He's bringing "Sexy Back"

No one would accuse successful solo artist and former boy band heartthrob Justin Timberlake of low self-esteem. His new album, "FutureSex/LoveSounds," shows that J.T. is back, and just as cocky and self-assured as ever. From the first lines of his pulsating summer smash hit, "SexyBack," Justin lets us know that he's bringing sexy back—whatever that means, and providing millions with good dance music.

"My Love" is the next track to be released as a single, and while not as dance-friendly as "SexyBack," is still worth a listen. Awe-worthy lyrics like "I can see us holding hands/Walking on the beach, our toes in the sand" set to a steady beat will surely cause J.T. to steal a few more preteen hearts.

Timberlake clearly tries to distance himself from his old boy-band persona with the inclusion of dirty words that earned "FutureSex/LoveSounds" a parental advisory warning and cameos by foulmouthed rappers T.I. and Three 6 Mafia. Tracks like "FutureSex/LoveSounds" and "LoveStoned/I Think She Knows" are reminiscent of his N'Sync days in their guilty pleasure catchy hooks and instantly danceable beats. With this album, Timberlake attempts to show his audience a more mature side of himself, and almost succeeds, but ultimately contradicts this notion with the aptly named "Damn Girl" which features Timberlake juvenilely repeating "Damn girl, damn girl, damn girl."

The single "FutureSex/LoveSounds" has an appropriately futuristic, Michael Jackson-esque beat that will dominate radio stations in the near future. "LoveStoned/I Think She Knows" should expect a similar fate, with the type of seductively danceable beat that beckons even the shyest wallflower onto the dance floor and lyrics like "And all she wants is to dance/That's why you'll find her on the floor/But you don't have a chance/Unless you move the way that she likes."

After awhile, the techno-driven, hip-hop infused dedications to Timberlake's sexuality grow tiresome, but "LoveSounds" kick in just in time (all of the songs on the album fit into either the "FutureSex" category or "LoveSounds" category). The "LoveSounds" are classic Timberlake material: smooth and soft love ballads.

There are no weak tracks on the disc and Timberlake's admittedly strong voice and broad range are showcased in the ballads he sings. The last track, "(Another Song) All Over Again," is devoid of the synthesized sound effects that adulterate most of the other songs, simply highlighting the tone of Timberlake's voice against the background of a jazzy piano.

"Sexy Ladies/Let Me Talk to You" is a smooth and slow track that oddly seems inspired by Rick James' "Coldblooded" with its repetition of "Sexy, sexy, sexy." Although, perhaps not so odd indeed. He is, after all, bringing sexy back.