Gone (NSYNC song)

Last updated

"Gone"
Gone 'N Sync.jpg
Single by NSYNC
from the album Celebrity
B-side
  • "I'll Be Good for You"
  • "The Game Is Over"
ReleasedAugust 21, 2001 (2001-08-21)
Recorded2001
Studio Westlake Recording (Los Angeles)
Genre
Length4:51
Label Jive
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
  • Justin Timberlake
  • Wade Robson
NSYNC singles chronology
"Pop"
(2001)
"Gone"
(2001)
"Girlfriend"
(2002)
Music video
"Gone" on YouTube

"Gone" is a song by American boy band NSYNC. It was released as the second single from their fourth studio album, Celebrity (2001). The band first performed the song on PopOdyssey during mid-2001, and it was sent to US radio on August 21, 2001. The physical release of the single did not occur until October 15, 2001, when a CD single was issued in Australia. It is the first NSYNC single where Justin Timberlake sings all lead vocals.

Contents

The song was nominated at the 44th Grammy Awards for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals, but lost to U2's "Stuck in a Moment You Can't Get Out Of".

Background

The song was initially meant to include Michael Jackson. Michael Jackson Cannescropped.jpg
The song was initially meant to include Michael Jackson.

"Gone" was initially written by Timberlake and Wade Robson for Michael Jackson in 2001. [1] However, Jackson passed on the song, which allowed Timberlake to introduce it in an A&R meeting for NSYNC's next album, Celebrity . [2] It was the first song Timberlake cut on his own, as he brought it to the group to record together. [2] Jackson eventually changed his mind and requested to be featured on the song as a duet; however, the song was already released, and the two could not find a way to revamp it. [3] In an interview with Oprah Winfrey, Timberlake expressed, "[Michael] was very absolute about the fact that he wanted it to be a duet between himself and I." [3]

In an interview with Billboard , JC Chasez described the song's significance on the group: ["Gone"] is about as raw as it gets. It's just us and a beat-box, with just a tiny accent of acoustic guitar and violin. That song is a proud moment for us; it really shows how tight we are as a group." [4]

Timberlake got the idea for the song when his then-girlfriend Britney Spears went to the hair salon and did not return for hours. [5] The song and music video were notable departures for the group; previous NSYNC singles always had verses divided between lead vocalists Timberlake and Chasez, and in earlier music videos each group member had a storyline. "Gone" has Timberlake singing both verses as well as the bridge, runs, and ad libs. He is also the focus of the accompanying music video, with Timberlake getting mostly solo footage while his bandmates appear together separately. [6]

Critical reception

Jason Lipshutz of Billboard stated that the song established "Timberlake as a solo artist long before he was actually a solo artist, and remains one of his very best singles to date." [3] In 2018, Billboard staff ranked the song 24 on their list "The 100 Greatest Boy Band Songs of All Time," writing, "the bridge is downright surreal, as the sparse beat drops out entirely, the meter all but dissolves, and the five members sound like they're swarming Timberlake's subconscious, until he breaks out for a final chorus of masterful ad libs. But it all comes back to that one word: harrowing, relentless and unmistakably final." [7] In 2015, Rolling Stone staff ranked it as the 37th greatest boy band song of all time. [1]

Chart performance

"Gone" peaked at number eleven on the Billboard Hot 100 on November 13, 2001. It also reached number fourteen on the Hip Hop/R&B Airplay charts, becoming the only pop boy band to chart there. [8] The single also hit number 27 on the Adult Contemporary chart. It also reached number 28 in Canada, number 24 in the UK, and number 43 in Sweden.

