#16 - Phil

Justin Timberlake

FutureSex/LoveSounds

2006

In 2006, Justin Timberlake and producer Timbaland recorded FutureSex/LoveSounds, a concept album about, well, sex and love. There was not much talk about the record prior to its release; everyone pretty much assumed that JT’s days of musical success were behind him. But Timberlake was out to prove that he was back – “SexyBack!” The album’s infectious lead single became the biggest hit of JT’s solo career, topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart for seven straight weeks. Although I was excited to hear the entire record, I had no idea that FutureSex/LoveSounds would become not just my favorite album of the year, but one of my favorite pop albums of all-time.

What makes this record stand out from other pop albums is Timbaland’s production work, which is nothing short of exceptional. Tracks like "Love Stoned/I Think She Knows” and “What Goes Around…/…Comes Around” have so much atmospheric-techno flavor they sound like something from another planet. “My Love” is one of the decade’s greatest dance numbers, as southern rapper T.I. delivers one hell of a guest spot. And then there’s “Until the End of Time,” a rare pop track that actually gives me chills from the sincerity of Timberlake’s vocals: “Woke up this morning / Heard the TV saying something / ‘Bout disaster in the world / It made me wonder where I’m going / There’s so much darkness in the world / But I see beauty left in you, girl / And what you give me lets me know that I’ll be alright.” Remember those days when Justin Timberlake was the teenage heartthrob of N’Sync during the height of the boy band era? Neither do I. -P.W.

To my surprise, Timberlake and Timbaland work fantastically together here. I’m sure people can understand why I was skeptical when I started reading positive reviews for a solo album from a former member of NSYNC. I gave the record a listen and was amazed at how innovative it was for a pop album. Timbaland and Timberlake really bring in a fresh perspective maintaining the catchy quality of pop, yet still using a fair amount of experimentation for the mainstream. This is no guilty pleasure. I’m proud to have this record amongst my vinyl. - Ryan

Alright! I love this record. It's got the grooves and the progressive sophistication that's always nice to see in mainstream pop music. While it does misstep, as in the unbelievable crack story from "Losing My Way", it's more often than not a thrilling execution of new pop ideas that work at home and in the club. Who would've ever thought that a dude from 'NSYNC would put out solo records in the '00s to worldwide popularity and critical respect? Baffling circumstance, excellent record. - Steve