Tearin' Up My Heart

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"Tearin' Up My Heart"
The band is seen crowded near each other while facing different directions
Artwork for the 1998 reissue, released in retail outside the US and as promo single in the US
Single by NSYNC
from the album 'N Sync
B-side
ReleasedFebruary 10, 1997
RecordedNovember – December 1996
StudioCheiron Studios, Stockholm, Sweden
GenreDance-pop
Length3:30
LabelRCA
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)Lundin
NSYNC singles chronology
"I Want You Back"
(1996)
"Tearin' Up My Heart"
(1997)
"Here We Go"
(1997)
Music video
"Tearin' Up My Heart" on YouTube

"Tearin' Up My Heart" is a song by American boy band NSYNC, released as the second single from their self-titled debut album in Germany on February 10, 1997 and on June 30, 1998 in the United States. The dance-pop song peaked at number four in Germany and at number nine on the UK Singles Chart, while it reached number 59 on the US Billboard Hot 100. An accompanying music video was directed by Austrian film director Stefan Ruzowitzky, and depicts NSYNC dancing inside a warehouse.

Background[]

The song was originally pitched to the Backstreet Boys but was eventually given to NSYNC to record.[1] It was co-written by Max Martin and Kristian Lundin in a three day period after their debut single "I Want You Back" started appearing on several charts in Europe. Their then-label BMG Ariola, wanted the next single to be similar but catered towards an American audience. On the day of recording "Tearin' Up My Heart", Lundin overslept because he recorded a previous track and slept at 7 a.m. NSYNC arrived in Stockholm the previous night to record the song for one day since they were scheduled to be in Germany the next morning. JC Chasez was the last member to perform the final takes in the studio while the other members were at the airport, as they recorded throughout the night until 6 a.m.[2] NSYNC were excited to record the song, with Chasez stating that it would help with the band's concerts because they could start and end the show with "two hit songs".[3] "Tearin' Up My Heart" is a dance-pop song.[4]

Critical reception[]

In 2007, VH1 listed "Tearin' Up My Heart" as the 30th greatest song of the 1990s.[5] In Billboard's ranking of "The 100 Greatest Boy Band Songs of All Time", the song was ranked as number five, stating that although it was similar to "I Want You Back", the song's "higher energy and sharper hook" was made "more awe-inspiring" than the former. In addition, they wrote that "the harmonies provided by the rest of the group on the chorus make it about as quintessential as boy band songs come, with the rolling pop melody and funky pre-verse breakdown helping it really soar".[6]

Commercial performance[]

The song has reached the top 10 in several countries, including number three in Canada, number four in Germany and Austria, number six in Sweden, and number nine in the UK. It has also charted in top 20 in Australia, Ireland and New Zealand.

In the US, "Tearin' Up My Heart" charted at number 59 on the Billboard Hot 100, and reached the top 10 on the Mainstream Top 40.

It has since been certified Silver in the UK.

Music video[]

Background[]

The music video was directed by Stefan Ruzowitzky,[citation needed] and was filmed in Florida.[2] It depicts NSYNC dancing inside a warehouse, playing basketball, and taking photos using a Polaroid camera.[2] They additionally participate in a photo shoot, perform acrobatics, eat pizza, and are sprawled next to grayscale photographs. Chasez is seen performing with a guitar.[7] Each member wears matching black and white outfits.[8] The music video was released in Europe in February 1997,[2] and eventually aired in the US on the debut episode of Total Request Live on September 14, 1998.[9]

Synopsis[]

The video begins with several flash cuts of Justin Timberlake and JC Chasez posing in front of the camera. The remaining members join in as they perform several choreographed sequences, which constantly transition from the group wearing urban clothing and white tank tops and jackets. The first verse begins with Chasez sitting on a gym bench, while Chris Kirkpatrick is practicing on a punching bag. Both are then seen leaning on the rafters, as Timberlake is choosing clothes off a clothes rack. The group are then playing a basketball game, as they prepare for a photoshoot in front of a white backdrop. The chorus begins with the group, wearing white shirts and black pants, performing choreographed dance moves as the photographer takes various flash photos. Several members then perform stunts, such as backflips, midair splits and various parkour jumps.

Timberlake's verse begins with the group lying on the floor covered with instant photographs, then taking selfies while eating pizza on the couch. The next scene transitions to Timberlake lying on a bed, as he stretches his arms out. The group continue to perform their choreography during the chorus, however each member individually dances in front of the camera. The bridge plays as Chasez and Kirkpatrick pose in one room, while Lance Bass and Joey Fatone are briefly seen in another. Timberlake stretches around the bedroom during each alternating jump cut. The final chorus has the group dressed in all black clothing, along with scenes of Chasez playing on a guitar in the living room. The video ends with the group posing in a freeze-frame shot.

