Timberlake embraces SexyBack

Justin Timberlake had to adopt an "in-your-face" attitude when releasing his song SexyBack in order to make it convincing.

The 25-year-old knew he would be savaged by critics if he couldn't pull off the song's sultry vibe.

"If you make a record like that, you have to say: 'Yeah, I'm doing it - deal with it!'," he said. "You kind of have to grab your balls."

The song was a huge hit and even became a part of popular culture with former US Vice President Al Gore referencing it during the MTV Video Music Awards saying: "MTV explained to me that Justin Timberlake is bringing sexy back, so here I am."

Timberlake added: "That felt cool to me. But it's like: 'God, I don't want to be known as the SexyBack guy.'

"That's when you know it's time to release your second single."