Stereogum Home
July 6, 2006

New Justin Timberlake - "Sexy Back"

In a few weeks this will be the most boring single to ever hit #1.

Stream Justin's "Sexy Back." REAL | WIN MEDIA

He'll premiere the song tonight on MTV at 10:30 PM EST.

Posted at 5:57 PM
Tags:




294 Comments

this is so exciting!!!

Posted by: alec at 07/06/06 6:14 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

wow! i probably should have listened to it first. thats horrible!

Posted by: alec at 07/06/06 6:15 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

Boring is correct! I expect much more from Timbaland. 'Tis a shame. Yawn!

Posted by: Paul H. at 07/06/06 6:18 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

it sounds amateur...pretentious and boring don't mix well.

Posted by: goldend at 07/06/06 6:24 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

"Cry Me a River" and "Rock Your Body" were both excellent, well-produced singles with repeat play value. This, on the other hand, is dull, poorly put together and pretentious. I will be very disappointed if this is the best he has to offer. Who would have thought that a Paris Hilton single would blow away both Justin and Christina A. in terms of quality?? It must be very frustrating for record execs when they pump ungodly amounts of cash, time, and production talent into their best-selling stars and the result is crap like this.

Posted by: jason at 07/06/06 6:41 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

Since when did Stereogum post yousendit mp3s?

That is awful. Of course, so was everything else he's done solo. In all honesty, I prefer N'Sync, by far. No wonder I quit listening to the radio 4 years ago...

Posted by: Nicki at 07/06/06 7:03 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

Was it produced by a 13 year old named Ashley who lives in Reno?

Weak.

Posted by: matt at 07/06/06 7:25 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

To many vocal accoutrements for my taste.

Posted by: Cher & Madonna at 07/06/06 7:27 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

The production isn't bad, but what's going on with his voice? It doesn't even sound like him. In a bad way. 'Rock Your Body' was fun and even if you hated N'Sync-ish music you couldn't stop dancing. This, on the other hand, would probably cause me to go outside for a cigarette break. And I don't smoke.

Posted by: Sean at 07/06/06 7:33 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

this is really bad. it sounds like something i did on a casio keyboard in fourth grade with worse (better?) lyrics.

Posted by: hahnsolo at 07/06/06 7:39 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

This sounds like a four-years-ago Electroclash joint. In the good way. I said this when I heard some of Nelly Furtado productions, but I think Timbo heard "Hella Nervous" by Gravy Train!!!! and fell in love with it. I endorse this move.

Posted by: Jeff Reguilon at 07/06/06 7:45 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

It would probably help if justin was remotely "sexy" in any way. Unfortunately, he still comes across as a wholesome showbiz kid/cipher with very little to offer in terms of real charisma or personality. He would probably be better off performing in community musicals or something of that nature. The successful singles from his first album were attributable exclusively to the production and songwriting. On this song, where the production completely fails him, there is just nothing left to offer.

Posted by: jason at 07/06/06 7:52 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

sweet seduction in a magazine/
endless pleasure in limosuine/
in the back shakes a tambourine/
nicotine from a silver screen/

Posted by: Mark Swiderski at 07/06/06 7:52 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

Timbaland? I thought I caught of whiff of K-Fed wafting off of this...

"We've secretly switched Justin Timberlake's producer, Timbaland, with Kevin Federline. Let's see if he notices!"

Posted by: Alex at 07/06/06 8:06 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

Timbaland? I thought I caught a whiff of K-Fed wafting off of this...

"We've secretly switched Justin Timberlake's producer, Timbaland, with Kevin Federline. Let's see if he notices!"

Posted by: Alex at 07/06/06 8:07 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

This is really bad. Im sorry to see Timbaland trying to be an artist like every other producer. Be in video, not on the track. The Nelly Furtado song is a HIT no question. This song is very bland, the vocal effect loses its appeal very early in the song. I do like the cover art.