Music video

The music video for "Gone" was directed by Herb Ritts [9] and filmed in August 2001. [10] It debuted on TRL on September 26, 2001. [11] The video is shot in black-and-white, but opens and closes with sepia-toned scenes of a silent film depicting Timberlake as a Charlie Chaplin-esque figure who tries to woo his love interest. [9] The main part of the video depicts Timberlake singing in an empty house with his bandmates. Scenes of the guys singing are intercut with Timberlake's flashbacks to happier times with a former girlfriend, played by Croatian model Korina Longin. [9] [12] These flashbacks include Timberlake celebrating his girlfriend's birthday at a party with NSYNC, painting his girlfriend's toenails, gifting her a necklace, and rolling around in the grass kissing. [9]

"Gone" was the first NSYNC video to center Timberlake, with Jon O'Brien of Billboard writing, "Herb Ritts' brooding monochrome promo highlighted even further how much Timberlake had outgrown his bandmates." [13] As Timberlake would go on to launch a successful solo career the following year, writers have noted the music video foreshadowed the band's future and Timberlake's solo ascent. [1] [14] The video became *NSYNC's tenth number 1 video for TRL . The video received spins on BET's 106 & Park , making NSYNC the only all-white group to ever get rotation on the show. [15] "Gone" was nominated for Video of the Year at the 2002 MTV Video Music Awards, [16] but lost to "Without Me" by Eminem. [17]

Live performances

"Gone" was performed live at the 2001 Billboard Music Awards, [18] the 2002 Grammy Awards, [19] and during the band's set at a 2002 Winter Olympics concert, [20] in addition to the group's PopOdyssey and Celebrity tour shows. Justin Timberlake has also sang the song solo on his Justified tour and The 20/20 Experience World Tour. [21] The group sang the opening bars of "Gone" at the beginning of their reunion medley at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards where Timberlake was awarded the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. [22]

Track listing

Credits and personnel

Recording [25]

Personnel [25]

Charts

Release history

CountryDateFormat(s)LabelRef.
United StatesAugust 21, 2001 Contemporary hit radio Jive [48]
AustraliaOctober 15, 2001 CD [49]
JapanOctober 24, 2001 Maxi-CD [50]
AustriaNovember 5, 2001 [51]
Germany [51]
Switzerland [51]
United KingdomNovember 26, 2001 [52]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">JC Chasez</span> American singer (born 1976)

Joshua Scott "JC" Chasez is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and actor. He started his career as a singer on The Mickey Mouse Club (1991–1994) before rising to stardom as a member of the 1990s boyband NSYNC. The band has sold over 70 million records, becoming one of the best-selling boy bands of all time. Chasez released his debut single "Blown Me Up " in 2002, following NSYNC's decision to go on a hiatus earlier that year. Schizophrenic, his debut solo album, was released in 2004. Chasez has written and produced for a wide variety of music acts such as Backstreet Boys, McFly, Sugababes, Victoria Duffield, and Matthew Morrison. He also served as a judge on the first seven seasons of America's Best Dance Crew.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Justin Timberlake</span> American singer and actor (born 1981)

Justin Randall Timberlake is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and actor. Often referred to as the "Prince of Pop", he is regarded as one of the most influential entertainers of his generation. Timberlake is known for his diverse artistry in songwriting, showmanship, tenor vocals, and music production. He is the recipient of numerous awards and accolades, including ten Grammy Awards, four Primetime Emmy Awards, three Brit Awards, nine Billboard Music Awards, the Contemporary Icon Award by the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and MTV's Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. According to Billboard, Timberlake is the best-performing male solo artist in the history of the Mainstream Top 40.

<i>No Strings Attached</i> (NSYNC album) 2000 studio album by NSYNC

No Strings Attached is the third studio album by American boy band NSYNC. It was released by Jive Records on March 21, 2000. Looking to distinguish their music from that of their labelmates, NSYNC chose to incorporate pop and R&B styles. Prior to the release of the album, the band separated from their management Trans Continental and their label RCA Records; its title is a play on the idea of independence from corporate control. Contributions to the album's production came from a wide range of producers, including NSYNC members Justin Timberlake and JC Chasez, and collaborators including Kristian Lundin, Jake Schulze, Rami, Teddy Riley, Kevin "She'kspere" Briggs, Richard Marx, Veit Renn, Babyface, and Guy Roche.

