Even as a “Man Of The Woods,” Justin Timberlake can’t stop the pop feeling in first of three UC parties

Photos by Daniel DeSlover

It wasn’t quite the Super Bowl, but Justin Timberlake brought just as colossal of a display to all 360 degrees of the United Center during his first of three shows (which also include March 28 and October 5). Indeed, demand to see the Memphis-born singer/songwriter/dancer/multi-instrumentalist is at an all-time high, in spite of his fifth studio project “Man Of The Woods” being met with mixed reactions, especially compared to his earlier blockbusters.

Closer “Can’t Stop The Feeling” completely put the party over the edge, bursting with personality in this extended edition and clinching Timberlake’s reputation as the premier showman of his generation.

Fans got a chance to judge for themselves on several occasions, starting with the futuristic, laser-decorated “Filthy,” which of course had everyone surging to their feet, but not quite at the mania-level that transpired when “SexyBack” started a little later. Thankfully, Timberlake turned in all the requisite dance floor classics and slow jams, alongside his newer R&B, funk and acoustic experimentations, though regardless of preferences for his stylistic direction, he always came across as a top tier entertainer.

Housed on a massive squiggle-shaped, tree-laden stage with three main landing points, Timberlake, an 11-piece band, six dancers and four background singers strutted and shimmied with just as much confidence amongst the grassy patches that popped up throughout “Man Of The Woods” as they did within the ultra-cool club confines of “Suit & Tie.” For a sparse by comparison presentation of “Mirrors,” the NSYNC alum took a break from its massive chorus and put down the microphone for an arena-sized sing-a-long, then passed out shots during “Drink You Away” as he gave a shout-out to new jack swing star Teddy Riley (of Guy and Blackstreet fame).

Timberlake even lit a literal campfire at the start of “Flannel” that would burn its way through several understated originals and cover snippets as widespread as Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams,” Lauryn Hill’s “Ex-Factor,” The Beatles’ “Come Together” and John Denver’s “Thank God I’m A Country Boy.” And if there was any current track that could stand toe to toe with the classics, the stripped down yet epic “Say Something” (with Chris Stapleton collaboration on the album) took the prize.

However, the former boy band heartthrob was by far at his strongest when he stayed in the pop lane, dipping all the way back to “Rock Your Body” and descending into the audience with his dancers for high-fives and poses for the multitude of camera phones. Closer “Can’t Stop The Feeling” put the party completely over the edge, bursting with personality in this extended edition and clinching Timberlake’s reputation as the premier showman of his generation.

Click here for more photos of Justin Timberlake at the United Center.

For additional information on Justin Timberlake, visit JustinTimberlake.com.

For a list of upcoming Live Nation shows, visit LiveNation.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at the United Center include Justin Timberlake (Mar. 28); Bon Jovi (Apr. 26); Kygo (May 5); Daryl Hall & John Oates and Train (May 18); Shania Twain (May 19); U2 (May 22-23); Depeche Mode (Jun. 1); Paul Simon (Jun. 6); Harry Styles (Jun. 30); Radiohead (Jul. 6-7); Shakira (Aug. 3); Smashing Pumpkins (Aug. 13-14); Sam Smith (Aug. 15); Childish Gambino (Sept. 8); Maroon 5 (Sept. 14); Justin Timberlake (Oct. 5); Eagles (Oct. 15); Elton John (Oct. 26-27) and Josh Groban with Idina Menzel (Nov. 6). For additional details, visit UnitedCenter.com.

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Even as a “Man Of The Woods,” Justin Timberlake can’t stop the pop feeling in first of three UC parties

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