Abu Dhabi Week discovers more about JT ahead of The 20/20 Experience World Tour
Hot on the heels of the release of the undeniably catchy duet ‘Love Never Felt So Good’ by Michael Jackson and Justin Timberlake, fans of the talented ‘triple-threat’ can discover more about the crooner before he hits the capital on Friday 23rd May.
Flying solo
Justin Timberlake recently revealed that the king of pop himself, Michael Jackson, helped him gain the confidence to become a solo artist. Originally part of a hugely successful boy band – ‘N Sync – Timberlake struck out on his own and has become an award-winning artist.
When speaking to talk show legend Oprah Winfrey recently, Timberlake revealed his initial inspiration to go solo. Penning the track ‘Gone,’ which would later become an ‘N Sync record on the last album the band recorded together, he said “I originally wrote that song for Michael Jackson.”
After discovering that Jackson’s camp wasn’t keen on the song, Timberlake and the rest of the boys from ‘N Sync then recorded the track. It was only after the song had been cut, that word came from Michael Jackson for a possible duet.
In the interview, which aired recently as part of Oprah’s Master Class, Timberlake added, “I’m literally punching myself in the face because I said you know we can’t do that. Could we do like an ‘N Sync featuring Michael Jackson or Michael Jackson featuring ‘N Sync? And he was very absolute about the fact that he wanted it to be a duet between himself and I.
“And I think it’s the first idea that I ever got about doing something on my own because it was the first time I’d ever really felt the confidence to do it.”
Justified
Moving in a new direction, musically, from the boy band era, Timberlake released his first solo album – Justified – in 2002, after ‘N Sync announced a temporary hiatus earlier that year. Wanting to debut a more mature look and sound, the album was well received by critics and earned him two Grammy Awards for Best Pop Vocal Album and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for his love-spurned ballad, ‘Cry Me a River’.
This was then followed up with FutureSex/LoveSounds in 2006. Moving to a more synthetic and stylised sound, Timberlake teamed up with Timbaland (who produced ‘Cry Me a River’) once again to push his music repertoire. The eclectic beats and influences were favourably received by both the public and the critics, with Timberlake taking home a handful of awards with his second solo album.
Evolution
Reinvention is the name of the game, when it comes to JT. The departure from the band and subsequent solo records has seen Timberlake shift his persona and appeal from sugar-coated tween dream to uber cool RnB/pop heartthrob.
His latest record, The 20/20 Experience, comes after a seven year hiatus from the music scene and sees him evolve into a more mature and interesting artist. With all the tracks typically clocking in at around the seven-minute mark, Timberlake has given himself more time to work with and includes intro and outro pieces that are more musically diverse than his previous work. Add that co-production from Timbaland and
you’ve got music that effortlessly shifts from one genre to another, for a sound that truly is unique.
The first portion of the album, which debuted in March of last year, made it to No. 1 on the US Billboard 200, becoming his second No. 1 album on the list and best-selling debut for his solo career. Timberlake then released the second portion of The 20/20 Experience – 2 of 2 a few months later, and though the album didn’t win as much critical acclaim as the first, it’s just as intriguing and interesting.
One thing is for certain, however, the evolution of Timberlake’s style and his influence on music has his fans riveted around the globe.
The big picture
Following his magnificent return to form musically, it’s hard to imagine him doing anything else. However he’s certainly kept busy in the seven-year lull from music. With comedic collaborations with partner-in-crime Jimmy Fallon to his hugely successful stints on Saturday Night Live, Timberlake has managed to keep himself in the public eye.
He’s even dabbled in Hollywood with mixed results. After a few forgettable turns on stage, he surprised fans with a breakout performance in The Social Network, playing Napster founder Sean Parker. Timberlake then went on to star in a variety of big screen flicks, from sci-fi thriller In Time to romantic comedy Friends With Benefits and crime thriller Runner Runner.
Holding his own against some of Hollywood’s biggest heavyweights, Timberlake has starred alongside silver screen regulars Clint Eastwood, Ben Affleck, Amy Adams and Cameron Diaz, to name just a few.
Most recently Timberlake put his acting chops and musical skills together for the Coen brothers’ film, Inside Llewyn Davis. Playing a supporting role in the musical
drama/comedy as a 1960s era folk musician, Timberlake not only acted but also collaborated on the music for the film… and fans of the artist will no doubt delight in the film’s hilariously awkward song ‘Please Mr Kennedy’.
Fans of JT – either as an accomplished musician, amazing dancer or actor – are certain of one thing, this jack-of-all-trades artist will be sure to surprise and delight, as he continues to evolve and grow.
Want more?
If you’re just a junkie for Justin then be sure to visit justintimberlake.com to get all the latest updates.
Fact file
- Justin Randall Timberlake was born in 1981 in Memphis, Tennessee
- At the age of 11, Justin Timberlake appeared on Star Search (he lost)
- When JT was a mouseketeer, his co-stars included Britney Spears, Ryan Gosling, Keri Russell and Christina Aguilera
- Justin was the youngest member of the boy band ‘N Sync
- Timberlake performed at the Emirates Palace in the capital in 2007
- The 20/20 Experience was the highest selling album on iTunes in 2013
- Justin Timberlake founded American clothing line, William Rast, with Trace Ayala in 2006
- Justin Timberlake married Hollywood star Jessica Biel in 2012
See him live!
The 20/20 Experience World Tour will touch down in the capital on Friday 23rd May at the du Arena, Yas Island.
Since its debut in New York City last year, the world tour has received rave reviews from critics and fans alike. Featuring his band, The Tennessee Kids, Timberlake is set to dazzle residents with a 30-song performance including some of his favourite classics (and a couple of covers too), along with his newer material.
And if all the hype is an indication of the upcoming performance, we can safely assume this will be a must-watch performance.
Tickets are currently on sale from AED 395 and up. For more information visit: www.thinkflash.ae
Sawaiba Khan