Posted by: Chris Black at 07/06/06 8:07 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

Erk. Sorry about the double-post.

Posted by: Alex at 07/06/06 8:09 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

Justin Timberlake's solo career NAGAIUTB!

Posted by: fred at 07/06/06 8:47 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

Why is Timbaland so annoying? Maybe if he spent less time singing in the background he could've actually made this a decent track.

It does sound a little like Electroclash, only without everything that made it fun.

Posted by: Chelsea at 07/06/06 8:56 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

I see T-bomb took a liking to the cover of Mos Def's "The New Danger". But, I would expect nothing less from teen pop idol's whose idea of being original includes stealing images as well as samples of music, (i.e. Jessica Simpson's recent theft of Madonna).

Posted by: adam at 07/06/06 9:20 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

It doesn't even sound like him. Its annoying, and somewhat painful to listen to. I great looking video may help it a bit... a bit.

Posted by: Becky at 07/06/06 9:41 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

Since when did the world need more Justin Timberlake? Especially Joy Division-esque monotonal electronic pop?

http://www.musictimes.com.au

Posted by: Music Times at 07/06/06 9:43 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

re: whoever mentioned reno... DONT HATE BRO.


and yeah. this is pretty bad.

Posted by: nick at 07/06/06 9:46 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

Man, if this was 2002, the new timberlake song would be the electro clash anthem!

Posted by: Douglas Reinhardt at 07/06/06 10:46 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

madam furtado, your chances as queen of summer have upped tenfold.

same stuff everyone else has said. production = horrible. the voice thing would work if it were for a portion of the song- but seriously, timberlake... keep to the high pitched whateverthehell, plzthxlolbbqwwjd.

Posted by: steve perry at 07/06/06 11:19 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

the name says it all doesn't it.

Posted by: where is john squire at 07/06/06 11:23 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

have the podcasts not worked in a long time or is it just me being retarded?

Posted by: sad at 07/06/06 11:57 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

the timing is all wrong. the little 'yeah' sample comes like, a quarter-second too late. the beat is boring. what happened to the skittery timbo beats? what happened to those? i want them back.

Posted by: optimus at 07/07/06 12:05 AM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

shit.

and timbo is supposedly working with bjork on her new album. NOT GOOD

Posted by: bachelorette at 07/07/06 1:00 AM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

At least the fotos are by Terry Richardson.

Posted by: wilson at 07/07/06 1:42 AM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

This is just half-assed ebonics nonsense over a casio beat.

Awful. Just... beyond awful.

Posted by: mark at 07/07/06 1:59 AM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

i do like this song, as repetitive as it is, as repetitive as it is. (go head be gone with it)

In response to jasons statement that paris' song is better than Christina Aguilera's. well thats just crazy

Posted by: Chris at 07/07/06 2:30 AM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

That's fire.

Posted by: Daf at 07/07/06 3:13 AM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

Best. Song. EVER.

Posted by: Wooo at 07/07/06 8:02 AM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

I have no shame in admitting that I was an Nsync fan (I was 14, give me a break) so this excites me to know end.

Posted by: Kim at 07/07/06 9:24 AM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

LMAO.

Posted by: Lauren at 07/07/06 9:33 AM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

i wish this song was actually about some girl's back. like with a chorus about how totally awesome her butterfly tattoo is.

Posted by: bethany at 07/07/06 9:40 AM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

can't wait to get my sexy back with my honey on the dancefloor this summer. just sayin'.

Posted by: safeguy at 07/07/06 9:53 AM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

I love everything Justin does!!!!!
He is awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Greg at 07/07/06 11:15 AM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

why is he trying to look like mos def in that picture?

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00030EEO0.01._SS500_SCLZZZZZZZ_V1124916432_.jpg

oh yeah the song sucks too

Posted by: kid A at 07/07/06 11:20 AM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

haha mos def album cover comparison! no more linkage workie??? maybe this has saved me valuable brain cells by not listening after reading everyone's comments...

