January 20th, 1998→ *NSYNC releases “I Want You Back” in the UK and United States as the first single from their self-titled debut album; it is also included on their compilation album, Greatest Hits in 2005. The song was written and produced by Max Martin and his mentor at the time, Denniz Pop. It peaked at #13 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), and won a Billboard award for Best New Dance Clip. The song was originally supposed to be recorded by the Backstreet Boys but due to scheduling conflicts, the song was then given to *NSYNC. exclusively on the German market. The single has never been released worldwide. The track was later included on the U.S. version of their debut album.
There are two versions of the music video have been released. The first, shot in Stockholm, Sweden from August 15–16, 1996 was released with the original German release of the song in October 1996. The first version features the group in a space station, with many high-tech effects playing out around them. The boys then attempt to contact a girl and bring her on board. This version was directed by Alan Calzatti. The second video accompanied the European and American release of the song in 1998. This version was shot in black-and-white, and features the group performing in a warehouse, with shots of them playing pool and driving with a local Orlando girl in a Cadillac intertwined. This version was directed by Jesse Vaughan and Douglas Biro.