:: Justified

Justin Timberlake

Life after Britney seems fine for Justin right now. The former ‘NSync band member is now his own person and he defines his quality with a daring take on urban pop music. He has already scored a big hit with “Like I Love You”, one of this year’s best singles. In this set, there are some bleak, thought-provoking images but given the funky ingredients by producers the Neptunes and Timbaland. It’s the key to making this album extremely good. Justin’s falsetto sits perfectly on the highly charged beats. Other highlights are “Right For Me”, a smoothly worked song, the stylish R&B-laced “Rock Your Body”, and a Motown sound on “Nothin’ Else”. Then there is a haunting touch to “Cry Me A River”, a very melodic, heartfelt song. I think people might be surprised by the quality shown here. With the right people behind him, Justin can look ahead to a great time.