Posted by: melina at 07/07/06 11:39 AM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

Refresh the link, please, so I can witness the awfulness.

Posted by: Liz at 07/07/06 11:47 AM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

You can still listen to it off of Hype Machine. And it is indeed FIRE!

Posted by: TM at 07/07/06 1:49 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

you can listen to it on his myspace
http://www.myspace.com/justintimberlake

and whatevs guys, i think it's a fun track.

Posted by: elissa at 07/07/06 2:06 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

I think it's a fun dancey track and I've already put it on my running playlist (home to all the guilty pleasures). I do think Nelly F.'s is better though.

Posted by: Maggie at 07/07/06 2:20 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

At first I didn't like it but then I did after like a couple of listens...but if i it heard on the radio which i will i probably wouldn't cause obviously this song is gonna be overplayed...and that would kill any good song..this is far from good

Posted by: Asia'D at 07/07/06 3:11 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

"That's Fire!" - Daf

Yeah I was thinking the exact same thing. Federline and Timberlake for the ULTIMATE Fall Tour!!!

*Shoots Self*

Posted by: theCherneymin at 07/07/06 3:57 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

i'm sure justin wants to be mos def....

and if this track was a peaches song....

all the hipsters would love it....

Posted by: maya lucia at 07/07/06 3:59 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

ya'll are crazy. this song is great.

Posted by: george at 07/07/06 4:08 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

sounds like popazao!

Posted by: homo sapien at 07/07/06 6:59 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

Seeing as I was obsessed with NSYNC back in the day, this kindof pales in comparison to anything they did. And I will admit I liked his first solo album, but...I dunno, this seems kinda blah.

And Timbaland=laaaaaaame.

Posted by: a is for applebits at 07/07/06 9:10 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

sucks

Posted by: ace at 07/08/06 2:48 AM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

it's just a club track that WILL be enjoyed in the club. it's not really a video first single. the next one I'm sure will be more like that

Posted by: wes at 07/08/06 11:31 AM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

Gay. Anthem.

Posted by: JT at 07/08/06 1:12 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

ZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzZZZZZZZZZZ....oh, oh, sorry. I must have dozed off there.

Can someone wake me up when the sexy finally gets here?

Posted by: Briana at 07/08/06 3:08 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

cry me a river was fun, but justin is nothing without riding on britney.

Posted by: marc at 07/08/06 6:16 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

Oh jesus christ. I love how everyone in here is like "OMG ITS FUCKING TERRIBLE" but if the original post had been positive, I'm sure no one would have said shit.

And if you're going to compare the song to anything, it should be DFA1979's Sexy Results.

And with all that said, I enjoy the song, and I think its an interesting departure from his usual style.

Posted by: God In Heaven at 07/08/06 9:47 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

This song is just...weird. I still can't get over how disappointing this is...I was expecting so much better out of both Justin and Timbaland. "Cry Me a River" was so good. And Timba's work on Nelly Furtado's album is excellent. This song might be okay in a club. That's about it.

Posted by: Cait at 07/08/06 11:50 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

I love everything Justin does and I like that he always surprises me with new stuff, This doesn't sound like the old JT but I love it - bring SexyBack

Posted by: Very at 07/08/06 11:52 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

From all the preview clips....i thought this song was gonna be jammin, but the full song is just awfull, it seems like it keep saying the same stuff over and over

Posted by: jonathan at 07/09/06 12:22 AM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

i don't know why you are all slating this song i think it is quite good! catchy!

Posted by: Chloe at 07/09/06 3:48 AM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

This track HAS to be inspired by Peaches. In fact it sounds more like Peaches than Peaches does!

Posted by: Samie at 07/09/06 5:40 AM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

Chris Curtis and Justin on Tour live

Posted by: Mtv wire at 07/09/06 7:51 AM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

Chris Curtis and Justin Timberlake on Tour live

Posted by: Mtv wire at 07/09/06 7:53 AM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

It's like a crappy version of the big jump by the chemical brothers.

