The Onion A.V. Club review
(3/3/04) Keith Phipps The Onion (thanks Eva!)

JC Chasez
Schizophrenic
(Jive)
For some, Justin Timberlake's solo album Justified looked like a good omen, for reasons the former 'N Sync member couldn't have intended. "At last," the thinking went, "the latest boy-band era is drawing to a close. Just a few failed solo albums to get through, and then the airwaves will finally be safe for... well, better stuff of some kind."

But a funny thing happened on the way to pop history repeating itself: Justified turned out to be pretty good. It was uneven and marred by some posturing, but the pairing of Timberlake's elastic soul voice and production by The Neptunes and Timbaland proved inspired, and the album kept turning out one standout single after another.

Two decent 'N Sync solo discs in a row might be asking too much, but Timberlake's former (and future?) collaborator JC Chasez hardly embarrasses himself with Schizophrenic. A different batch of big-name producers shows up—most notably, Basement Jaxx and Dallas Austin—but the album is dominated by candy-pop veterans like Robb Boldt and the duo of Riprock 'N' Alex G, all of whom find a comfortable middle ground between Chasez's boy-band past and his lover-man present.

With its skittery rhythms and shock-your-mom lyrics, "Some Girls (Dance With Women)" captures what's best about the album: an unabashed poppiness joined to a sense of adventure. "Shake It," the Basement Jaxx collaboration, has it, too. "All Day Long I Dream About Sex" does a better job of reviving '80s electro trashiness than most attempts by the retro New York scene, and it's a pleasure to hear Chasez falsetto his way through the radio-friendly funk of "She Got Me."

Unfortunately, that adventurousness also gets Chasez in trouble, as he tries on a few styles that simply don't suit him. He's not Prince, and shouldn't try to be, as "100 Ways" confirms. The lite reggae of "Everything You Want" falls flat, and, bonus tracks aside, much of the album's latter half retreats into the saccharine crooning that made the boy-band moment so hard to tolerate in the first place. Yet, as with the best parts of Justified, Schizophrenic raises an interesting point: Maybe disposable pop doesn't need to be discarded, just made better. —

Who Does JC Chasez Think He is?
(3/3/04) Bob Tannenmaum Blender Magazine April issue (thanks Saturn92103!)

He's the 27-year-old ex-member of NSYNC who enjoys shaving one leg, dropping "the f bomb" and the occasional 'shroom.

That's an interesting self-portrait you drew. But there's something missing.
What's that?

Where are your eyes, JC?
Those are my eyes! I guess that's just how I see myself. I have small eyes, and I'm usually laughing or smiling anyway, so my eyes get real small.

What was the most memorable phone call of your life?
Probably when I was 5, and I was told that I was going to be adopted. I wasn't in a home or anything; I was living with my mother. And then she was like, "Hey, how would you feel about moving in with these people?" And I was like - [shrugs]. My folks are dope. They're killer. I've been happy ever since.

What drug will you never take again?
Anything with chemicals scares the shit out of me. I've seen people fall apart, and I won't have any part of that. I've only done mushrooms and smoked pot. And I won't say that I'll never do those again, because I have a long life in front of me.

What's your favorite curse word?
I like to use them all! I probably drop the f bomb more than any other. And one of my favorite things to say is, "What's up, fucker?" It's a term of endearment, in every way. It's the same things as shitty - it's my nickname for everybody. "How you doin', Shitty?" It's a nice thing to say, believe it or not. I even have a stuffed animal named Shitty.

Tell us about the first time you ever got drunk.
It was fun. I was 13 or so, at a pool hall in my hometown, Bowie, Maryland. We'd make somebody buy us a beer, then we'd put it in a Dixie Cup. I like to have fun when I drink, let my inhibitions fall a bit, but I've probably been really out of my mind only twice.

Have you ever shaved any part of your body other than your face?
Yes, my leg. I was a foot model when I was 13. This guy saw me on the beach one day, and he asked to take a picture of my foot. I was like, "You're weird, man." He was like, "Dude, you have clean-looking, cool foot." So he took a Polaroid, called me the next day and said, "My clients want to use your foot for these posters." I shaved my leg, they painted it to look like stone and I got paid tow grand. It was like the lottery.

Is it good to be you?
It doesn't suck! Even on a bad day.

What do people who don't like you say about you?
They just don't know me. It's hard not to like me.

How would you characterize your taste in sex?
Uh, I like girls [laughs]. As long as they're female, they're of-age and we get along, I can make things work.

Why is the of-age thing important?
'Cause I don't want to go to jail. And 'cause it's gross.

Should people take you seriously?
Yes and no. I work hard, but it's just entertainment. I don't have the cure for cancer. Certain songs I worked hard on are just jokes, and they're meant to be taken lightly.

Maybe you're thinking about your lyric "'Cause when I'm all alone/I like awake and masturbate"?
But that's not a joke! That's part of being lonely and wanting to be with someone. When you've been separated for a long time, that's part of what keeps you going.

