Between ‘Justified’ (2002) and ‘Man of the Woods’ (2018), Justin Timberlake has been a constant presence in the headlines. Those sixteen years saw it all- success, love, indifference, burnout, and the ever-shifting public sentiment. In the past decade, fans saw Timberlake struggling a lot with commercial success, relevance, and public approval. The issue likely lay in the streaming era, where the gaps between his releases have become excessively long. However, there are signs of a massive turnaround for the pop star.

In recent times, a series of strategic maneuvers by Justin Timberlake are raising hopes that he is far from losing his relevance.

Dropping his first solo track in almost six years

Justin Timberlake had been MIA for what felt like forever in terms of dropping music, and his fan base had been waiting to hear from the superstar. After dropping hints about a new track and even giving a taste of it at a concert, the singer finally dropped his comeback with ‘Selfish’. This catchy number made its debut on January 25, marking one of the earliest must-hear pop releases of 2024.

It was definitely a positive move in the right direction and gave fans a lot of optimism about Timberlake’s run. While many have pointed out its heavy mainstream pop vibe compared to his earlier work, others found its smooth rhythm and flow enjoyable. Undoubtedly, the track played it safe, which was exactly what he needed considering the shaky public perception at the moment. The song is also a part of Justin Timberlake’s first studio album since ‘Man of the Woods’.

Justin Timberlake’s first studio release in six years

‘Everything I Thought It Was’ is Justin Timberlake’s sixth solo album, released on March 15, 2024, under RCA Records. It marked his return to the studio after ‘Man of the Woods’ in 2018. The album consisted of 18 tracks and was led by the single ‘Selfish’. But it was the opening track ‘Memphis’ that surprised listeners with its airy and funky baseline, making it impossible for them to not move along.

The album received an average score of 53 based on eight reviews- especially since most of the attention from reviewers was directed towards Justin Timberlake’s history with Britney Spears and the 2004 halftime show incident with Janet Jackson, rather than focusing on the music itself. However, one highlight of the album was Justin Timberlake getting his band back together.

There is one track called ‘Paradise’ that Justin Timberlake cooked up with his old NSYNC crew.

Justin Timberlake reunited with his boy band

Justin Timberlake recently got back together with NSYNC after over a decade for a “One Night Only” show on Wednesday. The event centered around Justin Timberlake’s pre-album-release bash at The Wiltern in Los Angeles, where he reunited with JC Chasez, Joey Fatone, Chris Kirkpatrick, and Lance Bass for a special performance. The boy band took the crowd to a nostalgic trip down memory lane with their ’90s setlist featuring favorites like ‘Bye Bye Bye’ and ‘It’s Gonna Be Me’.

They also offered a glimpse of their brand-new track ‘Paradise’. The last time NSYNC performed together was back at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards, where Justin Timberlake was honored with the Video Vanguard Award. Fans were extremely emotional, some even cried. After all, NSYNC is huge for millennials, and fans have been waiting for this reunion since 2001.

Tiny Desk Concert

To celebrate the release of his new album ‘Everything I Thought It Was’, Justin Timberlake swung by NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series to give some raw renditions of his songs. He put on a 25-minute, 7-song show with all the classics while slipping in a surprise new banger. He also showed some love to the die-hard fans who have been by his side since the beginning.

Timberlake made sure to include tracks that hit them right in the nostalgia. Last but not least, he surprised everyone with a track from his 2013 album, ‘The 20/20 Experience’, with ‘Pusher Lover Girl’. Blending in his timeless hits from over the years, the singer left everyone wanting for more. And with all these moves, it is safe to say Justin Timberlake is officially in his comeback era.

Do you still think Justin Timberlake is not aging gracefully? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!