Another Date With Justin Timberlake

The gays of Atlanta had a tough decision to make Sunday evening. Either they went country to see Kenny Chesney perform in Philips Arena or they could get their sexy on with Justin Timberlake two blocks over in the Tabernacle. Thankfully, many showed up to see Timberlake in concert. And there was a good reason to see the singer in Georgia. This was somewhat of a hometown concert since many of his band members call the ATL their home. Also in the audience where some members of Atlanta's thriving music community including Dallas Austin and rapper TI.

This was the second time I watched Justin Timberlake perform this summer. Back in July, I saw his show in Amsterdam that was his second "SexyBack Club Tour" concert. It is interesting to compare both gigs. First of all, I noticed that the Atlanta crowd seemed a little bored during some of the new songs the entertainer showcased. Many cutesy twenty-something girls were more preoccupied taking camera pics then actually enjoying the music. In Amsterdam, the crowd was more excited and Timberlake seemed to connect more with the welcoming Dutch.

The singer's performance was also a bit stale at times (perhaps due to the lackluster audience response). It just wasn't as tight as before. The routine must start to wear on him and his cocky stage persona was getting the best of him. I found it interesting that Timberlake used exactly the same lines and dance moves on stage as in Amsterdam. He even repeated his famous line "if you don't like my new songs, then fuck you." What needs to appear as a small, spontaneous club tour is in reality a well-rehearsed and choreographed affair.

Dressed in a fitted white shirt, red tie and black vest, Timberlake once again played his new songs "She Knows," "My Love," "Till The End Of Time" and "What Goes Around." "She Knows" received an epic rock treatment in its outro that sounded really compelling. I'm still curious to hear those Rick Rubin-produced tracks on the new album.

Special kudos to Timberlake's insane drummer who gave an out of the world solo set during "Sexy Back." It was intricate beats combined with drumstick acrobatics. Pure fireworks.