Justin Timberlake

THE 2007 FUTURESEX/LOVESHOW
Jan. 8, 2007 ipayOne Center, San Diego

THE GIG The international pop superstar, surfing the success of his double-platinum album FutureSex/LoveSounds, kicked off his 38-date North American tour.

THE APPETIZER As a support act, Pink didn't need any support wires: The athletic singer capped a terrific 50-minute set by climbing ropes and singing ''Get the Party Started'' while swinging and spinning above the stage, Cirque du Soleil-style.

THE MERCH If you actually intend to wear the $45 ''SexyBack'' short-shorts, you might want to down a few swigs from the $10 Justin Timberlake shot glass first.

THE STAGING An elaborate, in-the-round set — featuring a high-tech laser show and ramps extending in four directions — ensured that the 25-year-old heartthrob got within spitting distance at regular intervals.

THE SOUND Both of the vibes on his latest disc (part 1, electronic experimentation; part 2, old-school soul) were holistically integrated. Even Timbaland-produced studio confections like ''My Love'' proved surprisingly adaptable to a live funk-band format.

INTERMISSION After eight galvanizing songs, Timberlake handed the stage over to his pal and FutureSex collaborator Timbaland for a 30-minute DJ set — a momentum-killing mistake that left fans baffled about whether this was a fleeting cameo or an official potty break.

BOTTOM LINE Though the show could have used some tightening (FutureSex needn't be performed in its entirety — here's to losing ''Losing My Way''), when Timberlake locked into some James Brown-esque footwork, you didn't want it to end. B+

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