Unlike his previous record primarily focused on R&B and pop genres , '' FutureSex/LoveSounds '' is less concentrated on one particular sound , thus representing a wider range . Timberlake explains , " It 's more broad as far as the styles I wanted to mix in to my own type of thing . " A musically " complex " album , '' FutureSex/LoveSounds '' is a fusion of rap , rock , funk , soul , gospel , new wave , opera , and world music , characterized by preludes and interludes interspersed on the album 's tracks . '' Entertainment Weekly '' noted that the album 's sound is a " sonic departure " from both NSYNC and '' Justified '' . Although " What Goes Around " sounds similar to '' Justified '' , Timberlake admitted that it is the only song in the new album to have such similarity . '' The 20/20 Experience '' is a neo soul album partly inspired by the expansive song structures of 1960s and 1970s rock . Mikael Wood of the '' Los Angeles Times '' found its elaborate structures ambitious in the vein of Stevie Wonder , Prince , and Michael Jackson . Since his marriage , he incorporated themes of romance in his songwriting , as '' Complex '' noted , showing that he " writes his tracks on his emotions , leaving him with a career of personal albums . " Moments of emotional pain after betrayal influenced the songwriting of some previous records . Longtime critic Robert Hilburn for the '' Los Angeles Times '' praised Timberlake 's act after attending the Justified and Stripped Tour in 2003 , considering him " born for the stage ( with ) the savvy instincts to put together a show that works . Rather than make himself the constant center of attention , he was comfortable enough at times simply to be part of a talented ensemble . " In 2013 , Timberlake introduced his big-band orchestra called the Tennessee Kids for Legends of the Summer and The 20/20 Experience World Tour which includes guitarists , dancers , background singers , drummers , bassists , keyboardists , trumpeters , a music coordinator , a percussionist , a saxophonist , among others musicians . The 20/20 Experience allowed Timberlake to throw back to the big-band era , its stage production embraced a vintage sheen and everyone in classic suits . For the tour , Timberlake had a horn section onstage with him called The Regiment Horns . '' The Hollywood Reporter '' 's Emily Zemler described him as a performer who is " genuinely having fun , " whereas Jon Pareles of '' The New York Times '' commented that the singer " reveals something darker , more fiery and intense " while performing post-breakup revenge songs , such as " Cry Me a River " and " What Goes Around ... Comes Around " . '' Billboard '' editor Phil Gallo praised Timberlake 's medley performance at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards , saying he " gave the show its heart and center , " also mentioning his place as a modern recording artist and a solid link in the lineage of the most acclaimed performers in the show 's history . '' The New York Times ' '' editor Katie Rogers highlighted Timberlake 's crossover appeal after his performance with Chris Stapleton at the 2015 Country Music Association Awards . Described by critics as a " consummate showman , " Timberlake usually plays guitar , piano and keyboard in his shows
2015 Country Music Association Awards
49th Annual Country Music Association Awards
Justin Timberlake