<i>Justified</i> (album) 2002 studio album by Justin Timberlake

Justified is the debut solo studio album by American singer Justin Timberlake. It was released on November 5, 2002, by Jive Records. The album was written and recorded in a six-week period as Timberlake's band NSYNC was on hiatus. For his solo album, Timberlake began to adopt a more mature image as an R&B artist opposed to the previous pop music recorded by the group. The majority of the album was produced by the Neptunes and Timbaland, and features guest appearances by Janet Jackson, Clipse, and Bubba Sparxxx. Primarily an R&B album, Justified also contains influences of dance-pop, funk, and soul music.

<i>Celebrity</i> (album) 2001 studio album by NSYNC

Celebrity is the fourth studio album by American boy band NSYNC. It was released by Jive Records on July 24, 2001. Due to constant criticism that they were not a "credible group", NSYNC began experimenting with genres such as hip hop and two-step. As with their previous studio album, No Strings Attached (2000), numerous producers, including BT, Rodney Jerkins, Brian McKnight, PAJAM, and the Neptunes, worked on the album. Justin Timberlake and JC Chasez also contributed to production, while they co-wrote 10 of 13 tracks in an attempt to develop a unique sound, which includes pop, R&B, and teen pop.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cry Me a River (Justin Timberlake song)</span> 2002 single by Justin Timberlake

"Cry Me a River" is a song by American singer-songwriter Justin Timberlake for his debut solo album, Justified (2002). It was written by Timberlake, Scott Storch, and Timbaland, with the latter two handling production. It was thought to be inspired by Timberlake's former relationship with singer Britney Spears. Jive Records released the song to contemporary hit and rhythmic radio in the United States on November 25, 2002, as the album's second single. Accompanied by an electric piano, beatbox, guitars, synthesizers, Arabian-inspired riffs and Gregorian chants, "Cry Me a River" is a pop and R&B song about a brokenhearted man who moves on from his past.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Like I Love You</span> 2002 single by Justin Timberlake

"Like I Love You" is the debut solo single of American singer-songwriter Justin Timberlake from his debut studio album, Justified (2002), which features American hip hop duo Clipse. It was co-written by Timberlake and the Neptunes, who also produced it. The song was released on September 16, 2002, as Timberlake's debut solo single, following the announced hiatus of NSYNC earlier that year. According to Williams, the song's drums were an ode to the funk era.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Señorita (Justin Timberlake song)</span> 2003 single by Justin Timberlake

"Señorita" is a song by American singer-songwriter Justin Timberlake for his debut studio album, Justified (2002). It was released on July 7, 2003, by Jive Records as the fourth single from the album. He co-wrote the track with its producers Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo of The Neptunes. According to Timberlake, the song was influenced by Stevie Wonder. Musically, "Señorita" is an R&B, pop, and jazz up-tempo ballad, featuring an electric piano strut, cowbell in beat of the song, and a rhythm section. The song has been described as a Spanish "number" with a "Latin flavored" cut beat. In the track, Timberlake sings about a woman, whose attention he is trying to capture. "Señorita" received positive reviews from music critics, who commented on the track's general sound and lyrics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bye Bye Bye</span> 2000 single by NSYNC

"Bye Bye Bye" is a song by American boy band NSYNC from their third studio album, No Strings Attached. It was released on January 17, 2000, as the lead single from the album. The song was written and produced by Kristian Lundin and Jake Schulze, with additional writing by Andreas Carlsson. Its lyrics describe the end of a romantic relationship; it was reported to also reference the group's separation from their manager Lou Pearlman and their record label RCA Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Girlfriend (NSYNC song)</span> 2002 single by NSYNC

"Girlfriend" is a pop and hip hop song by American boy band NSYNC. It was released on January 14, 2002, as the third single from their fourth studio album Celebrity. It was the group's last song to enter the top 10 of the US Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number five. "Girlfriend" additionally reached number one in Canada and charted within the top 10 in six other countries, including Australia, Germany, and the United Kingdom. This was the last single and song the band released in their career before their reunion in 2023.

