SexyBack

SexyBack
Name	SexyBack
Type	single
Artist	Justin Timberlake
Album	FutureSex/LoveSounds
Released	July 7, 2006
Recorded	2005–2006
Studio	Thomas Crown Studios (Virginia Beach)
Genre	Dance-pop, electro-funk
Length	4:02
Label	Jive Records
Writer	Justin Timberlake, Timbaland, Nate Hills
Producer	Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, Nate Hills
Prev title	Signs
Prev year	2005
Next title	My Love
Next year	2006

SexyBack. It is a song recorded by American singer Justin Timberlake for his second studio album, FutureSex/LoveSounds. Released as the album's lead single in July 2006 by Jive Records, the track marked a significant sonic departure for the artist. Co-written and produced by Timberlake, Timbaland, and Nate Hills, the song aimed to fuse dance music with a raw, minimalist edge.

Background and release

Following the massive success of his debut *Justified*, Timberlake sought to reinvent his sound for his next project, enlisting the innovative production team of Timbaland and Danja. The recording sessions took place primarily at Thomas Crown Studios in Virginia Beach, with additional work done in Los Angeles. The single was officially serviced to Top 40 and rhythmic contemporary radio on July 7, 2006, accompanied by a digital release on platforms like the iTunes Store. Its launch was strategically supported by high-profile performances, including one on the MTV Video Music Awards that year, creating immediate buzz within the music industry and among fans of pop music.

Composition and production

Musically, the track is built on a foundation of grinding synthesizer lines, a distorted drum machine beat, and a heavily processed vocal performance from Timberlake, who adopts a strained, almost aggressive delivery. The production, led by Timbaland, draws heavily from electro and industrial music, utilizing minimal chord progressions and emphasizing rhythmic texture over melody. Key sonic elements include a prominent use of the Korg MS-20 synthesizer and the LinnDrum machine, creating a stark contrast to the smoother R&B and funk influences of his previous work with The Neptunes. The song's structure deliberately avoids a traditional pop music chorus, instead relying on a repetitive, mantra-like hook.

Critical reception

Upon its release, the song received widespread acclaim from music critics. Publications like Rolling Stone and NME praised its daring production and Timberlake's artistic evolution, with many noting its potential to influence the direction of mainstream pop music. Some reviewers from more traditional R&B outlets initially expressed surprise at the abrasive tone but acknowledged its infectious energy. The track earned Timberlake a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording in 2007, and it was nominated for Record of the Year. It consistently appears on lists by *Billboard* and VH1 ranking the best songs of the 2000s.

Commercial performance

The single was a global commercial phenomenon. It debuted at number one on the *Billboard* Hot 100, becoming Timberlake's first solo chart-topper in the United States and ending the long run of Daniel Powter's "Bad Day". It remained atop the chart for seven consecutive weeks and achieved multi-platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America. Internationally, it reached number one in countries including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, topping the Eurochart Hot 100 as well. The success of the single was a major driver for the sales of FutureSex/LoveSounds, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200.

Music video

The accompanying music video, directed by Michael Haussman, premiered in August 2006 on channels like MTV and BET. Filmed in a stark, high-contrast style, it features Timberlake and model Mollee Gray in a dimly lit, minimalist loft space interspersed with abstract, neon-lit scenes. The video's aesthetic, emphasizing sleek fashion and avant-garde visuals, drew comparisons to the work of David LaChapelle and complemented the song's futuristic sound. It received heavy rotation and was nominated for several MTV Video Music Awards, including Video of the Year.

Legacy and influence

The song is widely credited with helping to reintroduce synthesized, electro-pop sounds into the mainstream pop landscape of the mid-2000s, paving the way for artists like Britney Spears, Madonna, and Lady Gaga to explore similar territory. Its production techniques, particularly the distorted vocals and minimalist electro beats, became highly influential on subsequent work by producers like Danja, will.i.am, and Bloodshy & Avant. The track remains a staple in Timberlake's live performances, including his FutureSex/LoveShow and The 20/20 Experience World Tour, and is frequently cited in analyses of 21st-century pop music evolution by institutions like Rock and Roll Hall of Fame educational programs.

Category:2006 songs Category:Justin Timberlake songs Category:Grammy Award-winning songs