I think we're done, Shitty.
Cool, man! You get it!

Alloy Celebrity Spotlight: JC Chasez
(3/3/04) Marci Perilo Alloy (thanks Candy!)

Following closely behind his friend and former bandmate Justin Timberlake, equally talented ex-'NSYNCer JC Chasez is blowing up on the solo scene. The smooth, shy singer's new album Schizophrenic drops this week, and it's bound to get you on the dance floor -- even if it's just an imaginary one in the middle of your bedroom. We recently chatted with JC about performing on his own, music industry publicity stunts, and following his instincts. Check it out!

He's no copy cat!
JC may not be the first 'NSYNC member to put out a solo album, but that doesn't mean he's trying to cash in on Justin Timberlake's success. "I made this record for me," he says. "I guess it's selfish of me to say that, but if I want to make another 'NSYNC record, I can wait it out. It was like I just had it inside me. I didn't really think in terms of failing or anything like that. I just made a record because it was fun." Despite his motivations for cranking out his own set of tunes, we're sure he'll give his bandmate a run for his money! "Justin's Grammy Award-winning now, and he's a superstar. There's no question about it. My goal is just to have a successful record, and at the end of the day I can only do what I do. I feel like I made a really good record and I'm proud."

Back to reality.
There's a good reason why JC didn't cut a solo album immediately after Justin did. He missed having a regular life! "I took some time off because I wanted to spend some time with my family and friends. I had to hit the reset button. I've been on the road for seven years, and there's other people that are important to me. The guys in the band are my best friends, but I also have other best friends that really got, in a sense, neglected because I was just always gone. I wanted to reestablish those connections and let other people in my life know that I care about them." This sweetie has never forgotten where he came from and who loved him before he was famous. Now, that's our kind of pop star!

A whole new world.
What should we expect from JC now that he's a one-man show? Definitely nothing 'NSYNC style! He was psyched to have the last word on every aspect of his new solo career. "When you're dealing with 'NSYNC, you're dealing with a group vision and a collaboration," JC explained, "There's always a compromise involved in that, and this album isn't a compromised effort. It sounds totally different than an 'NSYNC record."

Support system.
JC may be a solo artist now, but half of the songs on his album are played by live musicians (as opposed to synthesizers.) So he's still tuned in to teamwork. "Everybody in the band will get together and we throw up a quick prayer. Everybody gives everybody a hug as we're about to go out there, kind of like to do battle. And we remind each other that we're in it together."

He'll always have Paris.
Despite his amazing vocal ability, JC is more often tapped for his songwriting talents. The latest in a long line of recording artists to call on him is Paris Hilton! He knows that some people might be skeptical about the hotel heiress's talent, but JC swears she got a good thing going. "I popped in on one of her recording sessions, and I was like, "Ya know what? You've got your own style!'" We hope he's right!

Shock rock
JC was recently found guilty by association when his half-time show at the Pro Bowl was cancelled due to Justin's scandalous Superbowl performance earlier that week. Understandably jaded by the situation, JC definitely has an opinion about the shocking stunts pop stars have been pulling for publicity. "Some of it's OK and some of it's not. Naked flesh during a halftime show when you've got families watching -- it's network television, it's not the right time and place," JC commented. "But then again, the Britney and Madonna kiss? Why not? You're on a cable television show, it's a rock-and-roll crowd, and there's nothing actually wrong." Will JC pull any stunts of his own? You'll just have to tune in to find out!

Full Name: Joshua Scott Chasez.
Birthday: August 8, 1976. JC is a 27-year-old lovable Leo.
Birthplace: Washington, DC. He was raised right next door in Maryland.
Height: 5'11".
We Are Family: JC has two younger siblings, Heather and Tyler.
Write Away: Besides writing songs for 'NSYNC and himself, JC penned tunes for Wild Orchid, Boyz N Girls United, and Scene 23.
Name Game: JC began going by his initials when he was picked for the Mickey Mouse Club. There was already a cast member going by his actual name, Josh.
Hungry Man: He might not be a culinary expert, but he does like to read about food... sort of. JC collects Hard Rock Cafe menus.
Clean and Clear: Even though his former bandmates all got 'NSYNC tattoos on their ankles, JC refused. He's freaked out by needles!

JC debuts at #17 on Billboard chart
(3/3/04) Billboard

...Other notable Billboard 200 debuts include 'N Sync's JC Chasez's Jive solo debut, "Schizophrenic" (No. 17), the Sony/Integrity soundtrack to "The Passion of the Christ" (No. 19), Razor & Tie's "Kidz Bop 5" (No. 34), Blindside's Elektra set, "About a Burning Fire" (No. 50) and Tantric's Maverick return, "After We Go" (No. 56)...

