Timberlake previews personal effort
If the latest photos from NEW YOR K Justin Timberlake’s new album campaign don’t relay the message that he’s into nature and the woods, his first listening for the project drove the point home.
Tuesday’s event in New York City to debut Man of the Woods was decorated with bushes and trees, while ants coated in black garlic and rose oil and grasshoppers were served.
But don’t get too concerned about the pop star switching gears, the album — much like the lead dance single — sticks to Timberlake’s musical persona, as upbeat pop, R&B and electronic tracks make up the collection of 16 songs.
Music industry insiders, members of the press and American Express cardholders (the company held the event) listened to the full album as red lights beamed in the large space, which Timberlake helped design.
“I’m not going to go all Ray LaMontagne,” Timberlake said at the listening, jokingly referring to the singer-songwriter known for his rock and folk sound.
He called Man of the Woods a “personal album” and said the record is a tribute to his two-year-old son, Silas, a name that means “living in the woods.”
“That’s where I got the idea,” said Timberlake, who attended the event with his wife, actress Jessica Biel, as well as family and friends.