'Celebrity' attracts star-studded party

*NSYNC hits new rhythm with new CD

Members of *NSYNC sing at a party to launch their latest album, "Celebrity" in Hollywood on Monday

LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- With critics already writing obituaries for the boy band phenomenon, *NSYNC releases its latest album with more than the usual pressure. "Celebrity" arrived in stores Tuesday, marking a stylistic departure for the quintet. This time there's less soulful crooning and more of a hip hop, edgier sound.

But -- perhaps ominously for the group -- the first single from the album, "Pop," has not been an instant hit. That has left industry observers wondering if the band can match the success of their last CD, "No Strings Attached," which sold a record 2.4 million copies in its first week.

	VIDEO
CNN's Sherri Sylvester talks with Lance, Justin, JC and the boys about their newest U.S. release (July 24) Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media)

To help whip up excitement, Jive Records threw a launch party for "Celebrity," inviting lots of -- yes -- celebrities for the occasion. Among the stars dropping by were Frankie Muniz of "Malcolm in the Middle," Limp Bizkit's Fred Durst, and Britney Spears. "Showbiz Today Reports" correspondent Sherri Sylvester hip hopped over to West Hollywood for the big event.