Justin Timberlake - FutureSex/LoveSounds

Genre pop Publisher Jive Records External Links Official Justin Timberlake Website Official Jive/Zomba Group Website

If the previous two reviews posted here weren't enough of an indication, this review of Justin Timberlake's sophomore release FutureSex/LoveSounds most likely will tip it in that I'm a bit enamored of the current "Pop" scene. Regular readers may have sensed my personal dismay over the rock output of late and the general lackluster indie-scene of the past two or so years. But Pop music has only strengthened where my precious Rock has faltered. Now that some of these singers are growing up, they're finding out that the world is both bigger than they may have thought previously and that their newfound musical knowledge coupled with their success has allowed them the opportunity to expand upon their fan base and begin making music that stands the test of time, instead of simply being offered up for quick consumption.

Such is the case with Justin Timberlake, who here takes off where an already compelling solo debut (2002's Justified) ended. The building was made back in 2002, but now Timberlake makes it feel as if it's been broken in and turned into some sort of swingin' pad.

Timberlake not only comes across as more mature, but more confident and more stridently pimptastic. He tosses off come-ons the way a veteran comic throws away one-liners. Gone is the begging. Instead it is replaced with a soulful vibe, one that makes him come off more like Al Green than his idol Michael Jackson (let's face it, Jackson has been a eunuch in music since Off The Wall).

Working with Timbaland (as well as Tim's right-hand man Nate Hills) on nearly the entirety of the album (Rick Rubin inexplicably produces the closing number, "(Another Song) All Over Again," which, while very soulful and quite striking, could have really used more pushing on Rubin's part to take it high and then go over the edge, turning a what is now a good song into something classic), Timberlake doubles his efforts, smoothes out all of his wrinkles, all the while becoming one soulful mofo.

Of course "SexyBack" is awesome. You already know that. So is "My Love," which has some of the silkiest keyboards ever. Also of note are "Chop Me Up" where Three Six Mafia clown around with Timbaland and Timberlake to great effect; a soul vibe is heavy on "Damn Girl"; and an amazing evocation of old-time Prince on "Until the End Of Time."

Timberlake only slips once, on the story of a man down on his luck and addicted to crack ("Losing My Way"). No matter how mature Justin's become, he hasn't quite lived enough to instill this song with the emotion he seeks for it.

Still, as far as 2006 goes, FutureSex/LoveSounds is absolutely one of the finest albums released thus far and is destined for my Top 10 of the year.