American boy band NSYNC has released four studio albums and 18 singles. The band first charted in 1996 and released their self-titled debut album in 1997. Their debut studio album 'N SYNC (1997) was preceded by the lead single "I Want You Back", which entered the top five in New Zealand and the United Kingdom, and the top 20 in the United States. Supported by the commercial success of its lead single "Bye Bye Bye", their third studio album No Strings Attached (2000) debuted with 2.4 million copies sold in the first week. The second single, "It's Gonna Be Me", reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100. Their first two studio albums were certified Diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America. Celebrity, their fourth and last studio album, was released in 2001 and the final single ”Girlfriend” in 2002.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pop (NSYNC song)</span> 2001 single by NSYNC

"Pop" is a song performed by American boy band *NSYNC. It was released to U.S. radio on April 30, 2001, as the lead single from his fourth studio album, Celebrity (2001). The song was written by Wade Robson and Justin Timberlake and produced by BT. It won four MTV Video Music Awards, for Best Group Video, Best Pop Video, Best Dance Video, and Viewers Choice, as well as a Teen Choice Award for Choice Single.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">It's Gonna Be Me</span> 2000 single by NSYNC

"It's Gonna Be Me" is a song by American boy band NSYNC. It was released through Jive Records, as the second single from their third studio album No Strings Attached (2000) in the United States, and as the third single from the international edition of No Strings Attached. The song was written by Max Martin, Andreas Carlsson, and Rami Yacoub, and produced by the latter. The pop track was inspired by Joe Jackson's "Steppin' Out" (1982) and Rupert Holmes' "Him" (1980), while the lyrics are about a man attempting to persuade a woman to start a new relationship together as she recovers from a previous breakup.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">This I Promise You</span> 2000 single by NSYNC

"This I Promise You" is a ballad by American boy band NSYNC. It was released in September 2000 as the third and final single in the United States and the fourth and final single in Europe from their third studio album, No Strings Attached, in 2000. The song is included on all three of the band's compilation albums: Greatest Hits (2005), The Collection (2010), and The Essential *NSYNC (2014). The single reached number five on the US Billboard Hot 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tearin' Up My Heart</span> 1997 single by NSYNC

"Tearin' Up My Heart" is a song by American boy band NSYNC, from their eponymous debut studio album, 'N Sync (1997). The song was written by Max Martin and the producer Kristian Lundin. It was released by BMG Ariola in Germany on February 10, 1997, and by RCA Records in the United States on June 30, 1998, as the second single from the album. A dance-pop and teen pop song, it contains a pop-sounding melody, a strong beat, and a funk-styled pre-verse breakdown, with vocal harmonies performed during the refrain. The lyrics depict the ambiguous future of a romantic relationship.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thinking of You (I Drive Myself Crazy)</span> 1999 single by NSYNC

"Thinking of You (I Drive Myself Crazy)" (titled "I Drive Myself Crazy" in the United States), is a song by American boy band NSYNC. It was released on February 22, 1999, as the seventh single in the German market and the fourth single from their self-titled debut album in the US. The track was also featured on the group's seasonal European album, The Winter Album. The song is notable as being one of the few songs where someone other than Justin Timberlake and JC Chasez sang lead vocals; Chris Kirkpatrick sings the first verse in the US version, while Chasez sang Kirkpatrick's part in the European version. It was heard once in the PEN15 episode, "First Day".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">PopOdyssey</span> 2001 concert tour by NSYNC

PopOdyssey was the fourth concert tour by American boy band NSYNC. Sponsored by Verizon Wireless and Chili's, the tour promoted the band's fourth studio album, Celebrity. The tour's name is defined as "an adventurous journey towards popularity, beginning as just a dream and ending in reality". The tour became the biggest production in pop music, beating U2's PopMart Tour. The tour, which visited stadiums, was NSYNC's first to include backup dancers, and is known for its elaborate audio and visual effects which included lasers, fireworks, animation, and suspension wires.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">NSYNC</span> American boy band