Posted by: Juarez at 07/09/06 12:14 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

This is a catchy beat but i dont think much of the lyrics and it doesnt sound n e think like Justin. i prefer rock ya body and cry me a river betta JUSTIN YOUR OUT OF UR SELL BY DATE LOVE SORRY TO SAY XX

Posted by: STACEY at 07/09/06 3:04 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

I don't know what's wrong with his voice on this single... it's strange, but yesterday I saw Justin perform live in Amsterdam (showcase for his new album) and I am thrilled, the new songs sounds really good, and his band his magnificent! Sexy Back was really smashing too, live completely better, I have taped a short video...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_7XAYWDoLs

Posted by: Edwin at 07/09/06 5:02 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

Again a new song...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xeRtOWOKrmc

Posted by: Edwin at 07/09/06 5:16 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

Sounds like something off of youtube, done by a 12 year old after listening to Prince.

Posted by: TimberGay at 07/09/06 6:29 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

no es que sea una maravilla pero siendo como es una cancion que la canta el me da igual jiji for ever j.t!!!!

Posted by: aninomousoih at 07/09/06 7:05 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

disappointing, weak and lame. but i just wanna know- will JT go the distance for the video?? shackled, our slave? that sounds promising.

Posted by: glook at 07/09/06 10:05 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

its a good song stop hating..
its fun 2 dance 2
=D

Posted by: meee at 07/09/06 10:32 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

Are you all idiots? This is actually good his last shit suckd and Christina's new stuff is good too they're actually moving in different and courageous directions, it's good, having fun, listening and feeling, is this new generation deaf? Get a grip you youngsters and expand your horizens, really, if you're the next gen to lead us we're fucked for music

Posted by: Joseph Mercier at 07/10/06 2:30 AM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

I saw Justin in Paris 7th july at La Cigale ....
He was Amazing !! the new album futuresex love sounds is enormous !!! He offered us 5 news singles....that was AMAZING!!!
He was wonderful !!! So hot !!!!
He changed!he's more aldut, more mature!!!
Lynn and Cameron Diaz was exited!!!they were dancing and singing all the time...
Justin was so cute!!!!So class!!!

I thank him for this show!!!Paris is yet shocked!!!

Posted by: melissa at 07/10/06 5:59 AM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

That was really Justin? I thought that was a girl the entire time. Was waiting for him to start, and then the song ended.

Posted by: Frifri at 07/10/06 10:02 AM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

this is probly one of the best songs jt has eva dun! its wkd man!fuk u fukas!!! :P

XXxxxEmmaxxxXX

Posted by: emma at 07/10/06 10:27 AM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

no i just think we arent used to hearing this from him, so its something that has to grow on us, personally i like it, its danceable and really out of his norm so its cool with me.

Posted by: serena at 07/10/06 10:42 AM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

i think i will cry when this reaches england because i know it will be a hit because it's Justin Timberlake singing!!!if i ever have to listen to it again i think i will tear my ears off!!!i'm soo disappointed with justin i LOVE him but now i HATE his music!!!which is a shame...hopefully a sexy video will help!

Posted by: Sita From England at 07/10/06 11:40 AM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

i think i will cry when this reaches england because i know it will be a hit because it's Justin Timberlake singing, not because it's a good song!!!if i ever have to listen to it again i think i will tear my ears off!!!i'm soo disappointed with justin i LOVE him but now i HATE his music!!!which is a shame...hopefully a sexy video will help!

Posted by: Sita From England at 07/10/06 11:43 AM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

i think i will cry when this reaches england because i know it will be a hit because it's Justin Timberlake singing, not because it's a good song!!!if i ever have to listen to it again i think i will tear my ears off!!!i'm soo disappointed with justin i LOVE him but now i HATE his music!!!which is a shame...hopefully a sexy video will help!

