Album: Justified

Introduction
"Justified" is the debut solo studio album by American vocalist and songwriter Justin Timberlake. Released on November 5, 2002, by Jive Records, the album significant Timberlake's transition from belonging to the popular boyband * NSYNC to establishing himself as a solo artist. Teaming up with high-profile manufacturers such as The Neptunes, Timbaland, and Scott Storch, the album showcased a more mature, varied, and innovative noise compared to his deal with * NSYNC.

Background & Inspiration
Following the hiatus of * NSYNC in 2002, Timberlake chose to pursue a solo profession. Inspired by musicians like Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, and Prince, he wanted to experiment with different musical designs and create his unique identity as an artist. Timberlake hooked up with manufacturers Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo of The Neptunes, who had actually currently made a name on their own by producing hits for artists like Jay-Z, Britney Spears, and Nelly.

The album's title "Justified" was originated from Timberlake's desire to justify his creative growth and self-reliance from his young boy band past. He also discussed in interviews that the album was a reflection of his experiences, feelings, and the process of growing up.

Music & Lyrics
"Justified" is a blend of various musical designs, consisting of pop, R&B, and funk. The Neptunes produced most of the album, with their signature mix of electronic beats and live instruments giving the tunes a fresh, ingenious noise. Timbaland, who collaborated with Timberlake on numerous tracks, contributed a more traditional R&B design with faltering beats and beatboxing.

Lyrically, the album explores themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. Timberlake specified that he drew from personal experiences and relationships, which assisted him create more sincere and relatable songs. The album's lead single, "Like I Love You", features an appealing guitar riff and chronicles the early phases of a brand-new relationship. The follow-up single, "Cry Me a River", produced by Timbaland, showcases Timberlake's emotional vulnerability as he regrets an unsuccessful romance, supposedly influenced by his past relationship with Britney Spears.

Reception & Legacy
Upon its release, "Justified" got generally favorable evaluations from music critics. Lots of applauded Timberlake's singing efficiency as well as his successful departure from * NSYNC and shift into a solo artist. The album was an industrial success, debuting at number two on the United States Billboard 200 chart and selling over 439,000 copies in its first week. It has because been licensed multi-platinum in different nations, consisting of the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia.

"Justified" earned Timberlake three Grammy Awards, including Best Pop Vocal Album and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for "Cry Me a River". The album was likewise nominated for Album of the Year but lost to OutKast's "Speakerboxxx/The Love Below".

The success of "Justified" developed Justin Timberlake as a leading figure in the music industry and strengthened his status as a solo artist. His collaboration with producers like The Neptunes and Timbaland considerably affected his subsequent work, leading to an enduring collaboration that produced more struck singles and critically well-known albums.

In conclusion, "Justified" not only marked the successful start of Justin Timberlake's solo profession but also had a lasting influence on pop and R&B music in the early 2000s. Showcasing his versatility as an artist and the capability to adapt to varying music styles, the album remains a necessary piece in Timberlake's discography and a timeless in the pop-R & B landscape.