NSYNC is an American vocal group and boy band formed by Chris Kirkpatrick in Orlando, Florida, in 1995 and launched in Germany by BMG Ariola Munich. The group consists of Kirkpatrick, Justin Timberlake, Joey Fatone, Lance Bass, and JC Chasez. Their self-titled debut album was successfully released to European countries in 1997, and later debuted in the U.S. market with the single "I Want You Back".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Celebrity Tour</span> 2002 concert tour by NSYNC

The Celebrity Tour was the fifth and final concert tour by the American boy band NSYNC. Promoting their fourth studio album, Celebrity (2001), this is the second tour to showcase the album. The group stated that the tour would go "back to their roots", as they would be performing obscure songs from all three of their albums. The tour earned nearly $30 million.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Better Place (NSYNC song)</span> 2023 single by NSYNC

"Better Place" is a song by American vocal group NSYNC. It was released on September 29, 2023 through RCA as the lead single from the soundtrack of the film Trolls Band Together, in which band member Justin Timberlake voices the character Branch. He produced the song with Shellback and the two wrote it alongside Amy Allen. It serves as NSYNC's first release after a hiatus that lasted over twenty years and follows the release of their fourth studio album, Celebrity (2001).

References

  1. 1 2 3 Walters, Barry; Stevens, Kat; Spanos, Brittany; Murray, Nick; Benjamin, Jeff; Johnston, Maura (September 24, 2015). "75 Greatest Boy Band Songs of All Time". Rolling Stone . Retrieved March 10, 2018.
  2. 1 2 Payne, Chris (May 8, 2014). "Justin Timberlake Nearly Had Duet With Michael Jackson a Decade Ago". Billboard . Retrieved February 5, 2020.
  3. 1 2 3 Lipshutz, Jason (May 9, 2014). "'N Sync's 'Gone' Comes Back: Why Michael Jackson's Proposed Duet is an Essential Justin Timberlake Track". Billboard . Retrieved February 5, 2020.
  4. Flick, Larry. "'N Sync: Shouldering The Burden of Celebrity". Billboard . Archived from the original on June 30, 2001. Retrieved February 15, 2016.
  5. "The Evolution of Justin Timberlake". iHeartRadio. January 29, 2018.
  6. Nilles, Billy (March 21, 2020). "Ranking the 20 Best NSYNC Songs Ever". E! Online.
  7. "The 100 Greatest Boy Band Songs of All Time: Critics' Picks". Billboard . April 23, 2018. Retrieved April 28, 2018.
  8. Pietroluongo, Silvio; Patel, Minal; Jessen, Wade (November 10, 2001). "More Than Pop" (PDF). Billboard . Vol. 113, no. 45. p. 75.
  9. 1 2 3 4 Moss, Corey (August 22, 2002). "VMA Lens Recap: The Story Behind 'NSYNC's 'Gone'". MTV News.
  10. Vineyard, Jennifer (August 30, 2001). "'NSYNC, Jackson 5 Plug Their 'Dancing Machine' Back In". MTV News. "The group even found time to finish shooting a video for 'Gone,' 'NSYNC's Joey Fatone said when he called into MTV's 'TRL' on Thursday."
  11. "Wednesday's TRL Talk To Justin & Britney". PopDirt. September 27, 2001. Archived from the original on July 31, 2021.
  12. "Korina Longin Complete Biography". Celebs101. Celebrity Photos. Retrieved April 28, 2013. Korina starred in NSYNC's "Gone" music video
  13. O'Brien, Jon (July 22, 2021). "*NSYNC's 'Celebrity' at 20: All the Tracks Ranked From Worst to Best". Billboard . Retrieved July 23, 2021.
  14. Rohwedder, Kristie (August 6, 2015). "The Official *NSYNC Music Video Ranking Brought To You By An Official *NSYNC Fan". Bustle.
  15. "From The Vault: *NSYNC - 'Gone'". That Grape Juice. March 17, 2019.
  16. "2002 MTV Video Music Award nominees". Billboard . July 25, 2002.
