It's Gonna Be Me

The harmony of 'It's Gonna Be Me' operates in C minor with a clever mix of natural and harmonic minor elements. The verse's descending bVII-bVI motion creates a characteristically dark pop feel, while the major V chord (G) at cadence points introduces classical dominant tension uncommon in pure pop. The chorus's bVI-bVII-i ascending cadence is the song's harmonic engine, delivering the anthemic energy that defines its hook. The funk and R&B influence shows not in chord complexity but in rhythmic displacement and groove-oriented voicings that give the harmony a physical, danceable quality beneath its pop surface.

In 1999, Max Martin, Andreas Carlsson, and Rami Yacoub traveled to Key West, Florida, to write a follow-up single after NSYNC had finished recording 'Bye Bye Bye.' During the session, Carlsson whistled what would become the song's melody, and Martin immediately told him to incorporate it into the track. The love triangle dynamics in Rupert Holmes' 'Him' (1980) and the melodic sensibility of Joe Jackson's 'Steppin' Out' (1982) inspired Carlsson, particularly influencing the lyric 'You don't want to lose it again, but I'm not like them.'

Released as the second single from No Strings Attached in 2000, 'It's Gonna Be Me' represents the peak of the late-90s/early-2000s boy band era. Written by the powerhouse team of Max Martin, Andreas Carlsson, and Rami Yacoub, the song blends pop precision with funk and R&B grooves, featuring Justin Timberlake's distinctive vocal delivery that would later spawn the viral 'It's Gonna Be May' meme.