i can’t stress this enough- one of my absolute favorite moments in all of recorded music.
the impact how he chose to sing this line is, to me, unreal. idk music theory like i should, plz correct me if i’m wrong af here, but he ends on what i believe we’d call a run of descending leading tones, a decision that is somehow both melodic and harmonic, somehow both boyishly nasal and hugely epic. to be clear, i do not mean his massive moment that carries us through to key change. while epic, this is not where he ultimately gets me. i’m specifically and exclusively referring to “don’t wanna hear you say” at 2:34.
also, to end on one of my only spicy takes, i think it’s worth noting that there’s no real debate to be had in the category of “bsb vs. n’sync.” don’t let jt’s talent and the cultural tidal wave of “bye bye bye” fool you, bsb always had the songs, bsb always had the rizz, bsb always had and will always have my vote, and i will gladly throw digital hands with any n’sync stans who wanna get scrappy.