Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned… or Justin Timberlake, it seems.
Today’s From The Vault pick is JT’s infamous Grammy winning expose, ‘Cry Me A River.’
Masterminded by Timberlake, Timbaland and Scott Storch, ‘River’ was released as the second single from the crooner’s solo debut ‘Justified’ in 2002.
The lyrics, depicting a guy confronting his cheating girlfriend, were the cause of ample controversy at the time; notably as they allegedly relayed the end of Justin and Britney Spears’ high profile relationship.
A global smash, the track fared better than its predecessor ‘Like I Love You’, not only in the US where it peaked at #3 but also worldwide with a #2 placement both in the UK and Australia. It also won him a Grammy for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.
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If there any doubt as to who JT was aiming for beforehand it was dispelled by the time its accompanying visual was released.
Directed by Francis Lawrence, the video presented Justin in all his stalking glory, trying to get revenge on his lookalike ex by destroying her Malibu house. All while Timbaland waits for him in the rain.
The clip’s was showered with praise and was the most resonating step towards shedding JT’s clean-cut image.
Now on the eve a brand new era – that includes a headlining performance on the Super Bowl stage – we’re glad some of the following are on the cusp of being answered:
Will he go full on Pop with material akin to ‘Can’t Stop The Feeling’? Or will he re-tread the Urban route? And how will he handle the inevitable Janet Jackson questions in an era is ready and willing to call out “cultural appropriation” and other injustices? The list goes on…
Anyhow, what is for sure is that we’re in for a series of very interesting Pop moments courtesy of JT. Something we’re not mad at considering the lack of “event” releases in 2017.
It’s a bit early, but welcome back Justin!