Disappointing effort from Justin Timberlake

As Nelly Furtado proved earlier this summer, you can't go wrong if Timbaland's got your back. The highly sought-after producer joins Justin Timberlake for his sophomore effort, a sexed-up dance album with a healthy dose of funk. The infectious single "Sexyback", is the standout track, but it's a good bet Timberlake couldn't have pulled off such a hit on his own steam. To Timberlake's credit, he explores a different vocal delivery than the R&B sound of his debut, Justified. It's a more mature sound and gives some credibility to his reputation as a sex symbol. Yet, there is still the Jackson Five flavour ("Sexy Ladies") that comes with his high-pitched voice.

FutureSex/LoveSounds, a completely nonsensical title, quickly loses speed after the first two songs. The lead off track includes what sounds like a used and abused harpsichord, but eventually it hits the spot. Too much of the album overuses sound devices and the loop button. "What Goes Around" is a welcome reprieve as it focuses more on Timberlake's vocals and eases off the sound effects. Old school N'Sync fans will also be pleased with "Summer Love" and "Lovestoned," which could find a place in the boy band's catalogue.