Joey Fatone Shares His Take on the Worst Songs *NSYNC Recorded: ‘Horrible’

Joey Fatone, a former member of the iconic boy band *NSYNC, recently opened up about his feelings towards some of the band’s early songs during a panel discussion at 90s Con in Hartford, Connecticut. The singer, now aged 49, expressed some regret over two tracks from the group’s early European releases, suggesting they didn’t align with the sound that the band ultimately developed.

During the event, moderated by Breanne L. Heldman, the executive editor of PEOPLE, Fatone reflected on the band’s early days and the challenges they faced in defining their musical identity. He noted that when *NSYNC first emerged on the scene, the music industry was rife with boy bands, particularly in Europe, and the group was still determining how they fit into that landscape.

Fatone mentioned the track “Riddle,” which featured on the band’s first European album, stating, “It was horrible.” He also pointed to another dance number, “I Need Love,” describing it in a manner that elicited laughter from the audience. “It sounds like JC’s constipated,” he quipped, highlighting his dissatisfaction with the early material.

These songs, according to Fatone, were examples of a time when *NSYNC had yet to establish their distinct sound. “During that period, we were trying to find our way,” he explained. The vocalist felt that the group managed to settle into its groove with the release of their first American album, which is when he believes their true musical identity began to crystallise.

The former boy band member’s candidness reflects the growing pains that many musicians experience as they evolve and refine their artistry. Fatone emphasized that the early tracks never made it into their concert setlists, adding, “Thank goodness we never did them on the tour. I think we did one song on the European tour, but I would never want to do those songs ever again.”

In a follow-up conversation with PEOPLE, Fatone hinted at a treasure trove of unreleased material that remains in the vault. Before the band’s monumental 2000 album, “No Strings Attached,” they had recorded a collection of songs that were never released. He explained that legal complications with their former manager, Lou Pearlman, prevented them from using that earlier work, as Pearlman owned the rights to those recordings.

Fatone’s remarks shed light on the transitional phase that *NSYNC experienced during the late 1990s as they navigated an industry dominated by boy band culture. He recalled the trials of figuring out their musical direction amidst the landscape of hip hop and R&B influences, stating, “We had soulful voices, I guess.”

The conversation at 90s Con reflects a broader nostalgia for the era, as *NSYNC remains a significant part of pop music history. The band, with its memorable hits and renowned choreography, captured the hearts of millions and has left a lasting legacy in the world of pop culture.

With the band’s official return to the spotlight through various reunions and appearances, Fatone’s comments resonate with fans who have embarked on this journey with them since their inception. The candid nature of his reflections on the past offers insight into the evolution of the group and serves as a reminder that even the biggest stars have moments of self-doubt regarding their creative output.

As *NSYNC continues to make headlines, Fatone’s candid retrospective emphasises that the early days were filled with exploration and experimentation—a common arc for many artists embarking on their creative journey. With new projects on the horizon, including his hosting role on the E! series “Cocktail Wars” alongside fellow bandmate Lance Bass, there seems to be no stopping the *NSYNC legacy from continuing to evolve.