Accolades[]

Award Year Category Result Ref.
MTV Video Music Awards 1999 Best Pop Video Nominated [10]
Best Group Video Nominated [10]
Viewer's Choice Nominated [10]

Live performances[]

NSYNC performed the song on MTV's Fashionably Loud segment as part of the program's Spring Break coverage on March 19, 1999. The members wore cargo pants with buttoned shirts, as Timberlake wore a baby blue shirt and Kirkpatrick sported upside down visors.[11] At the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards, Britney Spears and NSYNC performed a dual medley of their respective songs, "...Baby One More Time" and "Tearin' Up My Heart".[12] Spears performed "...Baby One More Time" in black leather clothing before being joined by members of NSYNC to transition into "Tearin' Up My Heart".[13]

On April 14, 2019, NSYNC performed the song at the 2019 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival with American singer Ariana Grande, who headlined the event.[14] The group without Timberlake appeared as her surprise guests to sing the bridge of "Break Up with Your Girlfriend, I'm Bored", which sampled "It Makes Me Ill" from their second album No Strings Attached. They then performed "Tearin' Up My Heart", with Grande substituting for Timberlake's vocals in the second verse while performing the song's choreography.[15][16] Gab Ginsberg of Billboard opined that Grande's performance of the song was a "highlight" of her headlining set.[15] The members rehearsed their performance for one and a half days, and performed with live vocals.[17]

In popular culture[]

"Tearin' Up My Heart" was used on NSYNC's episode of Becoming, an MTV program where fans recreate a music video initially shot by an artist.[18] The song was also given to the Massive Monkees on the fourth season of America's Best Dance Crew as part of the VMAs challenge in Week 6.[19]

Track listing[]

Charts[]

Certifications[]

Region Certification Certified units/sales
United Kingdom (BPI)[48] Silver 200,000double-dagger

double-dagger Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history[]

Region Date Format Label Ref.
Germany February 10, 1997 CD single Sony [49]
United States June 23, 1998 Jive [50]
United Kingdom June 14, 1999 Northwestside [51]

References[]

