM EST

If you think that his best song is Blowin Me Up, then I'm 100% sure you haven't heard the whole album

Lesha Fri, Sep 29, 2006 at 09:59 AM EST

I like JC. I always thought he was the more talented vocally of the bunch, and definitely the hottest, even way back in Mickey Mouse clubs, he was definitely yummy then.

Ariel Fri, Sep 29, 2006 at 09:55 AM EST

I'm also one of those 11, and I'll go even farther to say that when I first listened to JT's new album, it reminded me of Schitzophrenic.

That said, this new track is pretty abysmal. Painful lyrics, uncatchy, and awkward. To date, I think JC's best song was "blowin me up with her love." Dude can sing, but something's wrong with his taste in tunes...

Jayne Fri, Sep 29, 2006 at 09:53 AM EST

Add me to the tally of the 11 who still listen to his first solo album. I think JC is vastly superior to Justin and his Schizophrenic is superior to Justin's albums. In fact, Justin's Sexyback is just a pale imitation of some of the songs on Schizophrenic. Why is he getting credit for something JC already did and did better?

Anyway, back to the song...I think it is catchy as hell. It's been stuck in my head since I've heard it.

And come on, it's a POP song, not a great work of literature. What pop songs have great lyrics nowadays? It's all about the beat and the music. There's nothing wrong with the lyrics anyway. They're over the top but they're meant to be! Don't take them so seriously. JC's not. He's said it's meant to be a Jerry Springer soap opera!

I hope the song does well. JC totally deserves Justin-level success.

Wendi Fri, Sep 29, 2006 at 09:50 AM EST

The song is supposed to be tongue and cheek. JC said that it's a humorous Jerry Springer type song and not supposed to be a literary masterpiece. What pop song is? It's a great melody, beat and vocals that make a song a hit and Until Yesterday has all those elements. Also, I love Schizo and still listen to it today. It's one of the best overlooked pop records I've ever listened to.

Chris2x Fri, Sep 29, 2006 at 09:43 AM EST

Don't you know that Justin is God and can't do no wrong? Funny how author of this blog slams only JC for writing lyrics but at the same time mentions Justin co-wrote it. Talk about kissing ass.

Ana Fri, Sep 29, 2006 at 09:40 AM EST

I don't know what is the problem....!! First, is just a song and JC said in interview that he made some funny or different to another lyrics and Until Yesterday is one of them....
There are many songs that the lyric are very stranges and sometimes very stupid like London Brigde but like it anyway maybe becuase the rythm..!!! even the Sexyback song has a stupid lyric too that even in the chorus tired alittle bit because repeat the same thing many times.!!!.. so u don't anything about the lyric because in fact could be a real thing sometimes anyway..!!!
I think is song is great I really like it..!!!

Nancy Walker Fri, Sep 29, 2006 at 09:18 AM EST

At least he is better looking than Timberfake.

Nando Fri, Sep 29, 2006 at 09:15 AM EST

Everyone, please agree with Mario or you will be reduced to ashes.

Drew Fri, Sep 29, 2006 at 09:12 AM EST

I'm part of that 11...

I really enjoyed JC's first album...

And I just announced it...

Mario Fri, Sep 29, 2006 at 09:01 AM EST

I like it.. and I hate how many people are praising Justin's Futuresex/lovesounds when JC was the first one to experiment outside of the boyband/RnB/lite formula that Justin stuck with for his first solo.

I think JC has mad talent that he isn't being given credit to but I guess idiocy wins ones again in America, land of the dense.

Thad Fri, Sep 29, 2006 at 08:49 AM EST

not into it, once again.

Leslie Fri, Sep 29, 2006 at 07:43 AM EST

I may be one of the 11 people out there who prefer JC to Justin. I think his voice is gorgeous (not the high-pitched, and sometimes whiny soprano that Justin has). I don't know what he's doing wrong, because if he could pick the right stuff he'd be big. But so far...

Damita Fri, Sep 29, 2006 at 06:40 AM EST

You say Justin co-wrote it but it's JC who is being slapped for the lyrics? Umm ok...

BB Fri, Sep 29, 2006 at 05:58 AM EST

This is so coincidental. I just listened to the song of his website through a link on Billboard.com. I have the exact opinion as Mr. Slezak. That songs lyrics are pretty trite. While I was listening I had the feeling I was at a bad poetry reading. I can't believe a record label would let that stuff go. "Billie Jean" is the way to write a question of paternity song. Sorry JC.

Reuven Malter Fri, Sep 29, 2006 at 05:40 AM EST

Also found JC's first solo project more ambitious than Justin's. Guess the formula for success is to copy other artists, e.g. Michael Jackson, Prince.