Posted by: Sarah From England at 07/10/06 11:44 AM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

Gosh, I love it. Not usually a JT fan. I am sure I will learn to hate it over time though :)

Posted by: Katie at 07/10/06 12:50 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

When you first hear this song its like hmmmmm... Thats not Justin no way...But then you listen again and think to yourself hmmmmmm again...About the third time the song grows on ya...I LOVE it...Its CATCHY and the beat rocks...And it shows the grown up side of Justin Timberlake...ROCK ON!!! :D That boy is sexy in any song he does...I think it just throws people off because it's not what you are use to hearing from him...
I think it will be a HUGE hit in the clubs... I

Posted by: Karen at 07/10/06 1:12 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

its quite a good song - diff 4rm his others and probably nt as good but i stil lyk it. having sed dat i fink i myte get bord of it quite easily!

Posted by: maria at 07/10/06 1:50 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

THIS IS GREAT!!! THE BEAT IS THE HARDEST SHIT I EVER HEARD!! LISTEN TO IT THREE TIMES!!

AND HIS VOICE IS BETTER THAN EVER!!! LUV'N IT!

Posted by: Els at 07/10/06 2:55 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

This song is funky and it gets all over me... I could dance to it until my legs give out. JT is my mang and never lets me down. The lyrics are infectious and the beat is poison that flows through my veins and I thank god everyday that Justin has brought "sexy" beack to the world, because it has been laacking.

Posted by: Joey at 07/10/06 4:03 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

This song is funky and it gets all over me... I could dance to it until my legs give out. JT is my mang and never lets me down. The lyrics are infectious and the beat is poison that flows through my veins, and I thank god everyday that Justin has brought "sexy" back to the world, because it has been laacking.

Posted by: Joey at 07/10/06 4:04 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

I can not believe I heard this on the radio already (NY MARKET), and to top it off This weekend I DJ'ed at a popular Jersey Shore bar and I had women in their 30's asking for this. I am really surprise how bad this is for Justin!!!! But you know Radio will be pushing this one down our throats BIG TIME!!!! UGH.... Justin Come, on you can do WAY BETTER!!!!!!!!

Posted by: DJ Dave at 07/10/06 4:34 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

His voice does sound a little different---but the electro clash feel is HOT!!! I love it! Isn't that Timbaland rappin? Hell yeah!!!!!!!!

Posted by: keith at 07/10/06 8:11 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

To be honest, yes we must agree, it isn't his best work but I kind of actually like it. Even when I first heard it, I was like oh this is funky, though at the time I had no idea it was him for the obvious reasons. It could be better, but I have heard worse (Paris Hilton's song), now personally I think she and that song is a joke but that is another story. I loved and enjoyed Justin's first album and am anticipating for his next one. I don't think he deserves to be getting as much terrible reviews as he is but that is my opinion. Justin has got my ok vote.

Posted by: Maggie at 07/10/06 8:30 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

OMG JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE IS BACK AND HOT DAMN!!! THIS SONG IS HOTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT! :D I LOVE IT...i already know the words to it! Justin you rock my world!!!!!!

Posted by: Kimberly at 07/10/06 8:46 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

Am I one of the only few that actually likes this song? I have NEVER been a Justin fan, but once I heard this song I fell in love. This song is absolutely amazing and such a good dance tune.

Posted by: Jen at 07/11/06 12:05 AM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

I looooove this song.... it turns me on so much when i listen to it that i can only play it when im all alone

Posted by: Kristi at 07/11/06 12:57 AM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

u people are borin this song is the shit
he has tried hard and this is such a tune to dance to in clubs when ur fucked out of ur face
u try and make tunes and lets see what shit u come up with !!!!!!!

Posted by: EMMA at 07/11/06 9:25 AM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

first time i heard this was off sum p2p. i swear i thought this was sum fake shit sum dude labeled jt in order to push their own tracks.

Lose the fucking 8-bit vocals timbo, i no u been creative tryin new things but seriously whats goin on?

Posted by: Reegz at 07/11/06 11:22 AM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down