Of course, Timberlake first got his start in the music and entertainment industry as a member of the boy band NSYNC. Now, some time later, Timberlake has branched out, and has found success as a solo artist. In high school, I had a lukewarm interest in NSYNC. Some of their songs I felt I could do without, but others I felt were pretty good, and as hard as it may be, “Bye, Bye, Bye” falls into the latter category. So when upon hearing that Timberlake was going to try his hand as a solo artist, I had some genuine interest.
Justified was the debut album, and “Like I Love You” the first single. Both the album and single, I thought were solid starts to a solo career. I think he’s only getting better. Later, Timberlake would release the singles “Cry Me A River,” and “Rock Your Body.” Arguably, the former was his strongest track off the album, if only because it alluded to his relationship with Britney Spears. But Timberlake’s maturation as an artist really ramped up with his second solo album, Future Sex/ Love Sounds. The album’s first single, “Sexy Back” may be remembered the most in pop culture’s general conscious, I found the second single, “My Love,” a collaboration with rapper T.I., to be more enjoyable.
At the end of the day, whether or not you were a fan of NSYNC then, or a fan of Timberlake now, you have to appreciate the musical growth he’s undergone. If I’m going to go back and listen to those old NSYNC records, it’s very likely to be out of nostalgia. Whereas, in a few years from now, if I go back to listen to these first two Timberlake albums, it’ll be because I genuinely like his solo work thus far. Of course, in the meantime, he’ll also put out new material, which I’ll also likely listen to.
Of course, Timberlake first got his start in the music and entertainment industry as a member of the boy band NSYNC. Now, some time later, Timberlake has branched out, and has found success as a solo artist. In high school, I had a lukewarm interest in NSYNC. Some of their songs I felt I could do without, but others I felt were pretty good, and as hard as it may be, “Bye, Bye, Bye” falls into the latter category. So when upon hearing that Timberlake was going to try his hand as a solo artist, I had some genuine interest.
Justified was the debut album, and “Like I Love You” the first single. Both the album and single, I thought were solid starts to a solo career. I think he’s only getting better. Later, Timberlake would release the singles “Cry Me A River,” and “Rock Your Body.” Arguably, the former was his strongest track off the album, if only because it alluded to his relationship with Britney Spears. But Timberlake’s maturation as an artist really ramped up with his second solo album, Future Sex/ Love Sounds. The album’s first single, “Sexy Back” may be remembered the most in pop culture’s general conscious, I found the second single, “My Love,” a collaboration with rapper T.I., to be more enjoyable.
At the end of the day, whether or not you were a fan of NSYNC then, or a fan of Timberlake now, you have to appreciate the musical growth he’s undergone. If I’m going to go back and listen to those old NSYNC records, it’s very likely to be out of nostalgia. Whereas, in a few years from now, if I go back to listen to these first two Timberlake albums, it’ll be because I genuinely like his solo work thus far. Of course, in the meantime, he’ll also put out new material, which I’ll also likely listen to.