Desires are out of Sync
(3/3/04) Ben Widdicombe and Suzanne Rozdeba New York Daily News

Some of the - ahem - less-employed members of 'N Sync are grumbling about their former bandmate, Justin Timberlake.

"We'd love to go on tour, but Justin doesn't want to do a reunion," Chris Kirkpatrick was overheard complaining at the recent celeb-stuffed opening of Las Vegas tattoo parlor Hart and Huntington.

The 'N Sync-erator added: "Although, after that whole nipple situation, maybe he should."

The tattoo shop is a venture of Pink's ex-boyfriend, motocross ace Carey Hart, and nightclub promoter John Huntington. We're told ex 'N Sync-er Lance Bass got into the chair and bared his arm, but had last-minute second thoughts.

"I've never heard a man scream before," laughs our spywitness. "Now he has a dot on his arm where the needle touched him."

Second-rate Prince
(3/3/04) Darryl Sterdan Calgary Sun

So if his NSYNC bandmate Justin Timberlake was accused of ripping off Michael Jackson, then Chasez is clearly channelling '80s-era Prince on his solo debut.
Which isn't to say Chasez is nearly as talented as The Purple One in his prime. Not even close.

Neither, however, does Chasez completely embarrass himself with this slick-sounding, wide-ranging collection of R&B, pop, new wave, disco and reggae.

It's the subject matter that mostly offends as the sex-obsessed singer gets down and dirty on songs with titles like Some Girls (Dance With Women), 100 Ways, Mercy, If You Were My Girl, Shake It, One Night Stand and Come To Me.

But it's the less obvious hot-and-heavy songs — with the exception of the clap-happy Something Special — that stand out here.

Highlights include She Got Me and Right Here (By Your Side), which both recall Jackson-meets-Jamiroquai; or even three bordering-on-cheesy ballads, Build My World, Dear Goodbye and Lose Myself, which at least show off Chasez's sweet pipes.

Listening to that bunch, you can't help but wonder how much better an album this might have been had Chasez had some decent material to work with.

At the other end of the spectrum is the absolute worst song on the 17-song disc: The pseudo new wave-synth number All Day Long I Dream About Sex .

No word yet on whether Chasez will tour on his own.

2.5 out of 5 stars

Justifiable Optimism for JC Chasez
(3/3/04) Joshua Klein The Washington Post

Even at the peak of its popularity, 'N Sync earned as much ridicule as adulation. While the pop culture phenomenon played packed stadiums and sold millions of records, a sea of detractors merely scowled and predicted the boy-band bubble was about to burst. They were right, of course, as groups like 'N Sync and Backstreet Boys inevitably folded or went on hiatus. But Justin Timberlake's massive solo success belied the notion that 'N Sync comprised nothing but talentless puppets, and now fellow former 'N Sync-er JC Chasez is hoping to replicate JT's redemption act.

Chasez's aptly named solo bow "Schizophrenic" shares much with the blue-eyed sci-fi soul of Timberlake's "Justified." But JC uses his band mate's declaration of independence -- a focus on funky, ultra-syncopated rhythms and falsetto vocals -- not as a template but as a starting point, launching into a dizzying array of styles, beats and mood swings with a carefree zest that all those 'N Sync millions no doubt affords. The Chasez cameo on last year's Basement Jaxx album was no fluke, as the singer seems just as eager as that London dance duo to push the boundaries of pop music.

Granted, Chasez's freewheeling music isn't quite as delirious as Basement Jaxx's, though the group's principals do help out on the wonderfully busy "Shake It." The rest of the tracks are mostly split between producers Robb Boldt and Riprock 'N' Alex G., with Chasez often credited as well. But since his collaborators are hardly known as pop pioneers, one must assume Chasez played an active role in keeping such songs as the disco throb of "All Day Long I Dream About Sex" and the deceptively tricky single "Some Girls (Dance With Women)" so off-kilter.

The song titles pretty much say it all, because Chasez doesn't have much more than sex on the mind. But it's sex of the playful Prince variety. "One Night Stand" -- with its arrogant seduction scenario -- and "100 Ways" -- a hyperactive and lascivious ode to emotional honesty and, um, adventurousness -- find Chasez getting his freak on (though, for anyone uncomfortable with the thought, "Lose Myself" is a slightly more standard-issue ballad). Chasez may not be much of a singer, but he makes up for any deficiencies with his gleefully eccentric delivery and a string of creative did-he-just-say-that come-ons.

The restless style-hopping does at times feel like a distraction, with the relentless shifting of gears at best somewhat disorienting and at worst simply exhausting. A few songs, the jingle-like "Something Special" and the dancehall affectation "Everything You Want," are a little too anonymous for an album whose stated goal is the exact opposite. Yet one of "Schizophrenic's" many pleasures is the way Chasez sounds more interested in making music he enjoys than making machine-line disposable pop for the charts. If variety is the spice of life, then "Schizophrenic" is something of a sampler plate, but one can't help but be impressed at what Chasez has cooked up.