My Writeup On *NSYNC's Debut Album, Which Is Now 15

Alright, I've been accused by Anonymous commentators this week of being on Justin Timberlake's payroll for writing so much about "Mirrors" and The 20/20 Experience. (Imagine that: me typing out words about the biggest pop release of the year so far?) To that I say... if only that cash was coming in, sluts!

Anyway, here's another one for you: *NSYNC's debut album turns 15 on March 24, and I interviewed Kristian Lundin, who co-wrote "Tearin' Up My Heart" with Max Martin and produced the song, for an anniversary piece over on Idolator.

When I asked him if there were any songs given to Backstreet Boys (another boy band he worked with at the time) that *NSYNC really wanted, or vice versa, his response was: "No comment."

One bit that didn't make it into the Idolator writeup was Kristian's reply when I asked if Cheiron Studios head honcho Denniz Pop (who produced, among other great '90s pop songs, *NSYNC's first single "I Want You Back" with Max) got to know Justin, JC and the rest of them before he passed away in 1998.

"No, unfortunately not," he said. "We didn't see the *NSYNC guys as frequently as, say Backstreet Boys back then, so I don't believe there was enough time. But I know they liked and respected him for inviting them and giving them their first hit."

And, no, I didn't get any cash from JT to write this one, either. But it is a good read.