FutureSex/LoveSounds

FutureSex/LoveSounds
Name	FutureSex/LoveSounds
Artist	Justin Timberlake
Released	September 8, 2006
Recorded	2005–2006
Studio	Thomas Crown Studios (Virginia Beach); The Record Plant (Los Angeles); Larrabee Sound Studios (North Hollywood, Los Angeles); Conway Recording Studios (Hollywood, Los Angeles)
Genre	Pop, funk, R&B, dance-pop
Length	66:13
Label	Jive, Zomba
Producer	Justin Timberlake (exec.), Timbaland (also exec.), Nate "Danja" Hills, Rick Rubin, will.i.am
Prev title	Justified
Prev year	2002
Next title	The 20/20 Experience
Next year	2013

FutureSex/LoveSounds is the second studio album by American singer-songwriter Justin Timberlake, released on September 8, 2006, through Jive Records. The album marked a significant sonic departure from his neo soul-influenced debut, *Justified*, embracing a more experimental, beat-driven sound that fused pop, funk, and R&B with futuristic electronic production. Primarily produced in collaboration with Timbaland and his protégé Nate "Danja" Hills, the record was a critical and commercial triumph, cementing Timberlake's status as a leading figure in pop music and influencing the direction of mainstream contemporary R&B.

Background and development

Following the massive success of his debut album and the accompanying tour with Christina Aguilera, Timberlake took an extended hiatus, focusing on acting roles in films like Alpha Dog and Black Snake Moan. He began conceptualizing the album in late 2004, seeking to move beyond the Michael Jackson and Prince-inspired sound of his earlier work. A pivotal creative partnership was formed with Timbaland, who had contributed to *Justified* but took on a more central role here, alongside his frequent collaborator Nate "Danja" Hills. Recording sessions, often spontaneous and extended, took place primarily at Thomas Crown Studios in Virginia Beach and The Record Plant in Los Angeles, with additional contributions from Rick Rubin and Black Eyed Peas member will.i.am.

Music and production

The album's sound is characterized by its innovative, layered production, complex rhythm structures, and genre-blending approach. Timbaland and Danja's production heavily utilized synthesizers, intricate percussion, and vocal manipulations, creating a sleek, futuristic aesthetic. Tracks like "SexyBack" and "LoveStoned" are built on aggressive, grinding industrial-tinged beats, while "What Goes Around... Comes Around" and "Until the End of Time" showcase sweeping, orchestral balladry. The album frequently employs extended, multi-part song structures, as heard in the suite-like progression of "FutureSex/LoveSound" into "Sexy Ladies". Lyrically, the album explores themes of hedonism, romantic entanglement, and introspection, a maturation from the more straightforward themes on *Justified*.

Critical reception

Upon release, the album received widespread acclaim from music critics. Publications like Rolling Stone, The New York Times, and Entertainment Weekly praised its adventurous production and Timberlake's artistic growth, with many noting its ambitious scope. Review aggregator Metacritic assigned it a score of 78 based on numerous reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews". Critics frequently highlighted the groundbreaking work of Timbaland and the cohesive yet varied sonic palette. The album was later included on several decade-end lists, with Pitchfork placing it among the best albums of the 2000s, and it earned a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album in 2007.

Commercial performance

*FutureSex/LoveSounds* was a global commercial phenomenon. It debuted at number one on the *Billboard* 200 in the United States, selling over 684,000 copies in its first week. It remained in the top ten for several weeks and was eventually certified quadruple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. Internationally, it also topped the charts in countries including Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. The album spawned several hugely successful singles; "SexyBack", "My Love", and "What Goes Around... Comes Around" all reached number one on the *Billboard* Hot 100, a rare feat. The supporting FutureSex/LoveShow tour was also a major commercial success, grossing over $100 million.

Track listing

All tracks produced by Justin Timberlake, Timbaland, and Nate "Danja" Hills, except where noted. # "FutureSex/LoveSound" – 4:01 # "SexyBack" (featuring Timbaland) – 4:02 # "Sexy Ladies" – 4:35 # "Let Me Talk to You" – 5:36 # "My Love" (featuring T.I.) – 4:36 # "LoveStoned" – 5:24 # "What Goes Around... Comes Around" – 5:13 # "Chop Me Up" (featuring Timbaland and Three 6 Mafia) – 5:04 # "Damn Girl" (featuring will.i.am) – 5:12 # "Summer Love" – 4:12 # "Until the End of Time" – 5:22 # "Losing My Way" – 5:22 # "(Another Song) All Over Again" – 5:45

Personnel

* Justin Timberlake – lead and background vocals, executive producer, various instruments * Timbaland – production, executive producer, drums, keyboards, background vocals * Nate "Danja" Hills – production, keyboards, synthesizer, drum programming * Rick Rubin – production on "(Another Song) All Over Again" * will.i.am – production and vocals on "Damn Girl" * Mike Elizondo – bass guitar, guitar * T.I. – featured vocals on "My Love" * Three 6 Mafia – featured vocals on "Chop Me Up" * Matt Morris – background vocals * Benjamin Wright – string arrangements and conductor * Engineering and mixing by Jimmy Douglass and Timbaland * Mastered by Brian "Big Bass" Gardner at Bernie Grundman Mastering

Category:2006 albums Category:Jive Records