Looking Ahead With A New Release, New Label ‘N Sync Is Excited About Its Future

With a new album, “No Strings Attached,” being readied for release on Tuesday - and with its lawsuit a thing of the past - boy band ‘N Sync is ready to embark on the latest phase of its career.

Older, wiser, and now signed to the Jive label worldwide, the five members of ‘N Sync are excited about what the future may bring.

“It’s incredibly exciting having ‘N Sync join the Jive family,” says Jive president Barry Weiss. “To have ‘N Sync on the same label as Britney Spears, the Backstreet Boys, and R. Kelly, among many others, is just amazing.”

Originally planned for a pre-Christmas release, “No Strings Attached” was pushed back due to ongoing litigation between the band and BMG Entertainment, among other parties, which ignited when ‘N Sync sought to move from BMG-owned RCA to Jive. A settlement in the suits was announced Dec. 29, 1999, with one result being the act’s move to Jive.

Weiss contends that the delay only helped the label gain momentum.

“The public has been waiting with bated breath for the new album,” Weiss says. “The fact that the drama played out in the public forum only heightened awareness of the new album. Fans are crying for it.”

“We’re all very excited,” says band member Joey Fatone. “We’ve had to wait way too long to release an album of new material. Because of that, we knew we had to move ahead musically.”

Offers JC Chasez, “The new album has a slightly different sound, more of an R&B edge, and more uptempo. We’re just taking pop music to another level.”

Weiss seconds the sentiment. “This new album has lots of new flavors and textures,” he says. “It’s definitely going to surprise many people, especially the group’s core pop audience, who haven’t heard an album like this before.”

“No Strings Attached” finds ‘N Sync completely in control of its destiny. “We were given total control in the studio,” says Fatone. “We chose the songwriters and producers we wanted to work with. With this album, we are being completely true to ourselves.”

“No Strings Attached” includes contributions from Kristian Lundin and Jake Schulze (“Bye, Bye, Bye”); Max Martin, Rami, and Andreas Carlsson (“It’s Gonna Be Me”); Richard Marx (“This I Promise You”); Guy Roche and Diane Warren (“That’s When I’ll Stop Loving You”); Teddy Reilly (a faithful cover of Johnny Kemp’s ‘80s R&B/dance hit “Just Got Paid”); and She’kspere (“Makes Me Ill”).

The album also includes two songs co-penned/co-produced by Chasez (“Space Cowboy” and “Digital Get Down”) and one co-penned/co-produced by band member Justin Timberlake (“Good For You”).