  1. ^ Rowley, Glenn (February 12, 2020). "Backstreet Boys Open Up About Competing With *NSYNC on 'Watch What Happens Live'". Billboard. Retrieved February 13, 2020.
  2. ^ Jump up to: a b c d Daw, Robbie (March 22, 2013). "*NSYNC's Debut Album Turns 15: Backtracking". Idolator. Retrieved October 30, 2019.
  3. ^ Weatherby, Taylor (March 24, 2018). "*NSYNC Reflects on Making U.S. Debut & Competing With Backstreet Boys as Self-Titled Album Turns 20: 'It Was Us Against the World'". Billboard. Retrieved February 13, 2020.
  4. ^ Tortorici, Frank (May 3, 1999). "'N Sync's James Lance 'Lansten' Bass". MTV News. Retrieved August 10, 2020.
  5. ^ "Latest Music News - VH1 | 100 Greatest Songs of the '90s". VH1. Archived from the original on December 20, 2007. Retrieved August 20, 2015.
  6. ^ Weatherby, Taylor (April 23, 2018). "The 100 Greatest Boy Band Songs of All Time: Critics' Picks". Billboard. Retrieved February 13, 2020.
  7. ^ "'NSync's Music Video Evolution". Rolling Stone. August 20, 2013. Retrieved July 24, 2021.
  8. ^ Aspaul, Tom (August 25, 2017). "They don't make 'em like they used to: 90s boyband music videos". i-D. Retrieved July 24, 2021.
  9. ^ Anderson, Kyle (September 14, 2013). "On the 15th anniversary of the 'TRL' premiere, a look back at the first top 10". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved September 15, 2019.
  10. ^ Jump up to: a b c "1999 MTV Video Music Awards". Rock on the Net. Retrieved January 16, 2020.
  11. ^ Palmieri, Lea (April 4, 2019). "WTF Was Even Going On With This *NSYNC Performance at MTV's Spring Break 1999?". Decider. Retrieved September 15, 2019.
  12. ^ "Britney performs '...Baby One More Time' at her first VMAs. (1999)". MTV News. June 9, 2007. Archived from the original on October 21, 2013. Retrieved May 2, 2011.
  13. ^ Reinstein, Mara (August 22, 2019). "Why the 1999 VMAs Were the Last Hurrah For Classic MTV". Billboard. Retrieved September 15, 2019.
  14. ^ Havens, Lyndsey (April 15, 2019). "Ariana Grande Reunites *NSYNC, Brings Out Diddy & More During Her Epic Coachella Headlining Set". Billboard. Retrieved April 15, 2019.
  15. ^ Jump up to: a b Ginsberg, Gab (April 15, 2019). "Coachella 2019 Day Three Highlights: Bad Bunny Teams With J Balvin, Ariana Grande Reunites *NSYNC & More". Billboard. Retrieved July 25, 2021.
  16. ^ Belfiore, Emily (October 14, 2019). "*NSYNC Awards the Seattle Seahawks Best Touchdown Celebration After Epic "Bye Bye Bye" Dance". E! Online. Retrieved November 2, 2019.
  17. ^ Cohen, Jess (April 16, 2019). "Why Justin Timberlake Missed *NSYNC's Coachella Performance With Ariana Grande". E! Online. Retrieved July 24, 2021.
  18. ^ Rohwedder, Kristie (March 23, 2016). "11 Clips From MTV's 'Becoming' That'll Make You Miss This Brilliant Early '00s Show". Bustle. Retrieved December 1, 2019.
  19. ^ "Episode Detail: VMA Challenge - Randy Jackson Presents: America's Best Dance Crew". TV Guide Network. September 13, 2009. Retrieved September 13, 2009.
  20. ^ "'N Sync* - Tearin' Up My Heart (1997, CD)". Discogs. Retrieved January 16, 2020.
  21. ^ "'N Sync* - Tearin' Up My Heart (1997, CD)". Discogs. Retrieved January 16, 2020.
  22. ^ "'N Sync* - Tearin' Up My Heart – The Remix". Discogs. Retrieved January 16, 2020.
  23. ^ "'N Sync* - Tearin' Up My Heart (1997, CD)". Discogs. Retrieved January 16, 2020.
  24. ^ "'N Sync* - Tearin' Up My Heart (1997, Digipak, CD)". Discogs. Retrieved January 16, 2020.
  25. ^ "'N Sync* - Tearin' Up My Heart (1998, CD1, Poster Pack, CD)". Discogs. Retrieved January 16, 2020.
  26. ^ "'N Sync* - Tearin' Up My Heart (1998, CD2, CD)". Discogs. Retrieved January 16, 2020.
  27. ^ "'N Sync* - Tearin' Up My Heart (1998, CD)". Discogs. Retrieved January 16, 2020.
  28. ^ "'N Sync* - Tearin' Up My Heart (1998, CD)". Discogs. Retrieved January 16, 2020.
  29. ^ "Australian-charts.com – 'N SYNC – Tearin' Up My Heart". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved June 20, 2017.
  30. ^ "Austriancharts.at – 'N SYNC – Tearin' Up My Heart" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved June 20, 2017.
  31. ^ "Top RPM Singles: Issue 3655." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved November 14, 2019.
  32. ^ "Top RPM Dance/Urban: Issue 3629." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved August 28, 2020.
  33. ^ Jump up to: a b Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. January 10, 1998. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved August 20, 2015.
  34. ^ "Offiziellecharts.de – 'N SYNC – Tearin' Up My Heart" (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved November 14, 2019.
  35. ^ "Application error (Rails)". irishcharts.ie. Retrieved August 20, 2015.
  36. ^ "Dutchcharts.nl – 'N SYNC – Tearin' Up My Heart" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved June 20, 2017.
  37. ^ "Charts.nz – 'N SYNC – Tearin' Up My Heart". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved June 20, 2017.
  38. ^ http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/scottish-singles-chart/19990620/41/
  39. ^ "Swedishcharts.com – 'N SYNC – Tearin' Up My Heart". Singles Top 100. Retrieved June 20, 2017.
  40. ^ "NSYNC: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 26, 2017.
  41. ^ "N-SYNC Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved October 8, 1992.
  42. ^ "*NSYNC – Chart history". Billboard Hot 100 Airplay for *NSYNC. Retrieved September 14, 2017.
  43. ^ "NSYNC Chart History (Adult Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved April 26, 2017.
  44. ^ "NSYNC Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved April 26, 2017.
  45. ^ "NSYNC Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved April 26, 2017.
  46. ^ "Jahreshitparade Singles 1997" (in German). Retrieved February 13, 2020.
  47. ^ "Top 100 Single-Jahrescharts" (in German). GfK Entertainment. Retrieved April 17, 2018.
  48. ^ "British single certifications – NSync – Tearin' Up My Heart". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved July 22, 2021.
  49. ^ https://www.amazon.de/-/en/N-Sync/dp/B0000076HW
  50. ^ https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/1990s/1998/RR-1998-06-19.pdf
  51. ^ "New Releases – For Week Starting 14 June, 1999" (PDF). Music Week. June 12, 1999. p. 23. Retrieved July 22, 2021.
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