Why Justin’s just a bit mixed up

AS HE showed in making the tough transition from teen idol to grownup pop artist, Justin Timberlake has never been scared to take risks. But this fifth solo album is the former N Sync singer’s most ambitious.

A move away from the slinky R&B and high-tech soul of 2013’s The 20/20 Experience, it recasts him as a country boy. Timberlake, 37, (pictured) calls it ‘modern Americana with 808s’. The number refers to a drum machine popular with dance acts.

His fusion of traditional styles and futuristic rhythms can be awkward. The Prince-like Sauce is a tricky mix of country guitars and funk. Opening track Filthy is overwrought. Morning Light, a duet with Alicia Keys, recalls the surfer-soul of Hawaii’s Jack Johnson — which probably wasn’t the intention.

His lyrics, too, can be corny. Survivalist anthem Supplies is ripe with double entendre (he’s not talking about solid fuel or tinned food), and Young Man is a soppy, if heartfelt, homage to his baby son Silas. It even opens with gurgles.

The Memphis singer also plays the ‘southern man’ card rather too blatantly on Livin’ Off The Land. But a bold musical experiment is saved by his impeccable vocal phrasing, with Midnight Summer Jam a lithe reiteration of his songand-dance credentials that are sure to take centre stage — hopefully with no ‘wardrobe malfunctions’ this time — when he plays the Super Bowl half-time show on Sunday night.