  17. "2002 MTV Video Music Awards Winners". Billboard . September 1, 2002.
  18. "R. Kelly, Destiny, McGraw Lead Billboard Awards". Billboard . December 5, 2001.
  19. Nsync & Nelly - Gone/Girlfriend (Grammys Awards 2002) via YouTube
  20. "Nightly Concerts Set For Salt Lake's Olympic Plaza". Billboard . December 19, 2001.
  21. Justin Timberlake -- GONE Ft. Lauderdale 20/20 Tour 2014 via YouTube
  22. Saad, Nardine (August 26, 2013). "'N Sync VMA reunion was Timberlake's idea, some wish it was longer". Los Angeles Times .
  23. Gone (European CD single liner notes). NSYNC. Sony Music Entertainment. 2001. 9252742.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  24. Gone (Japanese CD single liner notes). NSYNC. Sony Music Entertainment. 2001. ZJCI-30010.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  25. 1 2 Gone (liner notes). NSYNC. Jive Records. 2001. 9252742.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  26. "Issue 608" ARIA Top 100 Singles. National Library of Australia. Retrieved September 10, 2020.
  27. "*N Sync – Gone" (in Dutch). Ultratip. Retrieved May 10, 2014.
  28. "'N Sync Chart History (Canadian Digital Songs)". Billboard . Retrieved September 10, 2020.
  29. "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 19, no. 51. December 15, 2001. p. 11. Retrieved September 10, 2020.
  30. "N Sync – Gone" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
  31. "Irish-charts.com – Discography *N Sync". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved January 18, 2020.
  32. "Tipparade-lijst van week 46, 2001". Dutch Top 40 . Retrieved March 13, 2023.
  33. "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
  34. "*N Sync – Gone". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved May 10, 2014.
  35. "*N Sync – Gone". Singles Top 100. Retrieved May 10, 2014.
  36. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 26, 2017.
  37. "Official Independent Singles Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved November 22, 2018.
  38. "N SYNC Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved April 26, 2017.
  39. "N SYNC Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard. Retrieved April 26, 2017.
  40. "N SYNC Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved April 26, 2017.
  41. "N SYNC Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved April 26, 2017.
  42. "N SYNC Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved April 26, 2017.
  43. "Most-Played Mainstream Top 40 Songs of 2001". Airplay Monitor . Vol. 9, no. 51. December 21, 2001. p. 60.
  44. "Billboard Top 100 – 2002". billboardtop100of.com. Retrieved May 27, 2020.
  45. "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 2002" . Billboard. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
  46. "Most-Played Mainstream Top 40 Songs of 2002". Airplay Monitor. Vol. 10, no. 51. December 20, 2002. p. 12.
  47. "Most-Played Rhythmic Top 40 Songs of 2002". Airplay Monitor. Vol. 10, no. 51. December 20, 2002. p. 22.
  48. "CHR/Pop: Going for Adds" (PDF). Radio & Records . No. 1415. August 17, 2001. p. 39. Retrieved June 5, 2021.
  49. "The ARIA Report: New Releases Singles – Week Commencing 15th October 2001" (PDF). ARIA. October 15, 2001. p. 24. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 20, 2002. Retrieved April 24, 2021.
  50. "ゴーン | インシンク" [Gone | NSYNC] (in Japanese). Oricon . Retrieved September 29, 2023.
  51. 1 2 3 "Gone". November 5, 2001 via Amazon.
  52. "New Releases – For Week Starting November 26, 2001: Singles" (PDF). Music Week . November 24, 2001. p. 31. Retrieved August 18, 2021.