Pop R&B
Justin Timberlake’s “SexyBack” (2006) is a slinky, electro-funk track that boldly declared a new era for JT and pop music. Produced by Timbaland, the song’s distorted vocals, heavy synths, and catchy “yeah!” ad-libs were a sharp departure from Timberlake’s earlier R&B work — and it paid off hugely. “SexyBack” spent multiple weeks at No. 1, won a Grammy, and became a cultural catchphrase. By confidently proclaiming “I’m bringing sexy back,” Timberlake not only redefined his own image but also helped usher electronic sounds to the forefront of mainstream pop.