This week’s From The Vault pick comes courtesy of one of Pop’s brightest shining stars. Today we salute Justin Timberlake and his first single as a solo artist. ‘Like I Love You’ is this week’s selection.

Produced by dynamic duo The Neptunes, ‘Love’ what the first taste in what was to become a promising solo career for the former “boyband-er.” After leaving *N’SYNC behind, the singer got in the studio with Pharrell and Chad Hugo of the Neptunes as well as future partner-in-rhyme Timbaland to craft his debut album ‘Justified’ from which the single was extracted.

Although it wasn’t a global hit like some of its successors, it still managed to peak at #11 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Timberlake performed the track at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2002 as part of the pronounced promotional push to turn him into the next big thing. A plan that played out as desired.

Helmed by Bucky Chrome, the music video for the song showcased Justin engaging in intricate choreography – courtesy of the great Marty Kudelka – and serenading his love interest dance moves on the street in a similar fashion  toMichael Jackson in the video for ‘The Way You Make Me Feel.’

Freshly out of his bubble gum pop band as well as his relationship with a then wholesome Britney Spears, JT needed an image makeover, which probably explains the steamier scenes between him and the model of choice that can be found in the visual.

Over a decade after his solo debut, Justin ceases to amaze the masses, whether through his music or his movies. And unlike many of his contemporaries, he can allow himself to take a breather when needed with confidence that the masses will rush to the front door to see where he has gone next, and we, for one, can only commend, respect and applaud that.